Finding a rental management company: 5 Tips to consider
It is now estimated that there are areas in the UK that have one Airbnb property for every four dwellings.
Short-term rentals are big business, and in a market that is becoming saturated, you need to stand out. So what options do you have when if don’t have the time to deliver a quality and competitive service?
One way is to consider letting someone manage it for you. Finding a rental management company? Read on as we discuss 5 tips for finding quality property rental management.
1. Know what services you want and what they offer
Before you sign a contract, get very clear on what you actually need from a property management company, and what you will truly get in return. Fees in short term rental management can be high, sometimes reaching close to half of your rental income. That level of cost can make sense if you want a fully hands off arrangement where the company handles everything from pricing to guest support without you lifting a finger. In that case, you are paying for time, expertise, and peace of mind.
The problem comes when the fee is premium but the service is basic. If a company mainly lists your home online and forwards you messages, you may be paying a big chunk of revenue for tasks you could manage yourself. That is why it helps to think in terms of value, not just price. Ask yourself, what parts of hosting do you want to delegate, and what outcomes matter most to you. Then compare companies based on those needs, not on a generic promise of being “full service.”
Rental property management companies can cover a wide range of tasks. Some focus only on operations, others are strong on revenue optimisation and marketing, and the best ones combine both. There are several services offered by rental property management companies. The most vital ones are below.
Set rental rates
Pricing is one of the strongest levers for improving your returns, and it is also one of the easiest areas for a weak manager to get wrong. Every day a property sits empty is revenue you never recover, so rates need to be calibrated to attract bookings while still protecting your profitability. A good management company does not just check what nearby listings charge and copy the average. That approach is passive and often leaves money on the table.
Instead, pricing should be dynamic and tied to real demand signals such as local events, school holidays, flight patterns, and booking pace. For example, if a large concert, trade fair, or sports tournament is scheduled near your property, demand can spike quickly. If your rates stay flat, you could fill your calendar, but at a discount compared to what the market is willing to pay that week. You earn income, but not as much as you should.
The opposite is also true. When low season hits, or when multiple new competitors enter your area, high fixed rates can push travelers toward other options. Strategic rate drops can keep occupancy healthy, which often beats holding out for higher prices and ending up with empty nights. A strong manager watches performance daily, tests different price points, and uses data to keep revenue steady through peak and quiet periods. A management company must be proactive in its pricing.
Maintenance and repairs
In short term rentals, maintenance is not only about fixing what is broken. It is about protecting your asset and ensuring guests feel they are staying in a place that is safe, comfortable, and cared for. Small issues that might be tolerable in a long term tenancy can turn into negative reviews very fast in a holiday let. A leaking tap, a loose door handle, or a flickering light can be the difference between a five star rating and a complaint.
A reliable management company should have a clear system for preventive checks, rapid reporting, and quick intervention. That includes regular inspections between stays, fast access to trusted tradespeople, and a budget process that avoids delays. Ask who they use for repairs, whether they have in house teams or external partners, and how they control quality. The goal is not only speed, but also consistency. Guests expect the same standard at every visit.
Materials also matter. If the company cuts corners with cheap fittings or rushed work, you will see repeat issues and higher long term costs. A good manager chooses durable materials, hires skilled professionals, and treats repairs as part of the guest experience, not just a cost to minimise. They also keep you informed, with photos, invoices, and recommendations so you stay in control without being pulled into every minor decision.
Marketing the property
Even a beautiful home can struggle if nobody sees it. That is why marketing is a core service, not an optional extra. A strong management company should be able to explain exactly how they will position and promote your property, and how that approach will bring steady bookings across the year.
Listing on Airbnb alone is rarely enough. Serious managers diversify exposure by using multiple booking channels such as Booking com, Vrbo, Expedia, or regional platforms that attract different types of travellers. They also invest in the listing itself. That means professional photography, a clear description that highlights your unique selling points, and thoughtful amenities that match your target guests, whether they are business travellers, families, or weekend couples.
Beyond booking platforms, some companies go further with direct marketing. This might include dedicated social media pages, email campaigns to past guests, partnerships with local tourism networks, or search friendly content that helps your property appear in Google results. These efforts reduce dependence on one platform and can bring higher quality guests who are a better fit for your home.
In short, marketing should be proactive. You want a manager who can show you not only where your property will be listed, but also how they will keep improving visibility, conversion, and guest appeal over time.
2. What are property management fees?
Fees for rental management services can be quite varied, averaging around 20% to 40% of the income. Aside from the breadth of the service they offer, there are a few other factors that may determine how much it costs.
Location is an important factor. If a property is in a tourist area, you may find costs reduce due to competition. However, situate your property in a remote location and costs increase as it is harder to reach.
Property types themselves can also dictate the fee. With a small property, upkeep and management are less. Even the condition can impact the price, as older properties need more renovation and repair.
There are also three ways in which Airbnb management services may want to be paid. Make sure these suit your needs before you decide to hire them.
A guaranteed payment model is where the company pays you a flat fee all year round. You will get income even if the property is vacant, though you won’t benefit from high seasonal demand.
The opposite is a flat-rate model, where you pay them a fee. This does not change and must be paid monthly. It is great when bookings are plentiful, but you will also have to pay it even if the property is empty.
Commission models operate by taking a percentage of any booking made. The higher the property price, the more their fee increases.
3. How do I check a property management company reviews?
The best way to check reviews for a rental property management company is to ask for a list of properties they run. Scan through the comments and ratings left by guests.
Keep in mind that some people will complain regardless and some gripes may not be the fault of the company. For example, they can’t do much about the location or noise in the streets outside. Maintenance, communication, and cleanliness are down to them and these should have favourable responses.
The company themselves should be able to find testimonials to provide you with from current clients. In some cases, you may even be able to speak with the people directly and ask their opinions.
4. Are they local?
There are several advantages to finding a local rental management company. On a personal level, they can provide guests with insider knowledge and recommendations you would not get from larger companies. They will know everything from the best transport routes to restaurants.
Sound knowledge of local regulatory rules will also prevent you from getting fines or penalties. Local housing authorities may have rules on landlord and tenant housing or short-term letting. As these change frequently, it helps to have someone who has their finger on the pulse.
On a practical level, a local company can get to your property quicker. If a problem occurs, they can deal with it or send someone local to do so.
5. How do they deal with customers?
The key to this is communication. No one will leave good reviews or return to a property if they cant get in touch with the people who run it. If a guest needs help or advice, they should have a quick and easy communication channel with your management company.
Their approach to service would also fall under this category. Do they leave anything for customers to feel welcome? Perhaps they include welcome packages, notes or even local guidebooks.
Finally, ask them how they will communicate with you. What will happen if a problem occurs, and how will you know? They may have monthly emails or newsletters that they send out to keep you informed.
6. Finding quality Airbnb rental management
Now you know what to look for in rental management company, you just need to find someone to deliver it. Know what you want from a company and decide how much of your revenue you are willing to spend. Even with higher fees, you may find that the increase in bookings makes up for the loss.
GuestReady should be your first stop. Our worldwide company has local representatives who can deal with all your management needs. Click down below to use our income simulator or send details of the property you want to be managed.
Still wondering how to find a good property management company? GuestReady’s here!
