If you’ve ever tried managing an Airbnb yourself, you already know—it’s not passive income. Between guest messages, cleaning, pricing updates, and last-minute hiccups, it can easily become a second job. That’s where Airbnb property management companies come in. But what do they actually do? And is it worth handing over a slice of your profits? Let’s break it down.
1. What Is an Airbnb Property Management Company?
In simple terms, it's a business that runs your short-term rental for you.
You still own the property. You keep most of the revenue.
But the company handles the hard stuff:
✅ Listing setup
✅ Guest messaging
✅ Calendar management
✅ Cleaning coordination
✅ Pricing optimization
✅ Emergency support
✅ Reviews and guest screening
Basically, they handle everything between check-in and check-out—so you don’t have to.
2. How Much Do They Charge?
Most charge 15%–30% of your monthly booking revenue, depending on services and location.
For example:
Some companies also offer guaranteed rent (flat monthly payouts) for owners who prefer fixed income over variable bookings.
3. Why Do Owners Use Them?
Let’s be real: Airbnb is only “passive” if someone else is doing the work.
✅ You don’t want to answer guest texts at 11 PM
✅ You don’t want to schedule emergency plumbers
✅ You don’t want to track price trends or deal with check-in issues
✅ You live out of town and can’t manage it yourself
A property manager gives you the income of Airbnb with the simplicity of a long-term tenant—minus the headaches.
4. What Services Should a Good Company Offer?
✅ Listing creation – Optimized title, description, and photos
✅ Dynamic pricing – Using tools like PriceLabs or Wheelhouse
✅ 24/7 guest communication – Fast replies, issue resolution, review management
✅ Cleaning and laundry coordination – With checklist and inspections
✅ Maintenance alerts – Notifying you when something breaks or needs attention
✅ Revenue reporting – So you know what you’re earning each month
Some companies (like BookedHosts) also offer furnishing, interior design, staging, and supply restock services.
5. Can You Still Use the Property Yourself?
Yes—and that’s one of the biggest perks.
✅ Block off dates for personal use
✅ Let family stay
✅ Reserve it for events or guests
Unlike long-term tenants, you’re still in control. Most Airbnb managers will simply pause bookings during the dates you choose.
6. Who’s It Best For?
✅ Busy professionals who don’t want another job
✅ Remote investors
✅ New hosts who don’t know how to get started
✅ People with multiple units
✅ Owners who’ve tried managing before and hated it
If you value your time more than every last dollar, it’s usually worth it.
7. What About Mid-Term Stays?
A good manager can also handle 30+ day bookings for travel nurses, relocation clients, and insurance stays.
✅ Fewer turnovers
✅ Less cleaning
✅ Longer bookings
✅ Often higher-quality guests
This is a growing niche, and most owners aren’t tapping into it because they don’t know how.
8. How to Choose the Right Company
✅ Look for local experience (not just a national brand)
✅ Ask what tech they use (Airbnb, Hospitable, PriceLabs, etc.)
✅ Make sure there’s clear communication and reporting
✅ Ask for example listings or past performance
✅ Read reviews or speak to current clients if possible
You want a team that treats your property like a business—because it is one.
A Manager Isn’t an Expense—It’s an Accelerator
With the right company, your property earns more, guests stay happier, and you finally get your time back. You didn’t invest in real estate to create another job—you did it for freedom. And that’s what a smart management team should give you.
Curious what your property could earn with professional Airbnb management? BookedHosts offers full-service and virtual co-hosting to help you go hands-free. Email info@bookedhosts.com or scroll down to submit your property today.
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