Rental Platform Architecture

v1.0 | February 2026

Short-Term Rental Platform

A comprehensive, vendor-neutral architecture for property managers, hosts, and guests. Built with privacy-by-design, ethical AI, and global compliance.

Key Principles

Privacy by Design

GDPR/CCPA compliant with data minimization and consent-first approach.

Vendor Neutral

Multi-cloud ready with swappable components and open standards.

AI with Guardrails

Transparent, explainable AI with human oversight for all decisions.

Security First

Zero-trust architecture with encryption everywhere and audit logging.

Platform Overview

Platform Capabilities

Core Features
  • Listing Management
  • Booking Engine
  • Payment Processing
  • Guest Communications
  • Review System
  • Analytics Dashboard
AI/ML Features
  • Dynamic Pricing
  • Listing Optimizer
  • Smart Messaging
  • Demand Forecasting
  • Guest Screening
  • Review Analysis
Integrations
  • OTA Channels (Airbnb, VRBO)
  • PMS Systems
  • Smart Locks
  • Insurance Providers
  • Accounting Systems
Compliance
  • GDPR / CCPA
  • PCI DSS
  • Audit Logging
  • Consent Management
  • Data Subject Rights

MVP Timeline

P0
Foundation
8 weeks - Infra, Auth, Core API
P1
MVP Launch
12 weeks - Core Platform
P2
Growth
16 weeks - OTAs, Smart Locks
P3
Enterprise
20 weeks - API, PM Tools
P4
Platform
16 weeks - Marketplace

Architecture Documents

Complete documentation suite for engineering teams and stakeholders.

01

Architecture

High-level system design, data model, security architecture, and data flows.

System DesignSecurity
02

MVP Features

Core features, user stories with acceptance criteria, and success metrics.

ProductUser Stories
03

AI Features

AI capabilities, guardrails, consent requirements, and transparency rules.

AI/MLEthics
04

Tech Stack

Technology choices, vendor-neutral options, and non-functional requirements.

EngineeringNFRs
05

Roadmap

Phased development plan, milestones, timelines, and success criteria.

PlanningMilestones
06

Risks

Risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and monitoring requirements.

RiskCompliance
07

Data Models

Entity definitions with TypeScript types, relationships, and MVP backlog.

DatabaseBacklog
08

Constraints

Scope boundaries, assumptions, dependencies, and decision log.

ScopeDecisions

Technology Stack

Frontend

Next.js 14+
TypeScript
Tailwind CSS
shadcn/ui

Backend

Node.js 20+
Fastify
GraphQL Yoga
Drizzle ORM

Data

PostgreSQL 16+
Redis Cluster
Elasticsearch
S3-compatible

AI/ML

OpenAI / Anthropic
LiteLLM Gateway
XGBoost
Pinecone

User Roles

Guest

Books accommodations for short-term stays

  • Search properties
  • Book & pay
  • Message hosts
  • Leave reviews

Host

Lists and manages their own properties

  • Create listings
  • Manage calendar
  • Set pricing
  • Receive payouts

Property Manager

Manages multiple properties for owners

  • Portfolio view
  • Team management
  • Owner reporting
  • API access

Admin

Platform operations and moderation

  • User management
  • Content moderation
  • Analytics
  • Support tools

Technical Assets

Ready-to-use specifications and schemas for development.

OpenAPI Specification

/specs/openapi.yaml

Complete REST API specification with 30+ endpoints covering authentication, properties, bookings, payments, messaging, reviews, and AI features.

AuthenticationPropertiesBookingsPaymentsMessagesAI

PostgreSQL Schema

/database/schema.sql

Complete database schema with 15+ tables, enums, indexes, triggers, and seed data for roles. Includes PostGIS for geolocation.

UsersPropertiesBookingsPaymentsAudit LogsConsent