Why should I join a national STR association?

6 reasons why you should join a national STR association.

Why are associations vital to our industry?

By joining your national STR association, you’re not just protecting your own property—you’re helping shape the future of short-term rentals for everyone. Together, we can ensure that hosting stays fair, safe, and accessible. Simply Owners are members of most of the major associations to find out crucial information on your behalf and pass on important information in our newsletters, but we always recommend that you join your local association. 

 

✔️ Unites a Fragmented Industry

When STR owners work together under one umbrella, the industry speaks with one voice—essential in pushing back against harmful or overreaching regulations.
 

✔️ Promotes Responsible Hosting

Associations set industry standards that elevate hosting practices and help preserve neighbourhood relationships.
 

✔️ Builds Public Trust

A well-organized industry association improves public perception of STRs, helping to mitigate hostility and misinformation.
 

✔️ Encourages Fair Regulation

Instead of facing outright bans, association-backed STRs advocate for reasonable rules—like safety inspections, guest caps, and tax remittance—balancing neighbourhood concerns with owner rights.

What associations exist?

CountryAssociationWebsite

UK


 

PASC - Professional Association of Self-Caterers

ASSC - Association of Scottish Self-Caterers

STAA - Short-Term Accommodation Association


 

PASC

ASSC

UKSTAA.org


 

USA

Rent Responsibly

VRMA - Vacation Rental Management Association

RentResponsibly.org

VRMA

 


If you'd like other associations listing here, let us know.

 

Six reasons to join an STR association

1. Advocacy & Representation

2. Legal & Regulatory Guidance

3. Credibility & Trust

4. Education & Training

5. Networking & Community

6. Discounts & Perks

1. Advocacy & Representation

STR associations lobby on your behalf at the local, county, and national levels.
 

They protect your right to rent through advocacy efforts aimed at fair regulation.
 

You gain a seat at the table when new law changes are being discussed.

 

They discuss statutory regulations with government before they are implemented and lobby for/against these on your behalf.

2. Legal & Regulatory Guidance

Stay up to date on changing laws, permits, and compliance requirements.
 

Access expert legal advice and best practices for handling disputes, taxes, insurance, and inspections.
 

Many associations publish legal toolkits, sample lease agreements, or can provide referrals to STR-savvy attorneys.

Legal Precedence & Support

STR associations often file amicus briefs in legal battles that affect host rights (e.g., zoning restrictions, tax classifications, licensing requirements).
They track key court cases and share updates and summaries that impact the STR landscape.
Some associations engage in coalition-building with homeowner associations, business groups, and travel industry leaders to challenge unfair laws.
Members often get access to sample legal templates, compliance checklists, and connections to legal professionals.

3. Credibility & Trust

Association membership shows guests, neighbors, and regulators that you're committed to responsible hosting.
 

Some associations offer a code of conduct or host certification programs that build trust and legitimacy.

4. Education & Training

Access webinars, masterclasses, and workshops on everything from pricing strategy to guest communication and regulatory compliance.
 

Stay informed about market trends, tax law changes, and emerging technologies in the STR space.

5. Networking & Community

Connect with other owners, property managers, legal experts, and STR advocates.
 

Exchange ideas, troubleshoot common issues, and build partnerships.
 

Access private online forums, regional meetups, or national conferences.

6. Discounts & Perks

Members often get discounts on STR tools and services like insurance, dynamic pricing platforms, cleaning, property management software, etc.