ABOUT THE MINNESOTA SHORT-TERM RENTAL ASSOCIATION
Join Today
Our Mission
MNSTRA unites and amplifies the voices of Minnesota’s short-term rental community. Through advocacy, education, and connection, we help our members stay informed, protect their right to rent, and strengthen the future of short-term rentals in our state.
SUBSCRIBE FOR UPDATES
What We Do
Community
The Minnesota Short-Term Rental Alliance (MNSTRA) unites hosts, property managers, and industry partners from across the state to ensure a fair and sustainable future for short-term rentals. We give Minnesota’s STR community a collective voice with policymakers, regulators, and the public.
Advocacy
Through advocacy, we work to protect the right to responsibly operate short-term rentals while promoting balanced regulations that benefit both hosts and communities. MNSTRA represents hosts at the state and local levels, helping shape policies that keep our industry strong and fair.
Education
We also focus on education and connection—offering resources, webinars, and networking opportunities that help members stay informed and engaged. By building relationships and sharing knowledge, we empower Minnesota’s short-term rental community to thrive together.
Meet the board
David Leidl, President
David is a dynamic, energetic leader who cut his teeth in his family’s restaurant before attending the University of Notre Dame. He took over restaurant operations, became a co-owner and opened a 2nd restaurant location in Bemidji. After selling both restaurants in 2021, David entered the STR industry and served as the Managing Director for Woods to Water Vacation. Now, David is a Realtor, specializing in STRs, helping clients achieve their real estate goals through STR investments.
Lance Bondhus, Board Member
Lance Bondhus – President, MINNeSTAY
Lance Bondhus is the founder and president of MINNeSTAY, a Twin Cities–based vacation rental management company that has grown into one of Minnesota’s most recognized brands in the short-term rental space. With a background in real estate, property management, and hospitality, Lance launched MINNeSTAY to meet the growing demand for professionalized management in the rapidly evolving short-term rental industry. Today, the company manages a diverse portfolio of homes, cabins, and condos across the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro and greater Minnesota, serving both property owners and guests with a focus on quality, consistency, and local expertise.
Under Lance’s leadership, MINNeSTAY has built long-standing partnerships with homeowners while creating exceptional travel experiences for guests. He has been a vocal advocate for responsible hosting, working to balance community concerns with industry best practices. By integrating technology, hospitality standards, and thoughtful guest services, Lance has positioned MINNeSTAY as a leader in professional property management while maintaining a commitment to local character and sustainable growth.
As a member of the Minnesota Short-Term Rental Alliance (MNSTRA) board and a supporter of Rent Responsibly, Lance brings his experience navigating local regulations, building strong operational teams, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. His passion lies in ensuring that short-term rentals remain a positive force in Minnesota communities—driving tourism, supporting local businesses, and providing property owners with fair opportunities to participate in the sharing economy.
Lance lives in Minnesota with his family and continues to champion the future of responsible, professionally managed short-term rentals in the state.
Jake Zoesch, Board Member
Jake Zoesch is the co-founder of Cuyuna Cabin Collection, a growing portfolio of modern short-term rentals in Crosby, Minnesota. With a background in real estate investing, Jake has successfully built, renovated, and managed multiple properties, combining hands-on development experience with a sharp business and marketing strategy.
Through Cuyuna Cabin Collection, Jake and his wife Meghan focus on more than just lodging, they create true guest experiences. Each property is designed with thoughtful amenities, luxury finishes, and exceptional customer service, ensuring every stay feels memorable and personal.
Jake is also an active member of MNSTRA, where he’s excited to connect with and support others in the short-term rental industry.
Denise Schultz, Board Member
As Managing Director at Woods to Water Vacation Homes, I bring over 30 years of leadership experience in luxury hospitality, sales, and marketing. My career has spanned world-class hotels and resorts, where I’ve focused on building high-performing teams, creating memorable guest experiences, and driving sustainable growth.
Before joining Woods to Water, I held senior roles with iconic brands including Grand View Lodge in Northern Minnesota, Marriott Luxury Hotels, and Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants in Chicago and Atlanta. Originally from Minnesota, I returned home after 25 years away, bringing a lifetime of hospitality experience that began with internships at area resorts.
In my current role, I focus on growing our portfolio, creating revenue streams for our owners, and curating premier vacation experiences in the Brainerd Lakes Area — balancing operational excellence with personalized service that makes each stay unforgettable.
Outside of work, I enjoy golf, travel, hiking, and volunteering with Lakes Area Heroes, supporting those who serve our community.
Steve Surbaugh, Board Member
Steve has been involved in short term rentals for nearly 30 years and has been the founder/owner/operator of Cascade Vacation Rentals in Lutsen, Minnesota since 2004. Steve loves innovation, is motivated by fresh ways of thinking and views every opportunity as a chance to learn. He has an uncanny way with numbers combined with the unique ability to make quick and sound decisions. Steve is dedicated to making the companies and organizations he works with healthy and vibrant by empowering and encouraging his staff to fulfill their dreams and reach their fullest potential. This dedication is also manifested by sharing his time and talents serving on a variety of board of directors including Lloyd K Johnson Foundation, Grand Marais State Bank, and other local organizations. He believes strongly in giving back to his community in order to make it vibrant and healthy.
FAQs
Is there a statewide licensing requirement to operate a short-term rental in Minnesota?
Yes. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) requires a Lodging License if your room or unit is rented for a period of 7 days or less. You’ll also need to check with your county, township, or city for any additional local requirements.
How can I best support the mission of MNSTRA?
Become a member! Your dues help support our work to advocate, educate, and connect the Minnesota short-term rental community. Together, we’re stronger and more effective in protecting fair, responsible hosting across the state.
Do you offer support to help advocate locally?
Yes. We encourage hosts to reach out and share local concerns. MNSTRA can provide guidance, resources, and—when possible—attend local government meetings to represent your community’s voice.
How does MNSTRA track regulations on a local level and across the state?
We use specialized monitoring software that searches online for STR-related keywords, helping us stay informed on local and statewide policy discussions.
Because Minnesota has many small towns and jurisdictions, we also rely on Local Ambassadors to help us stay up to date on proposed regulatory changes.
How do I become a Local Ambassador?
Our Local Ambassadors play a vital role in proactive advocacy across Minnesota. If you’re interested in representing your area, send us a message—we’d love to have you join our growing network of community leaders.