Property Management Company for Short-Term Rentals: How to Choose and What They Charge

Property management for short-term rentals: why hire and what to expect 🏡

Managing a short-term rental remotely or alongside other commitments can be time-consuming. A property management company handles guest communication, cleaning, listings, pricing, and maintenance — but not all managers provide the same level of service. This guide helps you compare offers and choose what fits your goals.

Typical services included ✅

• Guest check-in and check-out, identity checks and welcome instructions.
• Professional photos, listing creation and optimization.
• Dynamic pricing and calendar management to maximize occupancy.
• Cleaning, laundry and replenishment of supplies.
• Technical support and emergency repairs coordination.
• Financial reporting and owner payouts.

Fee models — how they charge 💼

Common approaches are:

• Percentage of revenue: the manager takes a share of booking income. Good if you want lower upfront costs.
• Fixed monthly fee: predictable expenses irrespective of seasonal swings.
• Hybrid: a base fee plus a performance percentage.

Tip: providers often bundle different service tiers (basic, standard, premium). Compare the content of each tier, not just the price.

How to compare offers — practical checklist 📋

1. Exact list of services: which tasks are included and which are extra.
2. Fee transparency: commissions, platform fees, cleaning fees and who pays them.
3. Pricing strategy: who sets nightly rates and how often they change.
4. Standards for cleaning and turnover times.
5. Reporting cadence and payment schedules to owners.
6. Liability and insurance coverage for damage.
7. Reviews and examples of similar properties managed.

Contract items to watch for 🧾

• Term length and termination conditions — can you exit easily if performance is poor?
• Access arrangements: keys, codes or remote locks and security protocols.
• Responsibilities for repairs and cost thresholds.
• Payment flow and timing: when you receive net income.
• Marketing rights: permission to use photos and list your property.

Red flags — when to step back 🚩

• Vague descriptions of services and extra charges.
• Refusal to show references or real case studies.
• Pressure to sign quickly without time to review terms.
• Poor or opaque reporting and late payments to owners.

Practical negotiation tips and ways to protect income 📈

• Define your priorities: maximum net income, minimal hands-on work, or strict property upkeep.
• Ask for a trial period or a short initial contract to evaluate performance.
• Request monthly, itemized reports with photo proof for maintenance work.
• Clarify insurance coverage and holdbacks for costly repairs.
• Get multiple offers and compare reputation plus contract details.

Local note — Georgia and Batumi market context 🇬🇪

Short-term rental markets in tourist cities are seasonal. Discuss low-season strategies with any manager: special pricing, targeted promotions, or mid-term bookings. Local managers often have better logistics for cleaning and rapid repairs. Proper guest registration and local compliance are also important.

If you want help finding a manager or evaluating a property for short-term rental, try our property search: https://buyhome.ge/en/search

Quick pre-signing checklist

• Do you have a clear service list and sample report? ✅
• Do you understand all fees and extra costs? ✅
• Did you check references and similar properties? ✅
• Are termination and insurance terms acceptable? ✅

A good management company can boost occupancy and relieve operational burden — choose one based on transparent terms, clear reporting and proven results.

📞 Need help selecting a reliable manager or assessing a short-term rental property? Contact BuyHome — we’ll help you choose the right solution. 🧡