The Power of Short-Term Rental Associations: Advocacy, Collaboration, and Strength in Numbers

Regulations in the short-term rental industry aren’t just coming—they’re already here. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that independent owners and managers must come together to have a voice at the table. Otherwise, we risk being on the menu.

That’s why organizations like the Vermont Short-Term Rental Alliance (VTSTRA), founded by Julie Marks, and the Mile High Hosts in Denver, co-founded by Dana Lubner, are making a real impact.

In Denver, Dana and Mile High Hosts worked tirelessly to change the conversation around short-term rentals, engaging with city officials, educating lawmakers, and demonstrating how responsible operators contribute to the local economy. By bringing STR owners together, they’ve helped shape regulations that are fair, rather than punitive, proving that when hosts unite, they can push back against blanket bans and extreme restrictions.

We’ve also seen the power of advocacy in action in Colorado, where a coalition of STR advocates, including Rent Responsibly, successfully fought against Senate Bill 33. This bill would have reclassified short-term rentals as commercial properties, leading to a 300% property tax increase for STR owners. 

Thanks to organized mobilization, coordinated messaging, and direct engagement with lawmakers, the bill was defeated—protecting thousands of STR businesses.

Why STR Associations Are Essential

Regulatory challenges aren’t unique to Colorado or Vermont—they’re happening across the world. While it’s easy to feel powerless when new rules are proposed that could threaten your ability to operate, history has shown that well-organized short-term rental associations can drive meaningful change. Here’s how:
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1. Educating Lawmakers on the Realities of Short-Term Rentals

Many policymakers only hear about STRs from a negative perspective—disruptive parties, noise complaints, and neighborhood disputes. But the reality is much broader: STRs provide vital tourism accommodations, support local businesses, and contribute to tax revenue. Without direct education from STR professionals, decisions can often be made based on misinformation.

Associations play a crucial role in:

• Engaging city officials early to shape balanced policies before restrictive regulations are introduced
• Providing economic impact studies showing how STRs support jobs, tourism, and local services
• Demonstrating responsible hosting practices that mitigate concerns about noise, waste, and safety
• Sharing success stories of professional operators who elevate guest experience and community relations

Without these efforts, decision-makers often lump all STR operators into the same category—assuming everyone is running an illegal party house. Advocacy groups bridge the gap between perception and reality.
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2. Creating Fair, Responsible Regulations That Work for Everyone

Regulations aren’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, well-designed rules help elevate the industry by ensuring safety, transparency, and professionalism. The problem arises when municipalities impose extreme restrictions, outright bans, or exorbitant fees that make it impossible for small operators to stay in business.

STR associations fight for balanced solutions, such as:

• Reasonable licensing fees instead of excessive costs designed to discourage STRs
• Clear occupancy limits and guest policies that prevent disruptions while still allowing responsible hosting
• Consistent enforcement of existing laws (e.g., noise ordinances, parking rules) rather than blanket bans
• Fair tax structures that don’t penalize STR owners with commercial rates

The victory against Senate Bill 33 in Colorado is a perfect example of how an organized response can prevent harmful legislation. Instead of allowing a devastating tax hike, STR advocates presented data-driven arguments and united voices to show the unintended consequences of the bill—resulting in its defeat.
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3. Building Trust with Neighbors, Officials, and the Tourism Sector

Many of the loudest complaints against short-term rentals come from neighbor disputes. The reality? The vast majority of STRs operate without issues, but a few bad actors can create a negative public perception. Associations help by:

• Encouraging responsible hosting practices that minimize disruptions
• Providing clear guest policies that address noise, parking, and community respect
• Engaging with neighbors proactively to discuss concerns and find solutions
• Hosting public forums where STR owners and the community can communicate openly

Denver’s Mile High Hosts have been incredibly effective in changing the narrative about STRs by fostering direct conversations with city officials and the local community. Rather than being seen as “Airbnb investors,” members of the association have positioned themselves as small business owners, community contributors, and responsible operators.
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4. Providing Resources and Training for Professionalism & Safety

One of the biggest misconceptions about STRs is that they’re run by people who don’t care about safety or hospitality. Associations dispel this myth by promoting high standards, offering training, and educating members on best practices. Some key areas they focus on include:

• Fire & carbon monoxide safety (working smoke detectors, proper emergency exits)
• Guest screening & responsible hosting to prevent bad behavior
• Local compliance & legal requirements to ensure adherence to regulations
• Crisis management & emergency preparedness for operators

Leaders like Justin Ford, a national safety expert in vacation rentals, have worked with STR associations to push for higher safety standards—because professional operators understand that safety isn’t optional, it’s essential.

STR Advocacy: A Community Effort

Whether you’re an independent host, a property manager, or an industry advocate, the lesson is clear: don’t wait until regulations threaten your business—get involved now.

✅ Join your local STR association (or start one!)
✅ Engage with city officials before new rules are introduced
✅ Educate your community on responsible hosting and safety
✅ Connect with advocacy groups like Rent Responsibly and Mile High Hosts
✅ Encourage professional standards to elevate the industry

The work being done by VTSTRA, Mile High Hosts, and Rent Responsibly proves that short-term rental professionals CAN shape the future of this industry—if they unite and take action.

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