How to take the best from professional Airbnb management services
- AirBamboo Admin
- Mar 28, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 20, 2023
As an Airbnb host, you have the opportunity to earn a steady income by renting out your property to travellers from all over the world. However, managing your own property can be a lot of work, from handling enquiries and bookings to cleaning and maintenance. That's where Airbnb management services come in. By working with a short-term rental management company, you can take advantage of the benefits of hosting on Airbnb without the stress and hassle of managing everything yourself.
Here's what you need to know about becoming an Airbnb host who uses property management services:
1. Choose the right short-term property management company
The first step in using property management services is choosing the right company to work with. However, with so many companies available, it can be overwhelming to pick the one that best fits your needs. Here are some valuable tips on how to select the right partner to take care of your investment.
Research the Company's Experience
Researching the experience of the short-term property management you found is a good way of starting your analysis. Look for a company that has experience managing holiday rentals in your area. They should know the local market, regulations, and best practices for renting out properties. Next, you can check the company's reputation by reading online reviews, checking its social media or asking for references.
Consider the Services Offered
Look for a property management company that offers a comprehensive suite of services to meet your needs. This may include listing your property on Airbnb, handling guest inquiries and bookings, arranging for cleaning and maintenance between guests, and managing payments. The more services a company offers, the less you'll have to worry about managing everything yourself.
Review the Company's Fees
Fees are an important consideration when choosing a property management company. Make sure you understand the fees associated with their services. For example, some companies charge a percentage of your rental income, while others charge a flat fee or a combination. Be sure to compare different companies and choose one that offers a good balance of services and fees.
Evaluate the Company's Communication
Communication is key when it comes to managing a short-term rental property. Make sure the property management company you choose has good communication skills. They should be easy to reach and responsive to your needs and concerns. Ask about their communication processes and how they handle guest communication.
Meet with the Property Management Company
Before making a final decision, meet with the property management company to understand their communication style, expertise, and customer service. Ask them questions about their experience, services, and fees. This will help you get a better sense of whether they are the right fit for your Airbnb property.
2. Set your goals and expectations
Once you've chosen an Airbnb management company to work with, it's indispensable to set your goals and expectations. This will help your property manager understand your needs and provide the level of service you require.
Consider discussing things like rental income targets, guest satisfaction metrics, cleaning and maintenance standards, and any other specific requirements you have for your property. Most property managers have reports showing you how they are progressing against those metrics.
Additionally, it's recommended to establish clear communication channels. Work with the company on how you want to be contacted in emergencies, such as a water leak or a guest complaint.
Finally, discuss with your management company their policies on guest screening and selection, payment processing, and guest communication. Ensuring their policies align with your preferences and expectations is vital.
3. Hand over the reins
Now that you've established your goals and expectations, it's time to hand over the reins to your property manager. They will handle everything from listing your property on Airbnb, managing guest inquiries and bookings, and arranging for cleaning and maintenance between guests. You'll still be involved in decisions about your property. Still, your property manager will take care of the day-to-day details.
To ensure a smooth handover, consider providing them with relevant information about your property, such as instructions for operating appliances or details about the neighbourhood. Also, align with them who will provide linen and sheets, as this can be part of their service. Finally, certify you give them copies of all house keys.
One of the benefits of working with an Airbnb management company is that they can help you save time and reduce stress. With a professional managing your property, you can focus on other areas of your life, whether that's your career, family, or hobbies.
However, it's important to remember that even with a property manager in place, you still have responsibilities as a host. You'll need to make sure your property is kept in good condition, provide your property manager with access to your home, ensure that your property complies with local regulations, and have the appropriate insurance to cover guest damage and third-party liability. Even though Airbnb offers insurance and a host guarantee, extra protection is always a wise choice, and you may work with other platforms that don't have insurance.
4. Stay in communication
Even though you're not administering everything yourself, it's still important to stay in communication with your property manager. Make sure they keep you informed about bookings, guest feedback, and any issues with your property. You should also be available to answer questions and make decisions when necessary.
Communicating with your property manager can help you maintain a good working relationship and guarantee that your property is managed according to your goals and expectations. Most managers have regular generic communication, but it's a good idea to set up regular check-ins, either by phone or email, to discuss how your property is performing and whether any changes need to be made.
During these check-ins, ask your property manager for recommendations on how to improve your property's performance. For example, they may suggest adding new amenities or cosmetic improvements to attract more guests.
In addition to regular check-ins, it's a good idea to be available to your property manager in case of emergencies. Make sure they can contact you if there's an urgent issue with your property, such as a major repair that needs to be made.
5. Enjoy the benefits
By working with a property management company, you can enjoy all the benefits of hosting on Airbnb without the stress and hassle of managing everything yourself. You'll earn rental income without worrying about marketing, booking, cleaning, or maintenance. And you'll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your property is in good hands.
In addition, a professional Airbnb manager can help you set the optimal rental rate for your property, attract more guests through effective marketing and listing optimization, and ensure that your property is always clean, well-maintained, and ready for guests.
Another benefit of working with a property management company is that they may be able to support you to stay up-to-date with local regulations and safety requirements. This can help you avoid fines or other penalties and ensure your guests have a safe and enjoyable stay.
Overall, working with an Airbnb management company can be an intelligent move for property owners who want to earn income from their property without the stress and hassle of managing everything themselves. By choosing the right short-term property management company, setting clear goals and expectations, and staying in communication with your property manager, it will be easy to enjoy the benefits of hosting on Airbnb and achieve long-term success as a host.
