PriceLabs Survey: 58% of Small STR Hosts Now Use AI, Up From 14%

AI use among small short-term rental hosts has jumped. A PriceLabs survey finds 58% now use AI to manage their listings, up from 14% in 2025.

What hosts use it for

Hosts mostly use AI to draft guest messages and listing descriptions and to analyse market data. Growth plans line up with adoption: 45% of current AI users expect to add properties in the next 12 months, against 32% of all respondents. PriceLabs co-founder Richie Khandelwal said: "Admin and guest communication still take up most of a host's week."

Mood and worries

Regulation is the only business concern that grew. 53% worry that local STR rules will hurt revenue, up from 48%. Worry about negative reviews fell from 71% to 56%, and about finding cleaners from 49% to 38%. Half of hosts worry about not earning enough, down from 55%. Only 41% expect 2026 to beat 2025, down from 51%, while 19% expect a worse year, up from 12%. The share calling AI and technology overwhelming fell from 43% to 26%.

Platforms and direct booking

97% of respondents use Airbnb, which averages 4.1 out of 5 for satisfaction. 73% believe booking platforms favour guests over hosts. A direct booking website is the top investment priority at 33%, ahead of smart home technology (23%) and market data (21%). 89% plan to spend the same or more on their direct site next year.

There are regional gaps. 70% of Latin American hosts struggle to fill gaps between bookings, compared with 43% in North America and 30% in Europe. 60% of Latin American hosts plan to add properties, against 37% in Europe and 34% in North America.

Read it with care

PriceLabs surveyed 1,203 hosts in 72 countries via Pollfish in July and August 2026. All manage one to four properties, so this says little about professional managers. PriceLabs also sells pricing software, which gives it an interest in showing technology adoption.

The takeaway for small hosts is that AI for messaging and listings is now normal, and a direct booking site is where many plan to put their money next.