What if your Airbnb guest won’t leave?

An overstaying guest can quickly create legal and financial headaches if you don’t know your rights.

In this episode of STR Law, I’m joined by John Voss, with over 30 years representing property management companies and landlords in both residential and commercial cases. He explains the legal challenges that arise when short-term rental guests overstay, and how hosts can protect themselves from being pulled into landlord–tenant disputes.

What you’ll take away:

• Eviction vs. ejection: why the distinction matters for STRs

• What really happens when guests refuse to leave

• How landlord–tenant laws can affect short-term rentals

• The contract language that helps safeguard your property

• Practical steps hosts can take to stay compliant and reduce risk

🎙️ Stay ahead of the risks—discover how the right legal steps can protect your rental business.

#ShortTermRental #AirbnbHost #STRLaw #VacationRental #RentalProperty #PropertyManagement #RealEstateLaw #LandlordTenant

katiejohnsonplc.com

Taxes can make or break your short-term rental business, and most hosts are leaving thousands of dollars on the table.

In this episode, licensed CPA, Ryan Bakke, explains how Airbnb and vacation rental investors can use smart tax planning to keep more of what they earn. From bonus depreciation and cost segregation to entity structuring and the STR loophole, Ryan breaks down strategies in a way every host can understand:

• How the 2025 return of 100% bonus depreciation could unlock huge upfront tax savings

• The short-term rental loophole that allows you to offset W-2 income with STR losses

• Why most hosts should use LLCs (not S corps) to protect assets and avoid tax traps

• The truth about partnership deals and guaranteed loans—and who really gets the tax benefits

• What new tax law changes mean for STR hosts, from personal deductions to business planning

Want to learn more with Ryan with his real estate investment and tax-saving tips? Check out his podcast channel at The Ryan Bakke Show 🎙️

Get in touch with Katie through her website: katiejohnsonplc.com

#ShortTermRental #AirbnbHosting #TaxStrategy #VacationRentalInvesting #RealEstateTaxes #AirbnbTips #RentalIncomeProtection #TheRyanBakkeShow #STRLaw

In this episode of STR Law, Attorney Katie Johnson sits down with Arizona realtor and attorney Mike Stone to explore his journey to real estate, property management, and short-term rental entrepreneurship. We dig into:

• How Mike transitioned from litigation and insurance defense to Airbnb investing

• The lessons learned (and money lost) from arbitrage deals — and why he now champions co-hosting

• Smart strategies for negotiating with property owners and protecting yourself with contracts

• The process of selling a property management company and structuring clean, fair deals

• The growing opportunity of fractional real estate and luxury short-term rentals in Arizona

From contracts to co-hosting, Mike’s journey offers practical takeaways for anyone looking to grow and protect their short-term rental business.

🎙️ Don’t miss this episode—gain the legal and business insights every short-term rental host needs to stay competitive and protected.

#ShortTermRentals #AirbnbHosts #STRInvesting #VacationRentalTips #PropertyManagement #STRLawPodcast #RealEstateInvesting

Short-term rentals are booming, but one wrong insurance move can sink your business. In this episode of STR Law, I sit down with Nick Massey from Proper Insurance—the “Lamborghini of STR insurance”—to unpack how hosts can avoid costly mistakes.

We cover:

• Why most homeowners and landlord policies won’t protect you as a host

• The #1 pool and hot tub requirements you can’t ignore

• What really happens when a guest gets injured (from cliff falls to carbon monoxide claims)

• How LLCs, waivers, and safety measures strengthen your defense

• The truth about umbrellas, riders, and liability limits

Nick shares real-life cases—including a $2M cliff fall, a celebrity CO poisoning, and even bat-related rabies shots—that highlight why the right insurance is non-negotiable for hosts.

🎙️ If you’re a host, investor, or property manager, this episode is a must-listen to protect your rental business, your guests, and your peace of mind.

🔗 Learn more about Proper Insurance at www.proper.insure

#ShortTermRental #AirbnbHost #VacationRental #STRLaw #ProperInsurance #AirbnbTips #VacationRentalHost #RentalProperty #HostTips #AirbnbLife #RealEstateInvesting #VacationRentalTips #AirbnbCommunity #PropertyManagement #AirbnbSuccess

In this eye-opening episode of STR Law, attorney and Airbnb investor Katie Johnson sits down with short-term rental safety expert Justin Ford of Breezeway to break down what may be the largest jury verdict ever involving a short-term rental — a staggering $11.6 million.

We dig deep into the case details:

• The incident that led to a guest’s life-changing injury

• The safety oversights and legal missteps that proved costly

• How the absence of proper signage, LLC protection, and tailored rental agreements played a role

• Why “duty of care” isn’t just a buzzword — it’s your legal lifeline

• The most common STR claims (slip-and-falls, pool drownings, fire hazards) and how to prevent them

Whether you’re a seasoned STR owner, property manager, or new investor, this episode is packed with real-world lessons to protect your property, your guests, and your business.

🎧 Listen now to learn how to keep your rentals safe, compliant, and lawsuit-resistant.

#ShortTermRentals #AirbnbHosts #STRInvesting #VacationRentalTips #PropertyManagement #SafetyFirst #STRLawPodcast

Are you confident about your lake access rights? Do you really know where your property line ends? In this episode of STR Law, real estate attorney Adam Toosley of Thompson Coburn LLP joins us to demystify some of the most misunderstood—and litigated—aspects of property ownership.

With over 20 years of real estate litigation experience, Adam explains key legal concepts like adverse possession, easements, and riparian rights in plain English. You'll hear how everyday features like an old footpath or misplaced fence can turn into high-stakes legal battles—and what you can do to protect your short-term rental investment.

Whether you're already managing a lakefront rental or thinking about buying one, this episode is packed with practical legal insight to help you steer clear of costly mistakes.

Tune in, lawyer up, and learn how to protect what’s yours.

Key Topics Covered:

• Adverse possession and boundary disputes

• Lake access rights specific to Michigan

• Why a professional property survey is worth every penny

• Legal tips for avoiding property line headaches

• • Protecting your STR investment with smart legal steps

  Contact Adam:

  https://www.thompsoncoburn.com/people/adam-c-toosley/

  Schedule a call with Katie:

  https://calendly.com/katiejohnsonplc/15-minute-consultation

  
  

  #RealEstateLaw #PropertyRights #ShortTermRentals #STRInvesting #RealEstateAttorney #LakefrontProperty #PropertyDisputes #AdversePossession #Easements #RiparianRights #LegalTips #RealEstateInvesting #KnowYourRights #STRLawPodcast #RealEstateLitigation #LakeAccess #MichiganRealEstate #VacationRentalTips #InvestorEducation #ProtectYourInvestment

  
  

Thinking about buying a short-term rental in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association (HOA)? You need to listen to this first. In this episode of STR Law, we sit down with one of the nation’s top HOA attorneys, Kevin Hirzel of Hirzel Law, PLC, to break down everything short-term rental (STR) investors must know before purchasing property in an HOA-governed community.

We dive deep into:
✔️ The real power HOAs have to restrict or ban short-term rentals
✔️ What to look for in the HOA’s bylaws, CC&Rs, and meeting minutes
✔️ How and when HOAs can amend rules—and whether you’re protected
✔️ The difference between HOA restrictions and municipal zoning laws
✔️ How to spot red flags before you buy
✔️ What legal options you have if your STR is suddenly targeted
✔️ Real-world case studies of HOAs cracking down on rental investors

Kevin Hirzel brings a wealth of experience as the Managing Member of Hirzel Law, a Michigan-based law firm that exclusively handles condominium and HOA law. With a national reputation for representing both associations and homeowners in high-stakes litigation, Kevin has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, FOX News, and Detroit Free Press. He also serves as a board member for CAI and teaches continuing legal education on HOA topics.

Whether you’re a seasoned STR investor or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you stay legally compliant and avoid devastating HOA surprises.

Want to talk to Kevin? https://hirzellaw.com/

Want to book a call with Katie - book your free consultation https://calendly.com/katiejohnsonplc/15-minute-consultation

Keywords: HOA and short-term rentals, STR investor tips, Kevin Hirzel HOA attorney, Homeowners Association podcast, HOA bylaws STR, investing in HOA property, short-term rental restrictions, STR law podcast, real estate investing and HOAs, legal advice for Airbnb investors

Katie brings land-use litigator Kyle Konwinski onto STR Law to unpack the blockbuster lawsuit that forced the City of Northville, Michigan, to reopen its two main downtown streets—just in time for local businesses to survive the summer. Spoiler: Kyle’s clients won.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How COVID-era “temporary” street closures morphed into a permanent May-through-November shutdown that gutted weekday foot traffic and slashed some store revenues by 75 percent.

• Why Kyle organized 700+ owners and residents into a nonprofit, “Let’s Open Northville,” to pool funds and gain standing for injunctive relief instead of damages.

• The legal playbook:

  • Platted-street rights—owners in a recorded plat hold a private, perpetual right to vehicular access.

  • Takings and ADA claims that amplified pressure on the city.

• Trial highlights: historian testimony proving the 1840 plat, before-and-after revenue data, and the election of pro-reopening councilmember Laura Genitti.

• Key takeaway for STR hosts and investors: when a municipality overreaches—whether it’s a street closure or an STR ban—banding together through a nonprofit can level the field and produce real wins.

  
  

  Kyle Konwinski, Partner at Varnum LLP
  P 616/336-6894

  kpkonwinski@varnumlaw.com

• Resources & Next Steps

• • Follow @KatieTheReAttorney on Instagram for extra clips and case updates.
  • Love the show? Leave a rating and share with a fellow host.
• • Need a free consultation? Schedule a call with Katie