Finding the right property management company can make or break your short-term rental hosting experience. Whether you’re a first-time host or a seasoned pro ready to delegate the heavy lifting, partnering with the right property management company is essential. But how can you ensure you’re hiring the right team for your rental property? It all starts with asking the right questions. Below, we’ve outlined the key questions to ask a property management company before giving them the green light.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!

Why Should Airbnb Hosts Work with Property Management Companies?

Managing a short-term rental property requires more than just listing on platforms like Airbnb and greeting guests. It can quickly become overwhelming, from cleaning and marketing to handling inquiries and property repairs. That’s where property managers step in.

Experienced management companies can help you grow your rental income while minimizing the time and energy you invest in hosting. They handle everything from guest communication to optimizing your listing.

However, no two property management firms are the same. It’s important to vet companies carefully to ensure they align with your goals.

Top Questions to Ask a Property Manager

It’s time to ask the Big Questions.

1. What services do you offer?

Start by understanding what the property management company provides. Some firms offer full-service solutions, while others only handle specific aspects, such as guest communication or cleaning.

Ask if their services include marketing your property, optimizing your listing with professional photography, pricing strategies, guest vetting, and property maintenance. Ensure their offerings meet your needs as a host.

Why it’s important: Transparent services ensure you won’t end up shouldering unexpected tasks or paying for services you don’t need.

2. How do you price rentals to maximize income?

A major benefit of hiring professional property managers is their ability to boost your rental income through smart pricing strategies. Ask how they determine nightly rates and whether they use dynamic pricing tools to adjust rates based on demand, seasonality, and local competition.

Pro Tip: Look for a management company that emphasizes balancing high occupancy rates with optimal pricing to maximize your earnings.

3. What are your property management fees?

Understanding your financial obligations from the start is paramount. Some firms charge flat monthly fees, while others take a percentage of your rental income.

Be sure to ask about additional fees such as setup costs, marketing expenses, or maintenance charges. Transparency about property management fees will help you calculate whether the partnership is a worthwhile investment.

Why it’s important: Smaller, hidden fees can add up and eat into your profits.

4. How do you handle guest communication?

Guest communication is one of the most time-consuming aspects of being a host. Find out how the management company handles inquiries, bookings, check-ins, and complaints.

Do they offer 24/7 guest support? Do they provide a tenant screening process? How quickly do they respond to questions and resolve issues? Do you handle the short-term rental rent collection? A professional team should prioritize guest satisfaction to keep your reviews glowing.

Why it matters: Excellent guest service directly impacts your ratings and overall income.

5. How will you market my home?

Your property must grab potential guests’ attention to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Ask about their marketing strategies, including how they optimize descriptions, photos, and promotions on Airbnb or other platforms. Some property management firms also list your property on multiple channels such as Vrbo, Booking.com, or Airbnb for greater visibility.

6. How do you ensure my rental stays in top condition?

From wear and tear to occasional accidents, hosting guests takes a toll on your property. Ask what processes the company has in place for routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and inventory management. Find out whether they coordinate with local contractors for repairs and if you’ll receive detailed invoices and maintenance reports.

Why it matters: Keeping the property in pristine condition protects your investment and ensures positive guest experiences.

7. What’s your experience managing short-term rentals?

Managing a rental is vastly different from long-term rental management. Short-term rentals require more frequent guest turnover, dynamic pricing strategies, and a greater focus on customer experience.

Most property management companies have experience managing many rentals. However, be sure to ask them how many properties they currently manage. Check that the property management company has extensive experience, not just in short-term rentals but also in your local market.

8. How do you keep me updated?

Open communication makes for a great partnership. Ask how often they provide performance reports and what information is included.

A good property management company will supply data on occupancy rates, revenue, guest feedback, and upcoming bookings. Transparency should be at the heart of your working relationship.

9. Can you share client references or reviews?

Reputation matters. Look for reviews from other hosts who have worked with the company. Ask for referrals to speak with current clients directly and get honest feedback.

Tip: Don’t overlook online reviews on platforms like Yelp, Google, or Trustpilot for additional insights.

10. How do you handle off-hour emergencies?

Picture this—a guest reports a broken AC unit in the middle of the night during summer. How would the property manager respond?

Ask about their process for handling urgent maintenance issues, their average resolution time, and whether they have an emergency fund or system to streamline repairs.

Why it matters: Timely resolutions prevent bad reviews and ensure guest satisfaction.

11. Are there any restrictions or requirements for working with you?

Every firm has policies in place that may impact your decision. Some may require a minimum property management contract duration, while others might only manage properties within specific neighborhoods or price ranges. Clarify any restrictions ahead of time to avoid surprises down the line.

12. What sets you apart from other property management teams?

Finally, ask what differentiates them. Do they specialize in luxury rentals? Are their customer reviews consistently high? This question allows them to highlight their strengths and can help you determine the right fit.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a licensed property manager can benefit hosts—if it’s the right company. By asking these essential questions, you can ensure you’re working with professionals who will uphold your standards, care for your property, and maximize your rental income. Take your time researching and interviewing management companies. After all, your property is an investment that deserves top-tier care.

Lastly, remember that Host Tools is here to help you every step of the way. With our comprehensive suite of tools and resources, we can support your property management journey and help you achieve success as a host.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!