Mastering the Art of Managing an Airbnb: DIY or Delegate?

Let's talk about that Airbnb of yours — the one keeping you up at night wondering if you're spending too much time answering guests’ questions about how to work the fancy coffee machine. (Spoiler: you probably are.)

We've been there. 

Managing an Airbnb can be wildly rewarding or surprisingly draining — or sometimes both in the same day. Likewise, hiring a property manager for your vacation rental can give you time back, but also cut away at your profit margin. 

If you’re wondering whether you should manage your Airbnb yourself or bring in reinforcements, this guide is for you. It’s also for any Airbnb hosts who are curious about extending their expertise to help manage others hosts’ properties. 

This guide covers:

• Whether you should self-manage your STR or hire a property manager
• How to manage an Airbnb on your own
• How to hire someone to manage your Airbnb
• How to become an Airbnb property manager for others’ properties 

Should you self-manage an Airbnb or hire a property manager?

This is the age-old question for modern-day short-term rental hosts — and unfortunately, there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. 

Base your decision on your:

• Schedule and availability
• Proximity to your Airbnb
• Preference between earning more or working less
• Organizational skills

Pros and cons of self-managing an Airbnb

Self-managing your own STR puts you in the driver’s seat and gives you the greatest control over your business. But it’s hard work!

Pros: 

• Maximum oversight. There are some great property managers out there, but no one will look after your property and your business like you do.  
• Higher profit margins. No management fees means more money in your pocket.
• Direct guest relationships. You build personal connections with guests, potentially leading to repeat bookings.
• Flexibility. Ability to quickly adjust your strategy and your pricing as needed.

Cons:

• Time-intensiveness. Be prepared to invest significant hours, especially in the beginning when you’re still learning.
• Being on call. If something goes wrong or a guest needs assistance, you’re the first they call — at any and all hours of the day.
• Managing multiple vendors. You’re responsible for sourcing, hiring, and paying vendors like your cleaning staff and maintenance workers.  

Pros and cons of hiring a property management company

Bringing in professional Airbnb management might be the right move if you have less free time on your hands or don’t have any interest in overseeing the day-to-day minutiae of your rental property.

Pros:

• Save time. The most obvious benefit — someone else handles the daily operations while you focus on the bigger picture.
• Professional expertise. Management companies know the industry inside and out and may be able to help improve your occupancy rates or optimize your pricing. 
• Vendor networks. You’ll get access to the management company’s established relationships with cleaners, maintenance pros, and other service providers — and you won’t have to manage them.
• Better marketing. Airbnb property management companies can usually help with professional photography, listing optimization, and promotional strategies.

Cons:

• Cost: Airbnb management fees can be steep and will cut into your profits.
• Loss of control: Your management team might make decisions that you wouldn't make yourself.
• Quality concerns: Not all management companies deliver the same level of service. You have to thoroughly vet any company you hire, and oversee their work for the first few months to make sure you’re satisfied. 
• Communication layers: Messages may pass through multiple people before reaching you.
• Contract commitments: You might be locked in for 6-12 months.

How do I manage my own Airbnb?

Self-management can be incredibly rewarding — both financially and personally — but it requires systems that work even when you don't feel like it. Here's our tried-and-true roadmap for hosts who want to manage an Airbnb on their own:

1. Create systems that run without you

Your future self will thank you for setting up processes that work even when you're tired, traveling, or just don't feel like dealing with another "the WiFi isn't working" message.

• Automated messages: Set up templated responses for every guest touchpoint: booking confirmations, check-in instructions, mid-stay check-ins, and departure reminders. 
• Comprehensive guidebooks: Create a house manual that guests can access on their phones. Leave a physical copy in the unit, too. Include tutorials for anything tricky (like the coffee machine, the temperamental shower, or the smart TV).
• Task management system: Whether it's vacation rental software, Asana, Trello, or a good old-fashioned notebook, you need a system to track cleaning schedules, maintenance to-dos, and inventory restocking. Set calendar reminders for recurring tasks like filter changes and deep cleans.
• Financial tracking: Set up a separate bank account and credit card for your Airbnb business. Use accounting software to categorize expenses automatically — you'll thank yourself at tax time.

2. Build your dream team of vendors

Even self-managed rental properties need a reliable squad of service providers. 

Your core team should include:

• Cleaners: This is arguably your most important relationship. Find someone meticulous, reliable, and willing to be your eyes and ears on the ground. Pay them well — they can make or break the guest experience.  
• On-call handyman: Find someone who can handle everything from minor fixes to major emergencies. Bonus points if they're willing to respond to texts with troubleshooting advice at odd hours.
• Backup key holder: Choose someone trustworthy who lives nearby and can help guests who've locked themselves out at midnight.
• Specialty providers: Establish relationships with plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and pest control who can respond quickly. Pay promptly and treat them well — when your AC dies during a heatwave, you want to be the client they prioritize.

3. Maximize the guest experience

Anyone with an investment property can call themselves an Airbnb host, but the best hosts create memorable experiences that earn five-star reviews and repeat bookings. 

Before each guest checks in, take the time to leave a personalized welcome note, local treats, or a seasonal touch makes guests feel instantly at home. Assign this task to your cleaning team if you don’t live close enough to your rental property. 

Great hosting also means anticipating guests’ needs before they arise. Stock your property with everything visitors might need — umbrellas by the door for unexpected rain showers, extra phone chargers in bedrooms, a basket of basic medications in the bathroom. When guests find exactly what they need when they need it, they feel understood and cared for.

Beyond the basics, consider yourself a local ambassador. Don't just list tourist attractions — give guests the inside scoop on your neighborhood that they can't find on Google Maps. Where do locals actually eat breakfast? Which hiking trail has the best sunset view but never makes it into the guidebooks? What's the secret to finding parking downtown? These insider tips not only enhance their stay but position you as an invaluable resource.

4. Leverage technology

Smart technology can automate away tedious work and make your life a whole lot easier.

Use these technologies to simplify your hosting duties:

• Keyless entry: A smart lock with customizable codes eliminates key handoffs and eases security concerns during check-in and check-out. 
• Noise monitoring: Devices like NoiseAware can alert you to potential parties without invading guests’ privacy — just make sure to disclose their presence in your listing.
• Smart thermostats: Save on energy costs by controlling temperature remotely while ensuring guests arrive to a comfortable temperature.
• Security cameras: External cameras provide peace of mind — just remember they need to be disclosed in your listing and never placed in private areas.
• Automated inventory tracking: Use a spreadsheet or vacation rental software to monitor supplies and automatically reorder essentials before you run out.

How much work is it to manage an Airbnb?

Let's be transparent: Managing an Airbnb properly is a part-time job at minimum. 

Here's what typically fills your schedule:

• Daily tasks (30 minutes): Responding to inquiries and guest messages.
• Per booking (1-2 hours): Coordinating check-ins/outs, arranging cleaning, troubleshooting issues.
• Weekly tasks (1-2 hours): Updating calendar availability, adjusting pricing, checking supply levels.
• Monthly tasks (3-4 hours): Reviewing performance metrics, maintaining the property, updating listings.
• Quarterly tasks (4-6 hours): Deep cleaning, seasonal updates, reviewing your business strategy.

How to manage an Airbnb remotely

In today’s era of remote-first work, it’s entirely doable to manage your Airbnb remotely. Not living near your rental property adds a bit of complexity, but you just need the right tools and the right people on the ground.

Managing an Airbnb remotely requires:  

• Regular check-ins with your team. Schedule a call with your cleaning team, handyman, and any key holders at a cadence you’re comfortable with. Use this time to debrief on what’s been happening at the property.
• Investing in smart locks. Controlling access to your property with a smart lock is the easiest way to ensure seamless check-ins and check-outs from afar. 
• A robust guidebook. Since you’re not available to swing by and troubleshoot your property’s little quirks, you need to give guests all the tools and resources they’ll need to figure things out on their own. Provide detailed tutorials on how to work electronics and appliances. Share plenty of photos of your property’s entrance, parking, and trash removal areas so guests can find them. 
• Ongoing preventative maintenance. When you can’t see minor issues arise in person, you need to take preventative maintenance seriously. Investing a little extra to prevent major problems will spare you a huge headache later.  

Can I hire someone to manage my Airbnb?

Yes, you can hire someone to manage your Airbnb! For some hosts, hiring management help is the best possible business investment.

Your options run the gamut from a full-service property management company to a co-host who just helps with certain tasks. 

Property managers vs. co-hosts

A full-service property manager operates like a business partner who essentially takes your property off your hands. They typically handle everything from guest communications and pricing to maintenance coordination and cleaning oversight. They'll have established systems, a team of vendors, and professional photography capabilities. 

The tradeoff? Expect to pay them 15-40% of your revenue, and be prepared to relinquish significant control over day-to-day decisions. Property managers may also require minimum revenue thresholds and lock you into contracts with strict terms.

An Airbnb co-host, by contrast, is more like your collaborative partner. Co-hosting arrangements are typically more flexible — you might share responsibilities based on your strengths or delegate specific tasks you dislike while keeping others. For example, a co-host might handle all guest communication and coordinate cleanings, while you manage the finances and strategic decisions. 

Co-hosts usually charge 10-20% and typically work with fewer clients than property management companies, potentially giving your property more personal attention.

To determine whether you need a property manager or a co-host, ask yourself:

• How much control are you willing to surrender?
• How involved do you want to be? 
• What services do you actually need? 

Our advice? Start by identifying your "pain points" — the specific hosting tasks you dread or struggle with. Then seek the most targeted solution. Remember that delegating doesn't have to be all-or-nothing — you can retain oversight of key decisions while outsourcing operational headaches.

How much should you pay someone to manage an Airbnb?

Most Airbnb property managers and co-hosts are paid a percentage of booking revenue, usually between 10 - 40%. The cost of management varies widely based on location, property type, and service level.

• Full-service property management: 15-40% of booking revenue. The highest STR property management fees are typically found in major tourist destinations and luxury markets.
• Co-host fees: 10-20% of booking revenue, depending on responsibilities.

How to become an Airbnb property manager

Maybe you’ve been managing your own property for a while and you’ve really taken to it — “I could do this full-time,” you’re thinking.

Plenty of other hosts have had the same thought, and — good news — there’s plenty of demand for vacation rental property managers!

Turning your hosting expertise into a property management business can be lucrative and fulfilling. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how to get started:

1. Define your unique value proposition

The property management space is crowded, so identify what makes your approach special. Will you focus on luxury properties? Family-friendly homes? Corporate rentals? Carving out your niche will make it easier to set yourself apart from other managers.

2. Build credibility

Start by managing your own property exceptionally well, documenting your processes and results. If you don't have your own place, offer to co-host for friends or family at a reduced rate to build a portfolio. Create case studies showing tangible results: "This property was earning $X before my management and now earns $Y." Nothing sells like proven success.

3. Establish operating procedures

Having the right systems in place will set you up for success.

Before taking on clients, develop a workflow that covers:

• A detailed onboarding process with helpful collateral for new properties
• Communication templates for every scenario
• Clear standards for cleaning and maintenance
• Procedures for emergencies and escalations
• Financial reporting that owners will understand and appreciate

4. Invest in vacation rental management software

Vacation rental management software is a must, especially once you’ve got more than one or two clients on your plate. The right software can be the difference between scaling smoothly and drowning in details.

Look for software that offers:

• Channel management: Sync calendars and pricing across multiple booking sites (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com) from one dashboard
• Unified inbox: Manage guest communications across all platforms in one place
• Automated messaging: Set up trigger-based messages for booking confirmations, check-in instructions, mid-stay check-ins, and review requests
• Team coordination: Assign and track cleaning and maintenance tasks
• Owner portals: Provide transparent reporting to your clients about their property’s performance
• Dynamic pricing: Optimize rates based on demand
• Mobile functionality: Manage on the go when you're not at your desk

5. Establish your fee schedule

Finally, decide how you'll structure your business. 

• Will you charge a percentage of revenue (most common, typically 15-30%), a flat monthly fee, or a hybrid model? 
• Will you require minimum commitment periods? 
• How will you handle additional services like deep cleans or renovations? 

How much do Airbnb property managers make?

• New managers with 1-5 properties might make $20,000-50,000 annually.
• Established managers with 5-15 properties can earn $50,000-150,000.
• Management companies with 15+ properties can generate $150,000-500,000+ in revenue (before expenses).

Income potential varies dramatically based on the number of properties you manage, your fee structure, where you’re located, and the scope of your services.

Do you need a real estate license to manage short-term rentals?

Here’s the catch…maybe.

The answer to this question is complicated because every state is different. In many states, the distinction between property manager vs. co-host matters:

• Traditional property management for long-term rentals typically requires a real estate license in most states.
• Short-term rental management often falls into a gray area:
  • If you're collecting rent, managing the property, and finding tenants for long-term stays, you might need a license.
  • If you're strictly managing short-term stays as a "hosting service," you may not need one.

The safest approach:

1. Check your state's real estate commission guidelines.
2. Consult with a local attorney familiar with short-term rental regulations.
3. Consider obtaining a license anyway—it adds credibility and expands your potential services.

Manage your Airbnb easier with Minoan

Managing an Airbnb involves countless moving parts, but furnishing and keeping your property stocked with essentials shouldn't be one of your biggest headaches. Minoan streamlines the entire procurement process — it’s your one-stop shop for Airbnb furniture and replenishables from leading brands with discounts of up to 60% off.  

FAQ

How much do Airbnb property managers charge?

Airbnb property management fees typically range from 15-40% of your rental income, depending on location, property type, and service level. 

Full-service managers in high-demand markets like major cities or tourist destinations charge 25-40%, while managers in less competitive areas might charge 15-25%.

Co-hosts generally cost less (10-20%) since they handle fewer responsibilities. Some managers offer flat monthly rates ($200-1000+) or hybrid models instead of straight percentages.

How do I manage an Airbnb without owning property?

You can manage an Airbnb without owning property by: 

1. Co-hosting or becoming a property manager: Manage existing owners' properties for a percentage (lowest startup cost).
2. Rental arbitrage: Lease properties long-term and sublet on Airbnb (just make sure you have the landlord’s permission). 
3. Master leasing: Similar to arbitrage but with formal profit-sharing agreements with property owners.