The short-term rental industry is entering a more demanding phase. In 2026, performance will be defined by execution, discipline, and decision-making under pressure.

In this solo episode, Simon Lehmann outlines what professional operators must change, what they must stop doing, and where time and capital should be focused to protect margin and build durable businesses.

The 6 Decisions Shaping STR Performance in 2026

Quality of earnings – Why unit-level profitability matters more than portfolio growth.
Pricing – How pricing shifts from a tactical tool to a leadership strategy.
Operations – Why friction, not branding, defines trust and long-term value.
Regulation – The transition from headline risk to enforcement and professionalism.
Risk and insurance – How liability, safety, and preparedness are being repriced.
Distribution – Why controlled exposure replaces maximum exposure in a changing discovery landscape.

FOUNDING SPONSORS

Founding PMS Partner, eviivo.

eviivo Suite centralizes booking management, payments, automation, and OTA connectivity for 28,000 accommodation providers.

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Founding Operations Partner, Breezeway.

Breezeway brings operational workflows, service execution, and standards together in one platform for hospitality operators.

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Founding RMS Partner, PriceLabs.

PriceLabs centralizes automated pricing and market intelligence for property managers operating at scale

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Founding Insurance Partner, Pikl.

Pikl enables insurance-powered flexible cancellation and new revenue models for short-term rental operators.

👉 Know more about Pikl here

Resources

AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry.
Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/]

Stay connected:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O
Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts
Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/