The Airbnb business attracts diverse participants, from homeowners who list their primary or vacation homes to real estate investors who leverage short-term rentals for higher returns. Lately, there has been a spike in the number of renters practising “rental arbitrage,” where individuals lease a property, furnish it, and sublet it as an Airbnb.
Regardless of how one participates in the vacation rental business, the goal is always to create a profit margin in short-term bookings, especially during peak travel and holiday seasons. For most hosts, managing the listing, communicating with guests, marketing, cleaning, repairs, etc., is too much of a hassle. This is where Airbnb property management comes in. But how can you choose the right Airbnb management company to do the heavy lifting for you?
Who Can Manage an Airbnb?
There are various ways to manage an Airbnb, ranging from full control as a host to outsourcing some or even all the management tasks. Each approach offers unique benefits and challenges, so you can choose any depending on your needs.
Self-Managing Your Airbnb
Self-managing means you are handling all aspects of the rental yourself, from creating listings, managing bookings, and guest communication to property cleaning and maintenance. This approach offers complete control over how the property is run and allows you to build direct relationships with guests.
Self-managing an Airbnb property works for hosts with one or two properties and those who enjoy hands-on involvement. The other advantage is that you minimise costs, but it requires significant time and effort, with a risk of burnout, especially during peak seasons. For most investors, self-managing does limit scalability.
Perhaps have a look at our Self-Managing Airbnb: Pros and Cons Every Host Should Know
Half-Service Airbnb Manager
As the name suggests, a half-service manager handles some responsibilities, like guest communication or marketing, allowing the host to manage other aspects, such as cleaning or maintenance. This arrangement provides partial relief and gives the host some control over the property’s operation.
If you are the type that prefers to outsource some part of the business operations while taking care of tasks you feel more competent in, this is the option for you. While hiring an Airbnb manager to handle specific tasks will free up some time on your end, division of responsibilities can sometimes cause coordination issues, especially if there are
communication gaps.
Airbnb Co-Hosts
Like a half-service manager, a co-host helps with specific management tasks, like cleaning coordination, check-ins, guest communication, etc. The main difference between the two is that Airbnb co-host is often an individual who shares responsibilities with the host, while a half-service manager usually features a team of professionals.
This option appeals to hosts with busy schedules who need occasional support but want to stay involved. The key advantages are enhanced flexibility and a more personalised guest experience. However, finding reliable co-hosts who match the host’s expectations and work ethic can be tricky.
Full-Service Airbnb Property Manager
A full-service property manager – as L’Abode – oversees all aspects of running Airbnb, from guest communication and cleaning to listing management, marketing and pricing optimisation. Here, the host takes a backseat while the manager works hard to ensure smooth operation.
Full-service management is ideal for busy property owners or investors with multiple properties. By outsourcing all the duties to one company, you benefit from professional expertise, which results in stress-free management, increased occupancy, and better earnings. The only downside is that you are giving up total control of your Airbnb operations to a third party.
Top Tips for Finding a Property Manager
If full-service Airbnb property management is your ideal pick, you want to hire the right team of professionals. With so many options, knowing how to find an Airbnb manager who fits your needs is critical. Here’s what you should consider:
Check Their Experience and Expertise
Short-term rentals such as Airbnb often differ from long-term rentals, especially when it comes to management operations. When selecting a property manager, look for one with experience dealing with fast guest turnovers. A good property manager should also know about local market trends, including demand patterns and seasonal pricing strategies.
Ask About Fee Structure Transparency
One of the common mistakes most hosts make is choosing a property manager who promises “affordable fees” without disclosing what the fee entails and whether they are fixed or variable. Typical Airbnb management fees are calculated as a percentage of the rental income but don’t leave room for speculation. Always inquire about the fee structure and watch out for hidden add-ons. A manager with a straightforward contract is easy to spot from one that makes the fee a moving target.
Review Their Marketing Strategies
Airbnb rentals, like any other business, benefit from optimised marketing. The last thing you want is to outsource your Airbnb operations to a management company that overlooks marketing or lacks a professional marketing department. A rule of thumb is to ask about the company’s marketing strategies and how they optimise listings. The best property manager will have multiple marketing channels, like social media, blogs, etc., to broaden the property’s exposure and attract more bookings.
Check out L’Abode’s personalised management services
Check for References and Reviews
Another critical aspect to consider when looking for an Airbnb property manager is the company’s reputation. You want to look for reviews that reflect client satisfaction and positive guest experiences. While reviews from trustworthy third-party websites are often a clear indication of trustworthiness, this isn’t always the case. You can also ask the property manager for references from past clients and then contact these references directly to assess their experience.
Airbnb Property Management Services with L’Abode
Managing an Airbnb business can be overwhelming, especially if you have several properties or other competing responsibilities. That is why full-service Airbnb management is popular among most property owners.
At L‘Abode Accommodation, we offer end-to-end Airbnb property management services, taking the stress off your plate to ensure smooth operations. Our team comprises experts in the short-term rental industry committed to delivering the best hospitality and personalised attention to guests. We believe in quality services and will stop at nothing to ensure we meet your expectations. Contact us today, and let us be part of your success.
Key Takeaways:
- Managing an Airbnb can be time-intensive, making property management services appealing.
- Hosts can self-manage, partner with a co-host or half-service manager, or choose a full-service management team.
- Full-service managers like L’Abode handle every aspect, ensuring stress-free operations and optimized revenue.