Edition No. 80
September 26, 2026
Everything the short-term-rental business needs to know today.
Also filed
- Host Life
An Airbnb host shares five signs of a difficult guest
An experienced Airbnb host has revealed the top warning signs that a guest might be difficult to manage. Writing for The Independent, the host detailed common red flags that appear during the booking process and initial communications. These indicators help other property owners anticipate potential issues and protect their homes before check-in.
- The Money
Washington County short-term rentals face fines for non-compliance
Property owners operating unregistered or non-compliant short-term rentals in Washington County could face significant financial penalties. Local officials are stepping up enforcement to ensure all vacation properties adhere to county lodging tax and safety ordinances. Unregistered hosts are urged to bring their listings into compliance to avoid mounting bills.
- Platforms
Vacationers face security risks by leaving smart TVs logged in
Guests who forget to log out of streaming services on vacation rental smart TVs before checking out are leaving their accounts vulnerable to subsequent visitors. Industry experts warn that personal streaming profiles remain active and accessible on these devices, allowing strangers to watch content on the previous guest's account and potentially access sensitive profile settings.
- Markets
Expedia cuts 58 jobs in latest round of corporate layoffs
Expedia has filed a WARN notice in Washington state eliminating 58 positions, according to regulatory filings. The staff reductions include executive roles and data science positions. The company's reorganization efforts have also extended to employees in Illinois and Florida as the travel platform restructures its operations.
- Crackdown
Chatham County puts a 5 percent limit on short-term rentals
Chatham County commissioners have approved new regulations that place a 5% cap on short-term rentals in unincorporated areas. The policy shift represents a major change for local property owners. Officials say the new rules are designed to manage the density of vacation rentals and address community concerns regarding the balance of residential neighborhoods.
- Host Life
Airbnb offers farmers up to 10K with Farm To Stay grant
Airbnb is partnering with a non-profit organization to offer grants of up to $10,000 for farmers participating in its "Farm to Stay" program. The initiative aims to help agricultural landowners create new income streams by expanding overnight accommodation options on their properties. The program comes amid steady growth in the agritourism sector, with potential locations being explored across North Carolina and other states.
Get the Gazette in your inbox.
The day's crackdowns and platform moves, the money, the design and the stays going viral, plus the desk's verdict, in one short email every morning.