Managing a rental property can be a time-consuming and stressful endeavor, especially for hosts who have multiple properties or are located in another city or country. By partnering with a professional Airbnb management company, hosts can rest easy knowing that their properties are in good hands.
An Airbnb rental management company can handle every aspect of the rental process, from creating and managing listings to guest communication, cleaning and maintenance, and financial management. But with so many out there, it can be difficult to know where to start.
In this article, we’ll discuss the key services they provide and the benefits of using a professional management company for Airbnb. We’ll also offer tips for choosing the right one for your business needs and share 10 examples of the best Airbnb property management companies around the world.
Don’t see the form to download the Vacation Rental Property Management Agreement? Click here.
What is Airbnb property management?
Managing an Airbnb property can take a lot of time and energy due to the variety of tasks involved in running and growing your business. From everyday routine tasks, such as replacing the bed sheets, to business development tasks, like marketing and advertising your website, there’s a lot to deal with. So much so that Airbnb property management has become a job on its own.
In general, property management is a professional service that involves overseeing the operations of real estate properties, including residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Airbnb property management involves all of the tasks necessary to ensure that your property is ready to host guests and that those guests have a positive experience. Although traditional property management companies have been around for a long time, the recent rise in OTAs has created new challenges in terms of managing vacation rentals.
What does an Airbnb property manager actually do?
Airbnb has revolutionized the hospitality industry, allowing people to rent out their homes, apartments, or spare rooms to guests looking for a unique and local experience. However, managing an Airbnb property can be tricky. This is where Airbnb property managers come in.
Of course, every Airbnb management company is different, and the specific services they offer may vary; however, typically, property managers will take over the running of the vacation rental and be trusted to handle the following tasks:
Create and optimize your listing
Creating a compelling listing that showcases your property’s features and amenities is crucial for attracting guests. An Airbnb management company can help you optimize your listing, including adding high-quality photos and a detailed description of your property to ensure that it gets seen by as many potential guests as possible.
Marketing and advertising are also part of an Airbnb property manager’s role. They can promote the property through various channels, including managing your property on an array of platforms and OTAs, as well as social media. By maximizing exposure, property managers can attract more bookings and increase your revenue.
Pricing strategy
Determining the optimal nightly rate for your property can be challenging, as it depends on factors such as location, seasonality, and demand. Putting this into the hands of your PM means they can monitor the local rental market and adjust pricing based on supply and demand, maximizing your revenue.
Guest communication and turnovers
Communicating with guests before, during, and after their stay is essential for ensuring a positive guest experience. An Airbnb management company can handle all guest communication on your behalf, including responding to inquiries, coordinating check-ins and check-outs, and handling any issues that arise during a guest’s stay.
In addition, property managers will answer questions, provide information, and ensure that guests have everything they need.
Cleaning and maintenance
Don’t feel like making the bed every day? Keeping your property clean and well-maintained is crucial for guest satisfaction. Property managers can coordinate cleaning and maintenance services, including the restocking of supplies, to ensure that your property is always ready for guests.
Customer support
If you’re tired of receiving calls from guests during the night about a lightbulb that needs replacing, then an Airbnb management company can provide 24/7 support to guests, ensuring that they have a positive experience without you having to answer the phone.
Local laws and regulations
Finally, an Airbnb property manager ensures that the property complies with all legal and regulatory requirements. They stay up to date on local laws and regulations related to short-term rentals, such as zoning laws and safety regulations. Property managers also handle tax compliance and ensure that the property owner is meeting all necessary obligations.
Do I really need an Airbnb property manager?
You might be wondering if you even need a property manager to help you manage your Airbnb. Well, the short answer is: it depends on your situation.
Hiring an Airbnb property manager can be an excellent way to take the hassle out of managing your short-term rental properties. However, you should identify your business needs before you decide to hire one to ensure that you choose the right company for your specific situation.
Consider the size of your property, the type of guests you want to attract, and the level of service you require. Having a clear idea of your needs will help you narrow down your options and find a property manager that fits your requirements.
Alternatively, if you’re someone who values control over your property or wants to save on management fees, managing your own rental may be a better option. Ultimately, the decision to hire a property manager comes down to your individual and business needs and preferences.
So, what are the pros and cons of hiring an Airbnb property manager?
If you are considering working with an Airbnb property manager but are still undecided, then to help you make an informed decision, let’s take a look at the key pros and cons of doing so.
The good things
Take a seat and relax!
Managing an Airbnb rental is a very time-consuming task. From responding to guest inquiries to cleaning the property between guests, there’s a lot to do. Hiring a property manager can help you save time by handling all of these tasks for you.
Enhance guest experiences
An Airbnb property manager can help ensure that your guests have a great experience while staying at your property. They can take care of any issues during their stay and ensure the property is clean and well-maintained.
Boost your bookings
An Airbnb property manager can help you increase your bookings by optimizing your listing and pricing strategies. They can also help you market your property to potential guests.
Stay on the right side of the law
A property manager can help you stay in compliance with local laws and regulations. They can also help you navigate any legal issues that arise during the rental process.
Be front of the queue for professional services
A property manager can connect you with professional cleaning services, maintenance companies, and other service providers to help keep your property in top condition.
The not-so-great things
It’s not cheap!
Hiring a property manager can be expensive, and it’s important to factor in their fees when deciding whether to hire one. Property management fees typically range from 20-30% of the rental income.
Lack of control
When you hire a property manager, you’re giving up some control over your rental property. They’ll be making decisions on your behalf, and you may not always agree with their choices.
Finding the one takes time!
Not all property managers are created equal, and finding the right one for your property can be a challenge. It’s important to do your research and find a property manager who has experience managing Airbnb rentals and a good track record.
How much do Airbnb management companies charge?
As an Airbnb host, you may have thought about hiring a property manager to help you with the day-to-day operations of your rental property. However, perhaps your budget is an obstacle when it comes to considering working with one.
The cost of hiring a property manager for your Airbnb varies depending on several factors, including the size and location of your property, the level of service you require, and the experience of the property management company. On average, property management companies charge between 20-30% of the rental income to manage a property. However, some companies may charge a flat monthly fee or a percentage of the net revenue.
The number of services you need can also affect the cost of hiring a property manager. Some companies offer a full-service management package that includes everything from listing and marketing your property to cleaning and maintenance, while others offer a la carte services that allow you to choose only the services you need. A full-service management package will typically cost more than a la carte services, but it can be more convenient and save you time and effort.
The experience and reputation of the property management company can also affect the cost of hiring a property manager for your Airbnb. Established and reputable companies with a track record of success may charge more for their services, but they may also provide a higher level of service and peace of mind knowing that your property is in good hands.
Another factor that can affect the cost of hiring a property manager is the location of your property. If your property is located in a popular tourist destination, the demand for property management services may be higher, and the cost may be higher as a result. Conversely, if your property is located in a less popular destination, the demand for property management services may be lower, and the cost may be lower as well.
How do you hire the best property manager for your property?
Look for companies with experience in your area
Different regions and cities have different regulations, rental markets, and demographics. You want to find a property management company that has experience working in your specific area, so they have the knowledge and expertise to maximize your rental income and handle any local challenges or issues that may arise.
Compare services and fees
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, compare the services and fees of each company. Look for a company that offers a comprehensive range of services that meet your needs, and make sure their fees are reasonable and competitive. Be wary of companies that charge very low fees, as this may indicate poor service or hidden fees.
Read reviews and testimonials
One of the best ways to gauge the quality of a property management company is to check their online reviews and ratings. Websites like Google, Yelp, and Facebook offer customer reviews that can give you insight into the experiences of other property owners who have worked with the company. Look for companies with high ratings and positive reviews, and take note of any common complaints or issues.
Ask for referrals
Word-of-mouth recommendations can be invaluable when it comes to finding a reliable property management company. Reach out to other property owners in your network and ask for their recommendations. Ask about their experiences with different companies and whether they would recommend them.
Check credentials and licenses
Make sure that any property management company you are considering is licensed and accredited by the relevant authorities. Check their website and marketing materials for information on their certifications, professional affiliations, and industry memberships.
Schedule a consultation
Before making a final decision, schedule a consultation with the property management company to ask questions, discuss your needs and goals, and get a sense of their communication style and responsiveness. A good property management company should be willing to answer all your questions and provide a customized plan for managing your rental property.
10 of the best management companies in North America and Europe
Whether you’re a small business owner or manage multiple rentals, having a management company you can rely on is important. So, if you’re looking for a management company to take your business to the next level, check out our list of 10 of the best Airbnb management companies from North America and Europe.
We have chosen the following companies because they have proven themselves to be leaders in the vacation rental industry, and they all have a track record of driving growth and achieving results for their clients.
Casago
Casago is a vacation rental and property management franchise company that has more than 50 locations across the United States and Mexico. With two decades of experience in the industry, the company has consistently been rated as one of the top performers since 2001. All Casago locations are independently owned and operated, ensuring guests and homeowners receive the highest level of attention and service.
Awning
Awning is a comprehensive Airbnb property management firm that equips property owners with all the essential resources to maintain a vacation rental property. In comparison to other firms on the roster, Awning is reputed for its high availability, competitive rates, and superior reviews. The company’s rates begin at 15% of the generated revenue, and property owners must authorize any additional costs exceeding $250. Awning differs from many other Airbnb property management firms in that it forwards the earnings to the host and issues a bill for the charges.
SkyRun
SkyRun vacation rentals, established in 2004, is a property management firm that operates throughout the U.S., managing over 900 properties. SkyRun’s rental fee is 15% of the rental income, although this rate may vary based on the location. There are no undisclosed or additional charges for start-up, onboarding, or ongoing services.
Evolve
With Evolve, you can receive assistance primarily in marketing your property, filling up your booking calendar, and offering round-the-clock support to your guests. Boasting a vast portfolio of over 14,000 properties worldwide, Evolve stands out with its competitive pricing, charging only 10% of your Airbnb revenue as its fee.
Onefinestay
With 5,000 upscale properties under its management in popular vacation spots across Europe, Onefinestay is among the biggest holiday rental management firms. To deliver exceptional customer service, the company assigns a team of local experts and a designated Account Manager to handle each property.
Yonder
Yonder, a firm specializing in managing luxury vacation rental properties, oversees a portfolio of 200 diverse properties in North Carolina, ranging from charming cabins to grand estate homes. Despite the seemingly modest number, their listings cater to affluent travelers due to their high-end nature.
Awaze
Awaze is a leading European vacation rental property management company with a portfolio of 110,000 properties across 36 countries. The company, which has been in operation for 30 years, owns several prominent brands, such as James Villa Holidays, Novasol, Hoseasons, and Cottages.com, which are steadily expanding.
AvantStay
Based in the U.S., AvantStay is a property management firm that provides comprehensive services that maximize bookings, on-site management, and guest satisfaction. Their pricing is relatively high compared to other Airbnb management companies, ranging from 25% to 40% of your monthly Airbnb revenue. Note that the property management fee does not cover restocking supplies, repairing damaged items, or replacing linens.
Due to its focus on large and high-end rental properties, AvantStay may not be the best choice for beginners.
Vacasa
Founded in 2009, Vacasa operates in the US, Mexico, Canada, and Costa Rica, providing a comprehensive alternative to Evolve for Airbnb hosts. With its full-service offering, Vacasa handles all aspects of property management, from managing payments to cleaning and maintenance. Vacasa’s pricing structure is clear-cut, with homeowners paying a single, agreed-upon fee for all services. This amount is based on various factors, such as location, number of bedrooms, guest amenities, weather, historical trends, and local events.
Houst
Houst (formerly known as Airsorted) is among the largest European companies that manage short-term rentals. They offer a complete range of management services for vacation rentals, including taking professional photographs of the property, housekeeping, and maintenance. The commissions for their services commence at 12% of each booking.
Key takeaways
Hiring an Airbnb management company for your vacation rental can be a wise investment. It allows you to avoid doing daily time-consuming tasks, and you have access to expert knowledge and guidance on a variety of vacation rental concepts.
While there is a cost associated with hiring an Airbnb management company, the potential return on investment in terms of time, stress reduction, and increased bookings and revenue can make it well worth the expense. Ultimately, the decision to hire a management company should be based on your specific needs and priorities as a vacation rental owner.
And what if I decide against it?
Well, that’s no problem! Luckily, there are several alternatives to consider that can save you money and still provide the support you need.
You might consider outsourcing specific tasks, such as cleaning or photography, to freelancers or local service providers. You can also consider using a co-hosting service, where a local expert manages your property in exchange for a percentage of the rental income. And if you’re willing to put in the work yourself, you can manage your Airbnb entirely on your own using tools like Airbnb’s mobile app and website, as well as other integrations for things like automated check-ins and dynamic pricing.
An alternative option is to use an Airbnb management software platform like Lodgify, which offers a variety of benefits. First and foremost, using Lodgify can save you money compared to the fees charged by property managers. Users pay a low monthly subscription fee that includes access to all of our features, including website building, channel management, and payment processing.
Moreover, you can manage your rental from one central platform, including reservations, guest communications, and pricing optimization.
Why not give us a try with our free 7-day trial!
Don’t see the form to download the Vacation Rental Property Management Agreement? Click here.
