How to Become an Airbnb Property Manager

The short-term rental market keeps growing, creating fantastic opportunities for those looking to get into vacation rental property management. Becoming an Airbnb property manager is one such opportunity.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes an Airbnb property manager, how you can get started and the insights you need to succeed.

What is an Airbnb Property Manager?

An Airbnb property manager oversees the daily operations of short-term rental properties listed on Airbnb and other OTAs. Their primary goal is to maximize rental income for property owners and themselves while ensuring a high-quality experience for guests.

An Airbnb property manager’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Creating and managing each property’s listings

• Managing the guest journey from handling inquiries to ensuring guests have a great experience

• Ensuring the property is clean, well-maintained and ready for guests

• Setting competitive prices, managing revenue and handling expenses 

• Managing inventory, housekeeping and staff

Why Become an Airbnb Property Manager

An Airbnb property manager is an attractive role in the vacation rental industry. It offers a flexible schedule and allows you to generate an income in the short-term rental sector without having to own property.

What’s more, property managers are not responsible for housing costs. That’s the homeowner’s burden. And once you build the necessary skills and connections to make you a successful Airbnb property manager, you can scale it to manage multiple properties. And as you grow more successful, you can even start buying your own property.

Many Airbnb property owners, real estate agents and long-term property managers have transitioned into becoming a short-term rental property manager, as well as newbies.

How to Get Started as an Airbnb Property Manager

Location

Choosing the right location is one of the most critical steps.

The success of your Airbnb property management business depends heavily on the demand for short-term rentals in the area. Popular tourist destinations, business hubs, urban areas with a steady influx of visitors and locations adjacent to national park entrances all offer their own pros and cons.

Research the local vacation rental market to understand the competition and average rental and occupancy rates across seasons. Additionally, ensure that the local regulations are favorable for short-term rentals.

Ideal client profile

A property manager has two clients: the property owner and Airbnb guest. And defining your ideal profile for each client is essential to tailor your services and marketing strategies effectively.

Vacation rental guests can be local, domestic or international and are generally categorized as budget, mid or luxury. Property owners can be individual homeowners or revenue-driven investors who own multiple properties. The latter’s main focus will be the income you generate for them and will always look for cost-effective solutions. The individual homeowner on the other hand will prioritize the care and maintenance of their property but may also have unrealistic expectations of what you can do for them.

Business model

Selecting the right business model is paramount. You have three options:

1. Ownership

This  involves purchasing and managing your own properties. It requires significant upfront investment but allows you to control the entire process and reap all the profits.

2. Rental arbitrage

Rental arbitrage is where you lease properties from owners and sublet them on Airbnb and other booking platforms. This requires much less capital than ownership and can be a profitable venture if managed correctly. 

3. Revenue sharing 

This is the common model and involves managing vacation rental properties on behalf of owners and sharing a percentage of the revenue. It’s a low-risk model that requires minimal upfront investment, making it an attractive option for many starting property managers.

The Brand       

Building a strong brand is essential for attracting clients — both homeowners and guests — and establishing credibility in the short-term rental market. Your brand should reflect the quality of service you offer and your commitment to property care.

Investing in a professional logo and a well-designed website is important, as these elements are often the first impression potential clients have of your business. Ensure consistency across all your marketing materials, including flyers, social media profiles and business cards. This consistency helps build recognition and trust. Showcasing testimonials from satisfied clients can also build credibility and trust with potential clients. Connecting your brand back to your ideal client profile ensures that your marketing efforts resonate with your target audience.       

Software

Using the right property management software (PMS) is important for success as an Airbnb property manager. Scaling is impossible without one.

With a PMS like Hostaway you can manage your entire operations, streamlining workflows like reservations, guest communication, housekeeping and pricing and even automating them. And because it is a top-tier partner to the three major OTAs — Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com — and boasts a robust API connection to multiple other booking platforms, you can easily manage, populate and grow your listings.

6 Steps to Becoming an Airbnb Property Manager

1. Gain relevant experience

To become a successful Airbnb property manager you need the experience.

If you are new to the field, you can start by co-hosting or working under an experienced property manager to learn the ropes. Alternatively, you can begin on a smaller scale by renting out a room in your home or an entire flat you are renting.

2. Acquire necessary skills

A short-term rental property manager wears many hats that require a variety of skills. From marketing and customer service skills to revenue management and administration, there are plenty of resources available online for free such as blogs, webinars and forums. There are also specialized courses by leading industry experts that offer in-depth training.

3. Understand local laws and regulations

Learning the laws and regulations that apply to your vacation rental is essential to operate legally and avoid potential fines. This includes familiarizing yourself with zoning laws to ensure the property is in an area where short-term rentals are allowed, obtaining any necessary permits and licenses and being aware of tax obligations.

4. Build a network

Building a robust network pays huge dividends in the property management business. Joining an industry organization like VRMA and Facebook groups dedicated to the sector can help you connect with your peers.

Start by connecting with property owners who might need management services. Establishing partnerships with local businesses such as cleaning services, maintenance providers and suppliers can also be beneficial. Real estate agents can be valuable connections as they can refer you to property owners looking for management services. Fellow property managers can pass on homeowner prospects they are not interested in. Networking not only helps you find potential clients but also provides support and resources that can be invaluable as you grow your business.

5. Create a business plan

Developing a comprehensive business plan is essential for laying a solid foundation for your Airbnb property management business. Your plan should outline the range of services you will provide, from listing management to maintenance. Establish a competitive pricing structure for your management services. Additionally, create a marketing strategy detailing how you will attract property owners and guests. A well-thought-out business plan can guide your business operations and help you achieve your goals.

6. Establish an online presence

Create a professional website showcasing your services, experience and client testimonials. Use social media platforms like Facebook and X (Twitter) to market properties and engage with potential clients. Encouraging satisfied clients to leave positive reviews can build your reputation and attract more business. An online presence also helps you reach a wider audience and establishes your credibility in the market.

Your Path to Success as an Airbnb Property Manager

Embarking on a career as an Airbnb property manager offers a unique blend of financial rewards, flexibility and personal satisfaction. By gaining relevant experience, acquiring necessary skills, understanding local regulations, building a network and leveraging technology, you can establish a successful property management business. Always provide excellent service and continuously adapt to the evolving market to ensure long-term success.