Updated on March 14, 2025
We don’t cut corners. We clean them.
– Well & Good
Every great host has a moment of realization: You’re not just renting out a space—you’re shaping an experience. But here’s the challenge: How do you ensure that experience is consistently great, night after night, guest after guest?
In the hotel world, the answer is clear. There are well-defined standards, from amenities to service, that make a Hilton a Hilton and a Ritz a Ritz. But in STRs, where each home is unique and every host does things a little differently, the idea of “standards” is elusive. That needs to change.
The Trust Gap
One of the biggest hurdles in STRs today isn’t just regulations or marketing—it’s trust. Guests book with hope, but all too often, they check in to find that what they got isn’t quite what they expected. Maybe it’s a grimy hair-clogged shower, a pool without a fence, or a missing coffee maker. How many complaints start with, “I booked this house for [insert specific feature], but now it’s [not here / not working].”
These gaps in expectations create doubt, and doubt is the last thing an industry built on guest confidence can afford.
We’ve been asking operators around the country what they believe should be standard across STRs, including a deep research trip to Scottsdale, Arizona this week where we met with friends old and new from AvantStay, Well & Good, HildeHomes, and Tuckedin AZ. Here’s what we’ve been hearing:
- Safety: The basics should be nonnegotiable. Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, pool safety, and secure locks aren’t just best practices; they’re table stakes.
- Hospitality: The difference between a mediocre stay and a memorable one often comes down to what makes a guest feel truly welcome: clear communication, stocked essentials, and a comfortable environment.
- Reliability: Guests shouldn’t have to wonder if the listing photos will match what they get or if they’ll have enough towels. A well-maintained and properly advertised home isn’t just good for guests, it protects your investment, too.
- Good Neighborliness: STRs are guests in residential communities, and nuisance prevention, clear house rules, and responsive management keep things running smoothly.
Defining the Standard Together
No one expects every STR to be a luxury retreat, but a baseline of safety, trust, and reliability should be universal. The best operators are already doing these things, not just because they’re required, but because they know that in a competitive market, standing out for the right reasons pays off.
So here’s the question: What standards do you think should be the norm in STRs? Hit reply and let us know. Because setting expectations isn’t just about satisfying guests, it’s about strengthening the foundation of STRs for all of us.
And if you’re looking for a place to start, here’s an easy one: Make sure every room has a way to charge a phone at the nightstand. (You’d be surprised how many don’t.)
Alexa Nota,
COO and Co-Founder of Rent Responsibly
Upcoming Events
On March 6, Arizonans for Responsible Tourism (AZRT) members and STR stakeholders in Arizona gathered at the State Capitol to advocate for fair and balanced STR regulations.
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