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Know-how for short-term rental operators
General information to help you run your rental well. None of it is legal, tax or insurance advice.
Getting legal in your townThe usual layers of short-term rental rules — zoning, state lodging licenses, city permits, lodging taxes and HOA rules — and how to find which ones apply to your place.Pricing basicsHow nightly rates are usually built — a base rate, seasons, weekends, local events, minimum stays and the extra charges guests see — and when a pricing tool helps.Furnishing checklistA room-by-room list of what guests expect to find in a short-term rental, from the bed and the coffee maker to the spare linens and the first-aid kit.Guest-proofingProtect the property, the neighbors and the guests: safety checks, keyless entry, noise monitoring done openly, clear house rules and winter readiness.Cleaning standardsWhat a turnover should cover every time: a written checklist, fresh linens, restocking, a damage check, photos, and the hot tub, all between checkout and check-in.Tax basics for hostsThe taxes that usually touch a short-term rental — lodging and sales taxes on each stay, and income tax on what you earn — plus the records that make tax time easier.What insurance coversWhy a homeowners or landlord policy may not cover paying guests, what short-term rental policies usually include, and the questions to ask before you're covered.Direct booking basicsHow short-term rental operators take bookings on their own website instead of paying a platform's fee on every stay: the pieces you need, the terms to state, and how repeat guests find you.