Key Takeaways
- Welcome to Staystra.com Now I don’t like to talk about people—but some of y’all are doing the absolute most in these vacation rentals, and somebody needs to say it.
- That HOA feud that ended in drone surveillance and a restraining order?
- She has become a favorite among the StaySTRA community for her candid storytelling.
- Airbnb requires hosts to confirm safety equipment in their listing.
Welcome to Staystra.com
Now I don’t like to talk about people—but some of y’all are doing the absolute most in these vacation rentals, and somebody needs to say it. Lucky for you, sugarplum, I’ve got the time, the receipts, and the moral obligation.
Welcome to Staystra.com, your new unfiltered front porch for everything happening in the wild world of short-term rentals. I’m Loretta May Jenkins—former church secretary, lifelong gossip, and the reason three HOA boards have blocked me on Facebook. I’m here to bless your inbox with the truth behind the throw pillows.
This ain’t your typical real estate blog, honey. This is where we talk about the real stuff:
- That guest who tried to cook brisket in the Jacuzzi? Covered.
- That host who left 37 passive-aggressive notes around the condo? Exposed.
- That HOA feud that ended in drone surveillance and a restraining order? Baby, I’ve got the court docs.
At Staystra, we’re not just spilling tea—we’re cataloging chaos. Think of us as the petty Yelp for STRs with a moral compass and a magnifying glass. You’ll get:
- Weekly tales of STR absurdity (names changed, drama intact)
- Host horror stories that’ll make you hug your cleaner
- Guest behavior so bad it deserves its own TSA watchlist
- And yes, the occasional redemption arc—because sometimes, people do get it right. (Allegedly.)
If it happens in an Airbnb, Vrbo, or “just a little guest house behind my cousin’s place,” and it smells like drama? I’m on it faster than a Facebook mom can say, “Not in this neighborhood.”
So grab your wine glass, put your security cams on high alert, and subscribe like your future 5-star rating depends on it.
Because if you’ve ever rented a house, cleaned up after someone else’s bachelorette party, or had to explain to a neighbor that no, those weren’t your goats—then darling, this is your people.
Stay tuned. Stay nosy. Staystra.
— Loretta May
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Loretta on the StaySTRA blog?
Loretta is a beloved voice on the StaySTRA blog who shares stories, advice, and commentary about the short-term rental industry with her signature Southern charm. Her posts blend humor with practical hosting insights, making complex industry topics approachable and entertaining. She has become a favorite among the StaySTRA community for her candid storytelling.
What topics does Loretta cover on StaySTRA?
Loretta writes about everything from wild guest stories and hosting mishaps to tax strategies and industry news. She is known for her reader mailbag columns, humorous takes on hosting challenges, and ability to make even dry regulatory topics engaging. Her Southern style brings warmth and personality to the short-term rental conversation.
What safety features does my Airbnb need?
At minimum, every STR needs working smoke detectors in each bedroom and hallway, a carbon monoxide detector on each floor, a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and a clearly posted emergency exit plan. Many jurisdictions also require exterior lighting, handrails on all stairs, and pool fencing if applicable. Airbnb requires hosts to confirm safety equipment in their listing.
How do I screen Airbnb guests to prevent problems?
Review guest profiles for identity verification, previous reviews from other hosts, and communication quality during the booking process. Many hosts require a minimum of one positive review before accepting bookings. Third-party screening tools like Autohost and Superhog can run automated background checks for higher-risk bookings.
Do short-term rentals drive up housing prices?
Research shows STRs have a measurable but relatively small impact on housing prices, typically estimated at 1% to 3% in most markets. The effect is more pronounced in small communities with limited housing supply. Other factors like construction costs, interest rates, zoning restrictions, and institutional investment have a much larger impact on housing affordability.
