Short-Term Rentals (STRs) in Student Housing

📝 Episode Summary:

In this special Lunch and Learn edition of the Student Housing Insight podcast, Wes Deese discusses the growing trend of using short-term rentals (STRs)—such as Airbnb and VRBO—as a strategy to offset vacancy in student housing. Featuring insights from Mickey Kropf of Vector Travel and Pam West of Campus Advantage, this session explores how STRs can be successfully integrated into student properties, the regulatory landscape, operational logistics, safety protocols, insurance, financial models, and ideal markets.

Whether you're new to STRs or looking to refine your implementation, this episode delivers practical advice and first-hand experiences to help student housing operators make informed decisions.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00:00 – Introduction and background on STRs in student housing

00:01:00 – Vector Travel’s role in managing student housing STRs

 00:02:00 – Wes shares personal experience using STRs during high vacancy

 00:03:00 – National leasing trends and challenges in 2025

00:04:00 – How Vector helped address occupancy gaps

00:05:00 – Guest introductions: Mickey Kropf and Pam West

00:06:00 – Mickey’s background and Vector’s student housing focus

00:07:00 – Pam’s experience managing STR assets with Vector

00:08:00 – What qualifies as a short-term rental legally?

00:09:00 – Midterm stays and platforms like Furnish Finder

00:10:00 – Navigating STR regulations and city-specific overlays

00:12:00 – Example: Charleston, SC regulatory framework

00:13:00 – Safety and preventing parties in STR units

00:14:00 – Noise monitoring, guest screening, and onsite team collaboration

00:15:00 – Insurance and liability for STR units

00:17:00 – Advertising STRs as an amenity to residents and families

00:18:00 – Lessons from Adobe Center in Austin, TX

00:19:00 – Operational logistics: cleaning, guest comms, and maintenance

00:21:00 – Why property teams should not DIY STR management

 00:22:00 – Corporate and site-level collaboration for success

00:24:00 – Marketing to residents and their families

00:25:00 – Accounting, taxes, and financial reporting of STR income

00:27:00 – Revenue share vs. guaranteed income models

 00:29:00 – Risk mitigation and flexibility in contract models

00:30:00 – Ideal student markets for STRs

00:31:00 – Real-life examples: Eugene, Missoula, Waco, and more

00:33:00 – Exit strategies and using STRs as temporary solutions

 00:35:00 – Wrapping up and future SHI events

🔗 Referenced Sources & Links:

Vector Travel: https://vectorstays.com

Student Housing Insight (Events Page): https://studenthousinginsight.com/events

Charleston STR Regulations: https://www.charleston-sc.gov/shortte...

Doby Center (Adobe Center) History Episode: Previously mentioned SHI podcast episode featuring Bill Bayless

QR Code: http://www.vectorstays.com/SHI