Updated on March 24, 2021
“The beginning is the most important part of the work.”
–PLATO
These words come from the Greek philosopher’s Republic, a dialogue between Socrates and others as they debate the concepts of justice, the ideal community, the best way to educate their utopia’s guardians, and the pros and cons of various forms of government, amongst other questions – you know, chit chat.
While Republic is probably full of parallels we can draw between STR advocacy and cities today, the quote has taken on a life of its own for applying to nearly everything. We love that it can be read two ways:
- The beginning (noun) is the most important part of the work.
The foundation, the research, the outline, the blueprint – without these things, the rest of the work is prone to weak spots and crumbling under the pressure it will inevitably face.
- Beginning (verb) – the action of starting – is the most important part of the work.
Everything is only an idea until the first action makes it real, and first steps can feel like the hardest. We sometimes put hurdles on the starting line – fear of the unknown, some unattainable standard of perfection, procrastination, maybe. But all great things were accomplished by someone just starting anyway, then taking one step after the other until the work hit its stride. Athens wasn’t built in a day.
For STRs, there are a lot of beginnings: knowing local laws before buying a property, putting a proper guest vetting system in place, gathering data for an op-ed, completing a safety checklist to get a permit. There’s also a lot of beginning, like turning on your booking engine or hosting your first guest.
But in order for our private accommodations to have a secure future, we need an even deeper foundation in our communities: fair rules and a legal status cemented in our laws. This requires both the beginning (a plan) and beginning (action).
So, we’re skipping the New Year’s resolutions and going right for these, and we invite you to join us. What’s your plan to make sure your town creates (or keeps) a fair STR ordinance? What’s the hurdle in the way of your first step? What can Rent Responsibly and our community do to help make that hurdle smaller?
These aren’t rhetorical. Take this quick survey and join us in our private Facebook group where we’re asking these very questions and want to hear your answers! We can each take bigger, faster steps when we work together.
So, let’s begin.
Alexa Nota
Executive Director, Rent Responsibly
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Two people reading this might just find their next dream jobs.
Chapter Manager
Full-Time | Remote (US)
If you love empowering others, crossing things off your to-do list ahead of schedule, and making complex things simple, we think you’d love this role. The Chapter Manager owns the effectiveness and ultimate success of Rent Responsibly chapters, serving as a great project manager and a great coach simultaneously. SEE JOB DETAILS >
Staff Writer & Copy Editor
Part-Time | Remote (US)
If you enjoy putting someone’s story on paper, have never met a set of deadlines you couldn’t wrangle, and love hearing how your words helped someone accomplish something, this might be the place for you. The Staff Writer has a wide skill set and passion for all types of written content, from journalism to content marketing to PR. He or she will own the production of most of the content on our editorial calendar, which includes profile stories, informational guides, and reporting in a way that turns dry jargon into compelling news. SEE JOB DETAILS >
ICYMI:
The Top 10 Stories of 2020
The short-term rental industry is not about properties. It’s about people, and we love to celebrate them. We took a look back at these stories and rounded up the top 10 that resonated with our readers and staff the most. See the full list covering everything from mermaids and tool belts to the gift of time.
News You Can Use
A MASTER CLASS IN MEDIA COMMENTARY
Julie Marks: Why short-term rentals in Vermont aren’t so bad
As the kids would say, 👏 this 👏 is 👏 how 👏 you 👏 write 👏 an 👏 op-ed. (I don’t know if I’m doing the clap emojis right, but you get it.) In her response to a false and misleading piece about STRs in Vermont where she is a host, Julie pens one of the most well-written op-eds in support of STRs that we’ve ever seen.
Why It Rocks:
- Tone: As Julie puts it herself, “I am tired of reporting that villainizes STRs and perpetuates perceived and unfounded fears.” Aren’t we all? Yet, she takes a measured tone throughout that leaves no room for misinterpretation, ensuring her message comes across exactly as intended.
- Concise, strong arguments: While we can all discuss the truths and benefits of STRs all day long, Julie strategically limits her op-ed to the four most important points to counter the initial anti-STR claims. Pointing focus to where it’s most needed in the moment is critical to landing a message amid limited attention spans.
- Facts: Julie points out exactly where the anti-STR claims are wrong or unsubstantiated and counters them with verified data. Facts are unassailable.
- Points of Agreement: This is key. Along with the points above, showing a willingness to listen, agree, and come together demonstrates that we are the reasonable adults in the room.
👏 Standing ovation for Julie.
PS. If you’re an STR operator in the Burlington, VT area, reach out to Julie about joining the coalition of Burlington STR Hosts at carriagebarnstudio@gmail.com.
Read her commentary in the Bennington Banner >
BUYING THE MIC
Travel + Leisure Magazine Acquired by Wyndham Destinations for $100 Million
In addition to the magazine itself, Wyndham Destinations will also get Travel + Leisure’s travel clubs (and their 60,000 members), “A-List” travel advisor network, 20 million social media followers, and other assets. The vacation rental and timeshare company made the acquisition and will change its name to Travel + Leisure Co. in the coming months as a part of its effort to reach new markets and younger travelers.
Dave’s Take: This is a big news. Vacation rental company brands are recognizing that getting their messages out and communicating our value proposition to the traveling consumer is critical to growing a sustainable business. I expect to see more acquisitions and partnerships that will give our community a larger and larger megaphone to tell our story.
Read the full article on Skift >
A WIN-WIN WE LOVE:
Crowd-funded ‘Shared Estates’ establishes itself in Berkshires short-term-rental market
The Berkshires in Massachusetts was once a haven for the wealthy during the Gilded Age. In recent years, many of the era’s once-grand estates – and the region’s potential for economic growth, in many ways – were collecting dust. Luckily, the area is home to several entrepreneurs eager to roll up their sleeves to bring the destination back to its former luster, including Daniel Dus of Shared Estates. The company purchases historic estates and renovates them to today’s environmental sustainability standards using crowdfunded capital, then rents them for high-end short-term rental stays, often for large groups like family reunions.
Above, a before-and-after image in Shared Estates’ case study of The Playhouse, which once belonged to George Westinghouse Jr.
Read the full article in The Berkshire Edge >
