Edition No. 59
September 5, 2026
Everything the short-term-rental business needs to know today.
Crackdown
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Crackdown
The Revolt Begins: Folly Beach Hosts File Class-Action Over Permit Fees
The era of pleading at city council meetings is over. Owners in South Carolina are taking the city to court over alleged shadow taxes, and the whole i
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Crackdown
Poland Moves to Hand Neighbors the Power to Ban Short-Term Rentals
The Polish government is drafting legislation that allows housing communities and municipalities to outlaw short-term rentals, shifting the battle fro
Also filed
- Exposed
Airbnb faces lawsuit over Florida rental injury
According to court filings reported by BocaNewsNow.com, Airbnb is being sued following an incident where a guest fell on slippery stairs at a short-term rental property in Palm Beach County, Florida. The lawsuit highlights ongoing legal questions regarding platform liability for safety conditions at host properties.
- Platforms
Airbnb combines human resources and communications roles
Airbnb has appointed a new people leader who will oversee both human resources and communications, according to HR Brew. The dual-responsibility role will consolidate the management of internal employee relations and external corporate communications under a single executive leader.
- Markets
Study reveals widespread failure to capture guest details
A mystery shopper study of 308 phone calls across 135 luxury hotels found that 92% of properties failed to capture any guest contact details. According to Revinate, this widespread failure in phone handling exposes a significant loss of direct bookings hiding in plain sight for hospitality operators.
- Host Life
Lodgify releases short-term rental insurance guide
Vacation rental platform Lodgify has published a comparison of the top short-term rental insurance companies for property owners in 2026. The guide is designed to help investors and hosts secure their vacation homes by evaluating specialized coverage options tailored to the unique risks of short-term renting.
- Platforms
Vrbo introduces new tools for property partners
Vrbo has launched a new suite of tools for its property partners, according to TravelPulse Canada. The platform says the updates are designed to help hosts and property managers improve their operations and guest satisfaction, adding new capabilities to their management toolbox.
- The Money
Proposed EU rules target short-term rentals
According to a draft document, the European Union is preparing new rules aimed at curbing short-term rental homes and platforms like Airbnb. The draft regulations represent a coordinated effort across the bloc to address housing concerns and bring more transparency to the vacation rental market.
- Crackdown
Montgomery Approves Modified Short Term Rental Ordinance
The Montgomery City Council has voted to approve a significantly modified version of its proposed short-term rental ordinance. According to local officials, the revised regulations establish the city's updated framework for licensing, operating, and taxing vacation rentals. The passage of the modified bill follows extensive local debate over how to balance neighborhood concerns with the growth of the local hospitality sector.
- Crackdown
Richardson Enacts New Short Term Rental Distance and Fee Rules
The city of Richardson, Texas, has implemented new regulations governing short-term rentals, introducing strict limits on how close properties can be to one another. According to municipal records, the updated ordinance also establishes new registration and operational fees for hosts. The rules are now in effect, marking a tighter regulatory stance on vacation rentals by the city council.
- Host Life
Lodgify Wins Brand Transformation Award for Website Rebuild
Vacation rental software provider Lodgify has won the Brand Transformation of the Year award from Webflow. The company says the recognition follows its comprehensive 2026 corporate rebrand and a complete rebuild of its digital platform. The award highlights the tech company's efforts to update its brand identity and user interface for short-term rental hosts and property managers.
- Markets
BRICS Summit Drives Delhi Hotel Rates Up Fourfold
Hotel rates in Delhi, India, have surged by up to 400% as the city prepares to host the upcoming BRICS summit. According to market data, the sudden influx of delegates and attendees has severely tightened the local room supply. Analysts say the sharp price spike demonstrates how rapidly hotel inventory can be squeezed when massive international events concentrate demand in a single market all at once.
- Platforms
Vrbo Introduces Sponsored Listings and Flexible Booking Options
Vrbo is launching new sponsored listing tools for its partners alongside flexible booking options designed to attract price-sensitive travelers. The platform says the new features are intended to help property managers increase their visibility and appeal to cost-conscious guests. The rollout represents a strategic push by the vacation rental platform to capture shifting consumer demand in a highly competitive lodging market.
- Exposed
Minnesota Short Term Rental Lawsuit Dismissed by Court
A lawsuit challenging short-term rental regulations in the Minnesota cities of Apple Valley and Bloomington has been dismissed. The legal challenge targeted local municipal rules governing vacation properties. According to court records, the dismissal resolves the immediate legal dispute over how the two Twin Cities suburbs regulate and license short-term rental properties within their municipal boundaries.
- Crackdown
European Union Prepares Legislation to Support Local Airbnb Crackdowns
The European Union is drafting new legislation to clarify and strengthen the powers of local authorities to regulate short-term rentals. According to draft details, the upcoming rules aim to help cities manage the growth of platforms like Airbnb amid Europe's ongoing housing crisis. The initiative from Brussels is designed to provide a clearer legal framework for municipalities seeking to curb the spread of vacation rentals in residential areas.
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