Host Gear
Research roundups for short-term rental owners and managers, based on manufacturer specs and published reviews. No hands-on testing claims, no made-up ratings.
Best Smart Locks for Vacation Rentals
A research roundup of smart locks for short-term rental hosts: Yale Assure Lock 2, Schlage Encode Plus, August Wi-Fi and igloohome, plus what features actually matter.
Outdoor Security Cameras for Rental Hosts
A research roundup of outdoor security cameras for short-term rental hosts, from Arlo, Ring, eufy and Blink, plus the guest-privacy rules every host should follow.
Smart Thermostats for Rentals
A research roundup of smart thermostats for short-term rental hosts: Ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen) and Ecobee Enhanced, plus setup tips to cut energy waste.
Best TVs and Streaming Setups for Guests
How to set up TVs and streaming for vacation rental guests: what TV features matter, plus a research roundup of streaming devices like Roku Ultra, Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Google TV Streamer.
Noise and Occupancy Monitors for Rentals
A research roundup of privacy-safe noise and occupancy monitors for short-term rental hosts, including Minut and NoiseAware, and how to use them without invading guest privacy.
Smart Home Starter Kit for Hosts
A practical smart home starter kit for short-term rental hosts: smart lock, thermostat, noise monitor, outdoor camera, leak sensors, smart plugs and lighting, with tips on keeping it simple for guests.
Outdoor Amenities That Help Your Rental Stand Out
Outdoor amenities that help vacation rentals stand out: hot tubs, fire pits, gazebos and pergolas, string lights and outdoor dining, with safety, maintenance and listing photo tips.
Keyless Check-In and Guest-Ready Checklist
How to set up keyless check-in for a short-term rental, plus a printable guest-ready turnover checklist covering the door, smart devices, the backyard and safety.