As we step into 2024, the short-term rental industry continues to evolve, shaped by technology, consumer preferences, and global trends. For short-term rental hosts, staying ahead of these changes is crucial for success. Here are some of the key trends to watch for in 2024:
1. Sustainability Practices
Environmental consciousness is no longer a choice but a necessity. Guests are increasingly seeking eco-friendly accommodations. In 2024, expect a surge in demand for rentals that offer sustainable practices such as solar energy, recycling programs, and eco-friendly amenities. Hosts who adopt these practices will not only appeal to a growing segment of environmentally conscious travelers but also contribute to a greener planet.
2. Tech-Enhanced Guest Experiences
Technology continues to revolutionize the guest experience. From smart home systems that allow for self-check-in and personalized climate control to AI-driven personal assistants that can provide local recommendations, investing in technology will be a game-changer for hosts.
3. Local Experiences and Personalization
Travelers are increasingly looking for unique, local experiences rather than the generic tourist attractions. In 2024, hosts who can provide personalized experiences, such as local culinary classes, guided tours, or partnerships with local businesses, will stand out. This trend not only enhances the guest experience but also fosters a deeper connection with the local community.
4. Dynamic Pricing Strategies
With the market becoming increasingly competitive, dynamic pricing strategies will be key. Utilizing software that adjusts prices based on demand, season, and local events can maximize revenue and ensure competitive pricing.
5. Regulatory Compliance and Community Relations
As short-term rentals become more prevalent, regulatory scrutiny is increasing. Staying informed about local regulations and maintaining good relationships with neighbors and the broader community will be vital for hosts. That's part of the reason Host2Host is so important. We hope you'll continue to be a part of our community of thoughtful, responsible hosts.

Watersheds are defined by ridge lines. The path rainwater takes depends on mere inches—where it falls on either side of that ridge. Similarly, our community now stands on a kind of metaphorical ridge, teetering between an old worldview and an emerging new one.

It's clear we're in what many call a "watershed moment." No one needs to remind us that the events of recent years have rattled us, pushing us beyond our comfort zones. The challenges we've faced aren't just about wildfires, droughts, floods, or even a pandemic anymore. We're grappling with broader global conflicts, economic uncertainties, climate change, and a deeper understanding of social injustices. While they may seem beyond our ability to fix, we do have the power to work together to address those issues that affect our own neighborhoods.

As this year turns over, while we commemorate the events of 2023, let’s refrain from pining for the “old normal”. Let’s commit ourselves to working together to forge a new path. 

We can work together to stay vigilant to challenges.  As a community of hosts we have the tools to create places where comfort, integrity, and care flourish—not just for our own families, but for our neighbors, and, of course, for those guests we warmly welcome into our homes.

In this season of reflection, let's embrace this new watershed moment. It's an opportunity to rebuild, to rethink, and to rekindle the spirit of welcome we know holds us together.

On December 13th, a warm and welcoming community of Host2Host members gathered together at the scrumptiously inviting restaurant, Emerald Line, to celebrate one another’s success and provide moments of uplifting support.  Tasty Treats and a Bevy of Beverages In addition to the absolutely stunning and delectably delicious bites on offer, a range of tasty beverages was also completely free for members including an assortment of signature cocktails and mocktails, as well as the best wines, craft beers that Oregon and Washington can offer. Giveaways Galore Attendees had the opportunity to participate in several giveaways, including gift bags filled with Host2Host merchandise and Starbucks gift cards. There was also a 50/50 raffle at the event with the BIG winner - Kristy Olsen - taking home half of the donations and splitting the remainder with Host2Host. Thanks, everyone, for participating! Winning is as Easy as 1-2-3! If you wanted to play but missed the opportunity, there’s still time to join in the online 50/50 raffle. The lucky winner of that raffle will be automatically picked the evening of 12/31/23 - winning is as easy as 1 - 2 - 3! And the winner could be you, but only if you play!

Winning is as easy as 1-2-3! This year we're trying something different with an end of year Host2Host 1-2-3 50/50 raffle which gives you a chance to WIN BIG while supporting an organization that provides educational opportunities and advocates for YOU!

In this online raffle, 50% of the contributions will go to just ONE lucky winner and the remaining 50% will be contributed to Host2Host. That big winner could be YOU! 

To play, just buy your chance to win here and wait for the winner to be drawn at 11:30pm on December 31, 2023. Notifications will go out automatically to all contributors just before the bell drops on 12/31/23.

This is an online raffle, so invite a friend or two - you don't need to be a Host2Host member to play!

The charm of a short-term rental lies in its ability to provide a home away from home. With the holiday season upon us, many property owners are contemplating whether to add a festive touch to their rentals. This blog explores the pros and cons of decorating short-term rentals for the holidays, helping you decide what's best for your property.

Pros of Decorating for the Holidays

1. Enhanced Guest Experience:  Decorating your rental for the holidays can significantly elevate the guest experience. A well-adorned space not only looks inviting but also creates a festive atmosphere that can be quite appealing to guests seeking a special holiday getaway. This attention to detail often translates into glowing reviews and repeat bookings, making your investment worthwhile.
2. Marketing Appeal:  Holiday decorations can make your rental stand out in a crowded market. When potential guests are scrolling through dozens of listings, eye-catching holiday-themed decor can be the deciding factor. Professionally photographed rooms featuring tasteful decorations can enhance your listing's appeal, potentially increasing bookings during the holiday season.
3. Higher Rental Rates:  The holiday season often brings the opportunity to charge premium rates. A beautifully decorated space can justify a higher price point, as guests are willing to pay extra for a unique and festive experience. This factor can be important specifically for larger, whole house rentals in a vacation destination.

Cons of Decorating for the Holidays

1. Additional Costs:  Decorating a rental property involves additional costs, including purchasing, maintaining, and storing decorations. It’s important to consider whether the potential increase in bookings will offset these expenses. Opting for timeless and durable decorations can be a cost-effective strategy in the long run.
2. Risk of Damage or Theft:  With decorations come the added risks of damage and theft. Fragile ornaments or high-value items could be broken or go missing. Use decorations that are durable and not too expensive to replace and for goodness sake, no family heirlooms.
3. Diversity and Inclusivity Concerns:  Considering the cultural diversity of your guests is crucial. Not everyone celebrates the same holidays, so overly specific decorations might make some guests feel uncomfortable. A safer approach could be to opt for neutral, winter-themed decorations that celebrate the season without aligning with a specific holiday.

Best Practices for Decorating Short-Term Rentals

When decorating, aim for a balance between festive cheer and understated elegance. Safety should be a priority—avoid anything that could be a fire hazard. Also, consider storage solutions for your decorations in the off-season.

Decorating your short-term rental for the holidays can be both rewarding and challenging. Weighing the pros and cons in the context of your specific property and clientele is key. Ultimately, the decision should align with your business goals, your target audience, and the expectations of your guests.

An exciting new resource for visitors to Portland has recently opened in downtown’s vibrant West End: the Portland Visitor Center. A team of friendly, professional Portland experts are on-site to assist you and your guests — they can help plan a visit, answer questions, offer recommendations and so much more. Don’t forget to stock your rental with local maps and brochures from over 200 area attractions.

Located at 1132 SW Harvey Milk St., Suite 104 — just a few blocks from Powell’s City of Books and steps away from hotels, shopping, dining and attractions — the Portland Visitor Center is easily accessible. 

Amenities include cell phone chargers, a water-filling station, and complimentary Wi-Fi so it’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries. The center is an ADA-compliant, KultureCity-certified Sensory-Inclusive space, and there are even on-call translators and ASL interpreters available. 

It’s open Monday thru Saturday, 9a – 5p and Sunday, 10a – 3p. Can’t make it downtown? Visitors can call 503-427-1372 or 1-888-503-3291 (toll-free) to speak to a knowledgeable travel expert about whatever assistance they may need, whether they’re planning their next visit or if they’ve arrived in town. Either way, the good folks at Travel Portland’s Visitor Center are here to help!

The big meetup event in November was the Tax Time Gotchas panel discussion with local tax preparers! We’ve been offering this opportunity for hosts in the community to connect with expert advisors for several years and this one did not disappoint!  Hosted by Host2Host founding member and Education Chair, Debi Hertert and H2H Board Member, Anthony Rallo, this event provided a chance for tax advisors, Stephanie Solomon of Block Advisors, Eve Davis or In or Out Tax Services, and Jaydra Perfetti of Paper Investigators to offer specific and timely information about changes in tax law.    Once the speakers were done, hosts on the call were invited to ask questions about their specific tax situations. Members - don't miss the awesome information exchanged in the chat and the special offers for the Host2Host community! If you weren’t able to attend but want to check out the information that was exchanged, watch it on our Youtube channel at your convenience.

This upcoming year brings a lot of changes to our organization of community-focused hosts.

We are excited to welcome Kristy Olsen to the Board of Directors. A long-time short-term rental host with experience managing traditional rentals as well, Kristy splits her time between Portland and Mt. Hood. Her work as an Airbnb Ambassador will help garner ongoing support for our organization as we continue to grow and develop.

Long-time leader and 2023 Board of Directors President, Dabney Tompkins is wrapping up his leadership role with the organization and will be handing over the reins to a new president to be elected by Board Members in December. His contributions have been vital to the success of the organization and his efforts will surely be missed. We're lucky to retain his bookkeeping skills to keep our ledgers tidy, so he'll definitely still be involved. Thank you for your contributions as a founding member and Board Member for the past six years, Dabney.

Likewise, Ryan Tigner with iTrip will be exiting the Board of Directors after serving several consecutive terms. He'll remain involved in Host2Host and will continue to serve on the Travel Portland Board of Directors. Thanks, Ryan, for your guidance and contributions over the years.


Lastly, Host2Host founder, Debi Hertert is stepping down from her role as Education Committee Chair. Her positive energy, enthusiasm, and people-wrangling skills are going to be very missed in this position but we are happy that she will remain a part of the committee and you'll still have the chance to connect with her at events. Thank you, Debi, for shining a bright light on Host2Host and coordinating spectacular events over the years.

If you are interested in volunteering for about an hour a month by joining one of our committees or even the Board of Directors, our organization could really use your help! Email info@host2host.org to get connected!

Tax time got you scratching your head? It can be pretty confusing to consider the federal, state, and local implications of renting your home or even a room on a short-term basis. 

Rental Income is Generally Taxable

First and foremost, the money you earn from renting out your home or room is typically considered taxable income. This means you should report this income on your annual tax return both state, federal, and even locally in some jurisdictions. 

Deductions can Offset Income

While you may have to report and pay taxes on your rental income, you also have the opportunity to deduct certain expenses related to the rental. Common deductions include:

• Cleaning and maintenance fees

• Utilities (only if included in the rental price)

• Advertising or listing fees

• Property insurance

• Depreciation of the rented space

• Other related expenses

It's crucial to keep detailed records of these expenses as the IRS might require proof if you get audited.

Considering your Primary Residence

If you rent out a portion of your primary residence, things can get a bit complicated when you decide to sell your home. Normally, the sale of your primary home can qualify for a tax exclusion ($250,000 for single filers and $500,000 for joint filers). However, if a part of your home was used as a rental, you might owe taxes on the gain attributed to the rented space.

Local Taxes & Regulations

Aside from federal and state income taxes, localities also impose occupancy and/or hotel taxes on short-term rentals. It's essential to check with your local city or county government to see what taxes or regulations apply.

Ignoring these could lead to legal trouble.

Conclusion

Renting out your home or room on a short-term basis can provide a welcome boost to your income. However, it’s essential to stay informed about the associated tax implications. To ensure you’re fully compliant and taking advantage of all possible deductions, consider joining our conversation on November 9th with local tax experts. It’s free for members with a small fee for non-members.

Written by Alan Colley, Host2Host Founding Member, former H2H President & co-host of the Summit Prairie Fire Lookout Tower in Tiller, OR

Each gathering around the table has its own dynamic. 

Coffee shared with another is infused with its own unique energy. 

Each and every interchange we have with a guest has its very own dance. 

The skilled host knows how to sing and dance so everyone wants to dance and sing along.

..................................
From an article in the Summer 2022 issue of Orion magazine...

“Ultimately, a society’s laws and policies change because the hearts and values of people change. And art, in all its forms, provides a direct route to people’s hearts, regardless of culture or background….The [whatever] movement needs artists and writers of every stripe just as much as it needs lawyers, scientists and activists.” (Manish Bapna)

This quote prompted me to think more deeply about how much this sentiment could so easily apply to hosting. Yes, we need people who are skilled in the mechanics and logistics of how to run a hosting business, but we also need artists and poets who raise our imaginations about the grand possibilities of hospitality and welcoming.

I want to ponder…

The poetry of hosting.

The song of hospitality

The delightful dance of welcoming. 

Isn’t this what calls us?

Isn’t this is what draws us in

and gives us the energy and spirit that carries us along?

Isn’t this what our guests feel from the first encounter?

Perhaps we could explore this poetry as the current that reaches beneath our work and lifts us as both guests and hosts.