Thanks For Visiting

This week on the Hosting Hotline, we’re tackling one of the most common legal questions new hosts face: Do you really need an LLC to start hosting?Listener Jennifer is about to launch her first short-term rental and wants to make sure she’s protecting her personal assets and doing things the right way. We walk through how to approach this decision with confidence, who you should be talking to, and why the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.In this episode, we cover:– Why it’s worth consulting your attorney, CPA, and insurance broker early on– What an LLC can (and can’t) do for your business– How your long-term goals impact your setup– The mindset shift that comes with treating hosting like a real business– Why it’s never too late to make your business structure legitIf you’ve been wondering whether to form an LLC, this episode is a must-listen.Resources Mentioned:– Proper Insurance: https://www.proper.insure/

No matter how well you prepare your space, accidents happen—and that’s just part of the short-term rental business. But when damage occurs, do you know how to handle it professionally, recover costs effectively, and keep your emotions out of the process?In this episode, we walk you through how to navigate guest damage, from identifying what actually qualifies as a damage claim (versus normal wear and tear) to how to submit a successful claim with Airbnb’s AirCover. We also talk about communicating with guests, what to say (and what not to say), and how to prepare your systems before damage even occurs.In this episode, we cover:What doesn’t qualify as a damage claim (even if it’s frustrating)Examples of true negligence and when to take actionHow to approach your guest with professionalism and clarityWhat Airbnb expects for reimbursement—and how to give it to themWhy speed and documentation are critical when filing a claimHow to prevent retaliatory reviewsPlanning ahead: insurance, margins, and staying level-headedResources:AirCover is not insurance | Proper Insurance (our preferred STR insurance)YouTube: 11 Ways to Avoid Parties in Your AirbnbMentioned in this episode:StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

is week on the Hosting Hotline, Amy from Canada calls in with a common (but often overlooked) question: How should short-term rental hosts handle TVs and streaming services?We dive into:Where you should place TVs in your rental (and why it matters)Which streaming services to offer—and what to avoidSmart tips to protect guest privacy and your own subscriptionsOperational systems for checking logins, batteries, and connectivityHow your STR's brand and guest profile should influence your entertainment setupWhether you're running a cozy cabin or a large vacation rental, this episode will help you create a seamless, secure, and thoughtful guest experience around your in-home entertainment setup.

This week on Thanks for Visiting, we’re joined by hospitality entrepreneur Taylor Gates, whose journey from renting out rooms in Charleston to founding multiple thriving hospitality ventures is anything but ordinary. What started as a side hustle quickly grew into Stay Duvet, a premier property management company focused on elevating the guest experience through hotel-quality standards and operations. Taylor also founded Fluffy, a commercial laundry and housekeeping service that supports his mission to raise the bar in short-term rentals.In this episode, Taylor walks us through:How he went from giving golf cart tours to managing 200+ propertiesThe surprising ROI of clean bedding and intentional linensWhat he looks for when hiring housekeeping teamsWhy every host should be staying in their own propertyThe systems and values that keep his team aligned and guests coming backWhether you’re managing one unit or scaling your business, this episode is packed with insight, transparency, and practical tips from someone who truly lives and breathes hospitality.Stay Duvet – Taylor’s luxury short-term rental management companyFluffy – Commercial laundry and housekeeping service built for STRsMinoan – A platform for hosts to source and showcase shoppable furnishings for their STRsMentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

This week on the Hosting Hotline, we're shaking things up by answering a listener question from the comments section of our YouTube channel. The question? Whether using a dynamic pricing tool like PriceLabs is really worth it if you only have one seasonal property.Spoiler alert: our answer is a resounding yes—and we’re breaking down why.In this episode, we discuss:What PriceLabs is and how it compares to Airbnb's Smart PricingWhy dynamic pricing is essential for seasonal propertiesHow a $20/month investment can yield huge returnsHow to use data to compete more effectively in your local marketThe top reason every host should prioritize a pricing tool in their tech stackEven if your booking calendar only gets busy for part of the year, having smart, data-informed pricing can help you make every single night count—and ultimately, bring in more revenue with less guesswork.If you're curious about dynamic pricing, we’ve got a full video that walks you through how to use PriceLabs and why it works.📺 Watch our YouTube video on dynamic pricingDrop your questions in the comments and your topic might be featured in a future episode!Resources mentioned: PriceLabs – Dynamic pricing tool we personally use and recommend. Offers a free trial (no credit card required).Thanks for Visiting YouTube Channel – Subscribe and leave your hosting questions in the comments.Hosting Handbook – Learn the basics of how to launch your listing

A local photographer wants to use your Airbnb for a shoot. Should you say yes?In this episode, we’re walking through the exact questions we ask when we get these requests—and all the lessons we’ve learned the hard way. From influencer swaps to full-on commercial productions, we’ve seen it all. And we’re here to help you protect your property, price it properly, and make smart decisions about the kind of content being created in your space.Whether you’re already hosting photoshoots or a guest just asked to “pop in for a quick brand shoot,” this episode will help you set better boundaries, ask the right questions, and explore new income opportunities in a smart and sustainable way.In this episode, we cover:The different types of content shoots you might be approached aboutWhy it’s critical to ask what kind of content is being createdHow to protect yourself legally with a COI (Certificate of Insurance)What to charge (and why it’s not just your nightly rate!)How to manage timing, cleaning, and neighborhood impactReal stories from our own experiences—both great and not-so-greatRed flags to watch out for before you say yesResources📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel | 6 Ways to Use ChatGPT in Your Airbnb Business📸 Check out Peerspace – a platform for listing your space for hourly rentals, perfect for photoshoots and production: peerspace.comMentioned in this episode:StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.

This week on the Hosting Hotline, listener Julia calls in with a timely question: should you host influencers in exchange for a free or discounted stay—especially when your property is new and you’re trying to build buzz?Julia runs a fully immersive Star Wars-themed short-term rental in Kissimmee, Florida, and recently experimented with a creator collaboration through the platform Stayamo. While she didn’t see immediate bookings, the exposure raised awareness and boosted her Instagram following. But is that worth the cleaning fee—or more?In this episode, we dig into:– How to evaluate whether an influencer is truly a good fit– What red flags to watch for when receiving creator collaboration requests– How to define success from influencer content– Smart ways to protect your time, energy, and budget– Why a holistic influencer marketing plan beats saying yes ad hoc– And how to communicate “no” without burning bridgesWe also share our favorite tips for setting expectations, building contracts, and using influencer content intentionally—so you’re not left wondering if the trade was worth it.Resources:– YouTube: The Right Way to Use Influencers to Promote Your Airbnb– Stayamo (influencer collaboration platform)

When a once-in-a-generation storm hit the mountains of Western North Carolina, Superhost Catherine Morris found herself not only without power—but with stranded guests, canceled reservations, and major cleanup ahead. In this episode, we talk with Catherine of Edenwood NC about her transition from corporate life to full-time hosting, the realities of managing two unique properties (yes, she still does the cleaning herself!), and the lessons she learned when Hurricane Helene shut everything down.From insurance battles to wood-fired hot tubs, this episode covers the gritty details of what it really looks like to be a hands-on host through disaster and recovery. Whether you're new to short-term rentals or a seasoned pro, Catherine’s insights on preparedness, communication, and guest care will leave you inspired—and better equipped for anything that comes your way. RESOURCESCatherine’s Rentals: https://edenwoodnc.comFollow on Instagram: @edenwoodncAirbnb Business Loss Coverage Info: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1320/extenuating-circumstances-policyMentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

In this Hosting Hotline episode, listener Colby from Humble Abode in Australia calls in with a question many hosts are asking: Can you still nudge guests toward booking direct after their stay—even with Airbnb’s updated policies?Colby has been sending post-stay messages encouraging repeat visits and direct bookings. But with Airbnb tightening its rules, is that strategy still allowed?We break down:Why post-stay messages via Airbnb’s platform are now a hard noWhat is still okay when it comes to asking for reviewsHow to compliantly shift communication off-platformWhy your in-home marketing game matters more than everSimple tools and strategies (like StayFi) that keep you compliant and effectiveThe real reason you shouldn’t try to outsmart Airbnb's AIPlus, we share smart alternatives to keep your marketing efforts alive—without breaking the rules.🔗 Mentioned in this episode:StayFi: A platform for collecting guest emails with consent, post-bookingThanks for Visiting Bootcamp: Get on the waitlist for our next deep-dive session

This week on Hosting Hotline, we’re joined by Phil Kennard, founder of FutureStay—a platform built specifically for rental-preneurs. Whether you're managing one short-term rental or a growing handful, Phil is here to help you take back control of your business and stop relying solely on platforms like Airbnb.We dig into:What it means to be a “rental-preneur”The truth about Airbnb's off-platform policyWhy direct bookings aren’t as scary (or risky) as you thinkHow to use the “billboard effect” to drive bookingsCommon listing mistakes that quietly hurt your rankingThe direct booking loop and how to build guest trustWhy even 10% direct bookings can change your bottom lineWhether you’re brand new or deep in your hosting journey, this episode will inspire you to think like a business owner—and start setting yourself up for long-term success.RESOURCES:FutureStay | Direct booking platform for rental-preneurs (exclusive offer for TFE listeners)Google Vacation Rentals | Where 70%+ of travel searches beginAirbnb’s Off-Platform Policy | New rules effective May 2025Proper Insurance | STR insurance designed for hostsThe Hosting Handbook | Your beginner’s guide to starting strongMentioned in this episode:Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!