All Forum Posts by: Josh Sedivy

Depreciation follows ownership, not an informal agreement. You can't reassign tax benefits after filing. To split depreciation differently, you need a legal partnership with proper allocations and tax filings. Best move is to talk to a CPA and consider forming an LLC or partnership before closing.

We're still focused on short stays. That’s what works best in our market. Short stays keep our pricing strong, especially around weekends and events.

You’re not alone, this is a common challenge for hosts. Set clear, friendly expectations from the start, keep good documentation, and don’t hesitate to enforce your policies calmly. Staying professional goes a long way, most guests respond well when treated with respect.

Thanks for sharing this. Airbnb’s decision to restrict the collection of security deposits is a significant change, especially for hosts like you who have relied on it for peace of mind. It can be challenging when the platform makes changes that feel like they limit your control. However, it’s clear that you’re an experienced and thoughtful host, and with a few proactive adjustments, you can still put strong safeguards in place.
We usually use Safely, which might help you too, as it provides additional protection beyond Airbnb’s coverage. Also, vetting guests thoroughly before accepting bookings can add an extra layer of security.

It sounds like you had an unfortunate situation, but you’re right to approach it thoughtfully.

Backyard neighbors & sirens: This is tough, but it might be helpful to mention in your listing if the area can be noisy, especially during certain times of day.

As for the refund, if the guest contacts Airbnb, they might ask for compensation. If that happens, just explain the situation honestly. Typically, we proactively let guests know that if they decide to leave early, we can open up the calendar and offer a refund if the dates are rebooked.

For a 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom short-term rental in Texas, your monthly cleaning and maintenance costs can vary depending on several factors such as the level of service, and the quality of the professionals you hire. As for home warranties, they can be useful for major breakdowns but have limitations like service fees and exclusions.

We use Safely for insurance which have coverage for damages, and helps protect the property.

The Ring Video Doorbell is a good choice for front entry monitoring. It offers HD video, two-way audio, and motion detection. You’ll get notifications on your phone whenever there’s activity.

When setting up your STR, it's not just about having the right people in place, it's about setting the right expectations. Start with a solid guest experience plan. Think about check-in and check-out times, how you'll manage guest inquiries, and whether you want to implement self-check-in with a smart lock. Also, consider adding personal touches that make your place stand out, like a welcome guide or local recommendations for guests. Having systems in place early for guest communication and cleaning schedules can help prevent stress later. And don't forget, having a backup cleaner or handyman on standby can be a lifesaver when unexpected issues pop up.

Welcome, and good choice with Laguna Beach. It’s a solid short-term rental area with strong demand. Since you're getting started, make sure to get the right licenses.

For vendors, local STR Facebook groups are helpful. You can also consider asking for recommendations from local property management companies or checking with other property owners in the area.

Welcome, and good choice with Laguna Beach. It’s a solid short-term rental area with strong demand. Since you're getting started, make sure to get the right licenses.

For vendors, local STR Facebook groups are helpful. You can also consider asking for recommendations from local property management companies or checking with other property owners in the area.