Short term rentals (STRs) are one of the most debated and impactful forces shaping today’s housing markets and tourism economies. Communities are grappling with how to balance the benefits of vacation rentals with the challenges they present for workforce housing, neighborhood character, and housing affordability. In this sensitive and often heated policy environment, unbiased, objective data is essential.
RRC Associates is a trusted research partner for resort and tourism-driven communities navigating these complex issues. Our studies of short term rental impacts in places like Summit County, CO, Pitkin County, CO, and Teton County, WY provide decision-makers with comprehensive analysis of STR economics, housing market effects, and public opinion. We’ve also conducted STR analyses for the City of Sedona and Yavapai County, AZ, as well as Door County, Oneida and Vilas Counties, and the Lake Geneva area in Wisconsin.
Why Conduct Research on Short Term Rentals?
STRs affect communities in diverse and sometimes unexpected ways. Accurate data helps jurisdictions answer crucial questions like “How do short term rentals impact the housing market?”, “What is the economic impact of vacation rentals?”, or “Who owns short term rentals and how many units do they control?” From guiding regulation and enforcement to shaping affordable housing policy, data on STRs is foundational for effective community planning.
RRC’s studies combine quantitative data sources (like AirDNA, tax records, assessor files, MLS databases, and zoning data) with resident and property owner surveys to deliver a complete picture of STRs and their trade-offs.
The RRC team can also tap our decades of experience in tourism and housing research to provide consulting assistance in the management of STR policies and, where needed, mitigation of their impacts. Some areas where our team has expertise include lodging tax policies, licensing, fee revenues, code enforcement and local restrictions.
Key Problems Research Can Help Solve
- Quantifying the economic impact of short-term rentals and STR-related tourism
- Understanding how vacation rentals impact home values and housing affordability
- Evaluating the relationship between property investors and housing market trends
- Identifying how many STRs are owned by local residents vs. out-of-state homeowners
- Estimating the number of units rented seasonally vs. full-time
- Gauging public sentiment and community concerns about STRs in the area
- Understanding how STR regulations impact workforce housing availability
- Assessing the benefits and trade-offs of professionally managed vs. owner-managed STRs
- Measuring the share of the housing market used as tourist rooming houses
- Supporting housing policies that balance tourism benefits with community needs
STR Research Clients
Let’s Talk About Your STR Research Needs
Whether you’re wondering “What are the impacts of short-term rentals?” or seeking data to guide affordable housing strategies, RRC Associates offers tailored research solutions grounded in real-world data. From economic modeling to GIS mapping and statistically valid surveys, we help communities across the country make informed decisions about short-term rentals, vacation rentals, and the future of their neighborhoods.
Contact RRC Associates today to learn how our research can support your efforts to manage the growth and impact of STRs.