The short-term rental (STR) market is thriving, with the U.S. STR industry valued at $29 billion in 2023 and projected to reach $82 billion by 2033 (Precedence Research). This rapid growth, however, brings challenges for local governments, including unregistered properties, transient occupancy tax (TOT) compliance, and resource constraints. In response, governments are shifting toward technology, automation, and software solutions to streamline STR management and compliance, marking a significant evolution in how these challenges are addressed.
Traditional methods of managing STRs often fall short due to inefficiencies and a high risk of errors. Manual processes can leave unlicensed properties undetected and create bottlenecks in enforcing compliance or collecting TOTs. This is where Rentalscape, an AI-powered STR management tool by Deckard Technologies, becomes invaluable. At its core, Rentalscape analyzes over 15 million listings across 10,000+ platforms in real time, combining proprietary technology with automation to equip governments to address STR challenges effectively.
Rentalscape also features interactive maps pinpointing unlicensed properties, detailed property cards showcasing revenue and booking histories, and automated workflows that streamline compliance efforts with precision. By eliminating guesswork, Rentalscape empowers local authorities to enhance vacation rental compliance, enforce regulations, and seamlessly improve TOT collection.
The City of Eastvale, California, provides a compelling example of the benefits of automation. With limited resources and challenges identifying STRs, Eastvale adopted Rentalscape’s evidence-based, automated tools to transform its compliance operations. By automating property identification and utilizing data for enforcement, Eastvale has resolved 285 STR compliance cases since 2019. This technology-driven approach enhanced efficiency while ensuring fairness and transparency for residents and property owners alike.
No two jurisdictions face the same STR challenges. Governments must address diverse issues, from parking limitations in ski towns to noise complaints in urban neighborhoods. The ability to customize solutions is where software like Rentalscape excels, adapting to the specific needs of each locality through actionable data and automation.
For instance, in Mt. Crested Butte, Colorado, where over 40% of properties operate as STR, balancing community safety with economic benefits is critical. The town prioritizes physical safety inspections for licensed properties, ensuring essentials like smoke detectors and proper egress in sleeping areas are in place.
“Maintaining high safety standards and clear compliance communication is critical,” says Heidi Sheldon, STR Officer for Mt. Crested Butte. By leveraging Rentalscape’s automated tools to identify unlicensed properties, the town efficiently addresses compliance issues while tackling winter-specific challenges like snow-related hazards. This tailored, technology-driven approach strengthens community trust and ensures STRs operate responsibly.
Transparency is fundamental to effective STR management, and technology plays a pivotal role in achieving it. Tools like Rentalscape provide governments with accurate, actionable data, allowing officials to monitor STR activity, enforce regulations, and address community concerns proactively. By incorporating data and automation into their workflows, governments can ensure compliance while fostering trust among residents.
In today’s rapidly expanding STR market, adopting advanced STR software solutions like Rentalscape is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. These tools empower governments to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen compliance, and address community-specific challenges effectively, paving the way for sustainable growth and trust within local communities.
See for yourself why Rentalscape is the US’ No. 1 STR compliance and management tool, trusted by more than 500 jurisdictions.
Contact our team to schedule a demo to see what Rentalscape can do for your community.