How to Start a Property Management Company (Even If You’ve Never Managed a Home)

If you’ve ever helped a friend clean their Airbnb, answered a guest message, or handled a leaky faucet on a Sunday night...
You might be more prepared for property management than you think.

The truth is, more and more people are starting property management companies without being real estate pros.
Here’s how you can start one, even if you’re starting from scratch.

1. Choose a Niche (And Stick to It)
Property management is a big field. You don’t need to do everything.

Start by choosing a niche:
✅ Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals
✅ Mid-Term Rentals (30–180 days)
✅ Long-Term Leases
✅ Vacation Homes Only
✅ Single-Family or Condo Specialists

Focusing makes your messaging sharper, your services better, and your clients happier.

2. Learn the Local Laws and Licenses
You don’t need to be a licensed realtor to manage properties—but depending on your province or state, you may need:

📋 A business license
🧾 A trust account for handling rent
🏛 A real estate license (for long-term leases in some regions)
🧑‍⚖️ A basic understanding of landlord-tenant law

When in doubt, start with short-term or mid-term rentals—there’s less legal risk and more flexibility.

3. Set Up Your Business Foundation
Treat it like a real business from Day 1.

Here’s what you need:
🏷 Business name & domain
📁 Incorporation (optional but recommended)
💳 Separate business banking
📜 Simple contract templates
📲 Business phone & email

Bonus points: Get liability insurance, even if you’re just co-hosting at first.

4. Offer the Right Services
Most property owners don’t want “just” someone to check guests in.
They want someone who handles everything.

Consider offering:
✅ Listing setup and optimization
✅ Calendar and pricing management
✅ Cleaning and turnover coordination
✅ Maintenance handling
✅ Guest communication (before, during, after)
✅ Monthly reports

The more problems you solve, the more you can charge.

5. Use the Right Tools (Or Partner With Someone Who Does)
A modern management company needs smart systems:
📅 Channel Managers (like Hospitable or Guesty)
🧽 Turnover scheduling tools (like Turno)
📈 Revenue tracking
📬 Automated messages
🔐 Smart lock coordination

Or… you can partner with an existing team like BookedHosts to launch faster and skip the tech headaches.

6. Get Your First Clients
Start with friends and family.
Pitch tired landlords.
Offer free trials.
Even sublease your own unit to gain experience.

Once you get 1–2 units under management and do a good job, word spreads. Fast.

BookedHosts Helps You Start Smarter
Whether you’re managing one unit or want to build your own co-hosting empire, BookedHosts offers:
✅ Co-hosting systems
✅ Done-for-you onboarding tools
✅ Client contracts and SOPs
✅ Tech support and guest communication help
✅ Potential partnership and referral opportunities

📩 Email info@bookedhosts.com or scroll down to apply.
We help new managers turn part-time hustle into full-time income—without burning out.