Navigating the short-term rental market on platforms like Airbnb can be rewarding yet demanding. For property owners seeking to maximise returns without the daily operational burden, an Airbnb management company offers a valuable solution. This comprehensive guide for 2025 will cover everything you need to know, from their core functions and importance to costs and selection, empowering you to make informed decisions.
- What is Airbnb property management?
- Why is Airbnb property management important?
- Pros and cons of using an Airbnb management company
- What does an Airbnb property manager actually do?
- How to become an Airbnb property manager
- How much does Airbnb management cost?
- How to choose an Airbnb management company (tips and tricks)
- 10 of the best Airbnb management companies - detailed reviews
- How to manage Airbnb properties without a management company
- Frequently asked questions
Want to streamline your Airbnb operations? Try Touch Stay for free!
What is Airbnb property management?
Airbnb property management involves the professional oversight of short-term rental properties listed on platforms like Airbnb. These companies act as intermediaries, handling daily operations to ensure a seamless and profitable experience for property owners. They exist to relieve owners of the time and effort required for successful Airbnb management.
Airbnb property managers typically handle:
- Listing creation and management
- Guest communication and booking management
- Dynamic pricing strategies
- Cleaning and maintenance coordination
- Guest check-in/check-out
- Guest support
- Compliance with local regulations
This service is crucial as effective Airbnb management demands considerable time and expertise, which many owners find challenging to provide themselves.
Why is Airbnb property management important?
Airbnb property management is significant for hosts seeking passive income and reduced stress, investors aiming to scale operations efficiently, and guests desiring a consistently positive experience. For hosts, it frees up time while ensuring their investment is optimised. Investors can manage multiple properties effectively, and professional management leads to improved guest satisfaction, better reviews, and increased bookings, vital in a competitive market.
Pro tip: check out our step-by-step guide on how to launch an Airbnb business without owning property
Pros and cons of using an Airbnb management company
Deciding on an Airbnb management company requires weighing the advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
Saves a lot of time
- Management companies handle time-consuming tasks like bookings, communication, cleaning, and maintenance, freeing up the owner's time.
Better guest experience
- Professionals ensure smooth check-ins, prompt communication, and efficient handling of guest needs, leading to higher satisfaction and better reviews.
Increased number of bookings
- Expertise in listing optimisation, pricing strategies, and marketing can lead to higher occupancy rates and revenue.
Easier compliance with laws and regulations
- Management companies stay updated on local rules, ensuring your property adheres to all necessary regulations.
Improved condition and upkeep of rental properties
- Regular professional cleaning and maintenance coordination help preserve the property's condition and prevent costly repairs.
Cons
It’s expensive
- Management fees, usually a percentage of booking revenue, can reduce profits.
Less control over your properties
- Owners relinquish some control over daily operations and decisions.
Sometimes risky or inconsistent results
- The quality of management companies varies, so thorough vetting is essential to avoid poor service.
You may lose your reviews
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Some management companies list your property under their company account rather than yours. If you part ways, your reviews and listing history go with them, and you start from scratch. This is one of the most common complaints in host forums. Always clarify review ownership in writing before signing anything.
Management Companies vs. Self-Management: What Real Hosts Think
The decision between hiring a management company and doing everything yourself is one of the most debated topics in the Airbnb hosting community. To go beyond official company marketing, we dug into Reddit threads (r/airbnb_hosts, r/ShortTermRentals), the Airbnb Community forums, and data from our own survey of 1,300+ STR hosts. Here's what we found.
The Case for Self-Management
Key takeaway: Self-managing hosts can keep significantly more revenue — but it requires being reachable 24/7, not just working 24/7.
The case for self-management is primarily financial — and the numbers can be striking. One self-managing host with four properties broke it down on Reddit: at a 25% management fee on roughly $85,000 in gross annual revenue per property, you'd hand over around $21,250 per unit, leaving just $13,750 in profit after expenses. Self-managing, that same host keeps closer to $50,000 per property. Scaled across four units, that's an extra $145,000 per year. As they put it:
"Do you want the job? It pays $36,000+ per unit, is flexible, and you can do it remotely."
Our own data supports the idea that self-management is more achievable than many assume. In Touch Stay's 2026 Host Report, 43% of hosts spend five hours or fewer per week on guest management, and 82% use at least one automation tool.
But there's a nuance worth flagging: experienced self-managers draw a clear distinction between active work and availability. The real daily workload might be an hour in the morning plus a handful of five-minute check-ins throughout the day, but a guest locking themselves out at midnight means you're the one fielding that call.
The hosts who thrive with self-management tend to live near their property (or have reliable local contacts), enjoy the hospitality side of hosting, and have built a solid team of cleaners and maintenance providers. Several hosts pointed out that nobody will care about your property as much as you do — management companies are juggling hundreds of listings, and yours is just one in their portfolio.
For hosts going the DIY route, our guides on Airbnb automation, best Airbnb tools for hosts, and best short-term rental management software can help you build a professional operation without the management fee.
The Case for Professional Management
Key takeaway: Professional management makes the most financial sense for remote owners, multi-property portfolios, and hosts spending 20+ hours a week on operations.
The top two operational challenges hosts face aren't guest communication or managing bookings, they're cleaning and maintenance and pricing competitively, each cited by 67% of respondents in our 2026 Host Report. These are precisely the areas where a good management company adds the most value. Among hosts managing 11 or more properties, nearly half spend 21+ hours per week on management. At that level, the "savings" from self-managing start to look more like an unpaid second job.
Not all host experiences with management companies are negative. On r/airbnb_hosts, one owner described handing their STR to a management company as the "absolute best move" they'd made, having locked in a 12% commission rate four years ago. Another host paying 18% reported actually earning more with a manager than they did self-managing:
"Even after their fee, I'm walking away with about double the mortgage payment."
Remote hosts in particular flagged the challenge of handling emergencies from a distance. In our Host Report, one respondent's answer to "what do you wish you'd known before starting?" summed it up: "How stressful it can be to live far from the property." Only 9% of the hosts we surveyed delegate guest communication to a co-host or staff member, meaning the overwhelming majority are fielding those midnight messages themselves.
The hosts who report the best outcomes tend to recommend smaller, local operators over large national brands. As one Orlando-based manager put it on Reddit: "For private property owners, I recommend choosing a small to medium-sized company. Your property is crucial to their growth, and they will put in extra effort to ensure your returns are substantial."
Industry data supports the case: professionally managed properties average around 75% occupancy compared to roughly 58% for self-managed ones (AirDNA). In high-demand markets, this occupancy gap can more than offset management fees.
For the full picture on where hosts are spending their time, what's working, and where the industry is heading, download the 2026 Host Report.
The Middle Ground
Many experienced hosts recommend starting with self-management to understand the business, then transitioning to a management company once you've scaled beyond what's comfortable. Others opt for half-service providers like Evolve or RedAwning that handle marketing and bookings while leaving the owner in charge of on-the-ground operations — a compromise that keeps fees at 10–15% while taking the most time-consuming digital work off your plate.
Another increasingly popular option is hiring a co-host rather than a full management company. Unlike a traditional manager, a co-host works under your profile. This means you retain ownership of your listing, reviews, and guest relationships.
What does an Airbnb property manager actually do?
An Airbnb property manager undertakes a range of responsibilities to maximise property performance and guest satisfaction:
Create and optimise listings
- Crafting compelling descriptions, using high-quality photos, and optimising listings for search and Airbnb algorithms.
Online marketing and social media
- Extending marketing efforts beyond Airbnb through social media and other platforms.
Adjust pricing strategy and manage revenue
- Implementing dynamic pricing based on market conditions to maximise income.
Handle guest communication and turnovers
- Managing all guest interactions and coordinating seamless check-ins and check-outs.
Coordinate cleaning and maintenance
- Arranging professional cleaning and handling routine repairs.
Provide guest support
- Serving as the primary contact for guests, addressing issues and providing assistance.
Ensure compliance with local laws and regulations
- Keeping abreast of and adhering to local short-term rental rules and tax requirements.
Manage guest reviews
- Encouraging and responding to guest feedback to maintain a positive online reputation.
Collect taxes
- Often handling the collection and remittance of local occupancy taxes.
Protect against property damage
- Implementing measures like security deposits or damage protection insurance.
Report to property owners regularly
- Providing detailed reports on occupancy, revenue, and expenses.
How to become an Airbnb property manager
Becoming an Airbnb property manager suits those with strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills, along with market knowledge.
1. Gain relevant experience and skills
- Experience in hospitality, property management, or customer service is beneficial. Understand the Airbnb platform.
2. Build a strong network
- Connect with property owners and industry professionals.
3. Find clients and co-hosting opportunities
- Start with friends/family or explore co-hosting to gain experience.
- Tips: Network at real estate groups, connect with local hosts online, advertise locally.
4. Negotiate with homeowners to hire you
- Highlight your value in saving time, increasing revenue, and improving guest experience.
5. Determine your fees
- Research local rates (typically 15-25% of revenue) and decide on your pricing model.
Pro tip: learn more about Airbnb pricing strategies with our comprehensive guide to maximising your short-term rental revenue
6. Create a business plan
- Outline your services, target market, pricing, and financial projections.
New to Airbnb hosting? Check out our full guide on how to start an Airbnb business
7. Understand local laws and regulations
- Research all relevant short-term rental rules and tax obligations.
8. Automate your tasks with vacation rental software
- Use software to streamline bookings, communication, and pricing. This saves time and reduces errors.
Pro tip: learn more about Airbnb automation: 10 proven tips to streamline your vacation rental business
9. Start building your portfolio
- Showcase successes and testimonials to attract new clients.
10. Use Airbnb welcome books
- Implement digital welcome books like Touch Stay for essential guest information, enhancing their stay and reducing your workload.
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Create your digital guidebook today!
How much does Airbnb management cost?
The cost of Airbnb management varies based on location and services.
Airbnb management fees explained
- Typically a percentage of gross rental income (e.g., 20% of £5,000 = £1,000 fee). This covers core management services.
Half-service vs. full-service Airbnb management costs
- Half-service (10-15%): Listing management, pricing, communication (owner handles cleaning/maintenance).
- Full-service (15-25%+): Comprehensive management including cleaning and maintenance.
How Airbnb management fees are calculated
- Commission-based: Percentage of booking revenue.
- Flat rate: Fixed monthly fee.
- Hybrid: Base fee plus a smaller percentage.
Additional costs in Airbnb management
- Setup fees, cleaning fees, maintenance markups, marketing costs, software fees, late check-in/out fees.
For more details, see: Property management fees breakdown & guide
How to choose an Airbnb management company (tips and tricks)
Selecting the right Airbnb management company is vital.
Look for experienced local Airbnb rental companies
- Local expertise in market dynamics and regulations is crucial.
Check their services and fee structures
- Ensure they offer the services you need at a transparent and competitive price.
Read reviews and testimonials
- Look for consistent feedback on communication and results.
Ask for referrals
- Speak to current or past clients for firsthand experiences.
Check credentials and licenses
- Verify necessary legal permissions to operate.
Schedule a consultation
- Discuss your property and their approach in detail.
Ensure clear communication and reporting
- Establish expectations for updates and communication methods.
Negotiate the best price
- Research local averages and be prepared to negotiate, especially with multiple properties or longer contracts.
10 Best Airbnb Management Companies — Detailed Reviews
| Company | Best For | Fee Range | Service Level | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evolve | Budget-conscious hosts who want to stay hands-on | 10–15% | Half-service | US, Canada, Mexico |
| Awning | Full-service management at a competitive price | 10–15% | Full-service | Nationwide (US) |
| Vacasa (Casago) | Hands-off owners who want the largest network | 25–35% | Full-service | 35+ US states, Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica |
| AvantStay | Luxury and group-friendly properties | 20–25% | Full-service | 13+ US states, Mexico |
| Casago | Owners who prefer local, franchise-based management | ~18% | Full-service | 70+ destinations (US, Mexico, Caribbean) |
| RedAwning | Hosts wanting maximum booking channel exposure | 10–25% | Half to full-service (tiered) | 1,000+ destinations (US, Canada, Mexico) |
| iTrip Vacations | Hosts who want a local franchise owner as manager | 20–30% | Full-service | 100+ US destinations |
| Hosteeva | Tech-savvy hosts and self-managers who want powerful tools | Varies | Full-service + PMS platform | North America |
| GuestReady | International property owners | 20–30% | Full-service | UK, Europe, Middle East, Asia |
| SkyRun | Mountain and coastal vacation rental owners | 13–40% | Full-service (franchise) | 40+ US markets |
After researching dozens of providers, comparing fees, reading hundreds of host reviews, and analysing service offerings, we've selected Evolve, Awning, and Vacasa (now Casago) as our top three picks.
Evolve stands out for hosts who want professional marketing at an industry-low 10% fee while staying hands-on with their property. Awning offers the best balance of full-service management and competitive pricing. And Vacasa/Casago brings unmatched scale with the largest portfolio in North America, ideal for truly hands-off investors.
Here's a detailed look at all ten companies.
1. Evolve
Founded 2011 · Denver, Colorado · 30,000+ properties · Half-service
Overview: Evolve has grown into one of the most well-known names in vacation rental management with over 30,000 properties in its portfolio. However, it's important to understand that Evolve is a half-service manager — they handle the marketing, booking, pricing, and guest communication, but you're responsible for cleaning, maintenance, and on-the-ground operations.
Services: Listing creation and optimisation, professional photography, multi-platform distribution (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and more), dynamic pricing, 24/7 guest messaging, booking management, and up to $10,000 in damage protection.
What Evolve doesn't do: Cleaning, restocking, key exchange, maintenance, furnishing, permit/licence acquisition, or any on-site services. You'll need to arrange these yourself or hire local providers (Evolve can connect you with their network of vetted contractors, but coordination and costs are your responsibility).
Pricing: 10% of booking revenue for the Core plan; 15% for the Plus plan which includes access to on-the-ground support networks. No long-term contracts — owners can cancel at any time with 15 days' notice (a $250 fee applies if you cancel within the first 90 days).
✅ Pros
- Industry-low 10% fee makes it one of the most affordable options
- No long-term contract commitment
- Strong multi-platform marketing and professional listing creation
- Good fit for hands-on hosts who just need help filling their calendar
❌ Cons
- Not a full-service solution — significant owner involvement still required
- Mixed reviews on customer service responsiveness
- If you cancel, your reviews go with Evolve's listing (you start fresh)
- BBB complaints around pricing transparency and unmet promises
Reviews: Evolve holds a 3.8/5 on Trustpilot from over 5,300 reviews. Positive feedback praises the easy onboarding and increased bookings. Negative reviews frequently cite poor guest support responsiveness, cancellation disputes, and gaps between what was promised and what was delivered. The company has an A+ BBB rating but has received over 1,000 complaints in the past three years.
2. Awning
Founded 2019 · San Francisco · All 50 US states · Full-service
Overview: Awning positions itself as a full-service management company with some of the lowest fees in the industry. The company was acquired by RedAwning in early 2024 but continues to operate its full-service management model. Awning is available nationwide across all 50 US states.
Services: End-to-end management including licensing and regulatory compliance, professional photography, listing creation and optimisation, multi-platform distribution, dynamic pricing, 24/7 guest communication, cleaning and restocking, laundry service, lawn/pool/hot tub maintenance, smart home setup recommendations, and guest guidebooks. Awning also offers optional design and furnishing services ($15,000–$50,000 depending on property size).
Pricing: Starting at 10% of revenue for management services. Maintenance add-ons like pool and lawn care run $25–$150 per month. No hidden fees, though design/furnishing is a significant additional investment.
✅ Pros
- Full-service management at a fraction of what competitors charge
- Nationwide coverage across all 50 states
- Comprehensive service offering that makes hosting truly passive
- Also offers insurance, loans, and real estate buying services for investors
❌ Cons
- Relatively newer company compared to industry veterans
- Contract cancellation policy details aren't always clearly outlined upfront
- Smaller team compared to Vacasa, which may affect response times in some markets
Reviews: Awning generally receives positive feedback from hosts who appreciate the low fees and comprehensive service. As a newer entrant, it has fewer reviews overall compared to Evolve or Vacasa. Hosts particularly praise the onboarding process and the breadth of services included in the base fee.
Pro tip:Even with a full-service manager, a Touch Stay digital guidebook gives guests 24/7 access to property info, local recommendations, and house rules reducing questions for both you and your management company. Learn about the 30 Airbnb hacks for hosts that complement any management setup.
3. Vacasa (Now Owned by Casago)
Founded 2009 · 35+ US states, Canada, Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica · Full-service
Overview: Vacasa was long the largest full-service vacation rental management company in North America. In April 2025, Casago acquired Vacasa for approximately $128 million, creating a combined entity managing roughly 40,000 homes. The company operates in 35+ US states plus Canada, Mexico, Belize, and Costa Rica. Vacasa also previously acquired TurnKey Vacation Rentals in 2021, absorbing its 6,000 properties.
Services: Truly end-to-end: professional photography and 3D virtual tours, listing creation and distribution across major booking platforms, dynamic pricing powered by a proprietary algorithm, 24/7 guest communication, professional cleaning and housekeeping, maintenance and repairs, local team management, homeowner dashboard with real-time performance data, and tax document preparation.
Pricing: Vacasa doesn't publish a standard fee. Rates are customised based on property location, size, and amenities. Owner reports consistently place fees between 25% and 35% of gross rental revenue. Some hosts report effective rates above 40% when add-on charges are included. The company also offers Vacasa Guestworks, a lighter half-service plan at roughly 10% for owners who handle cleaning and maintenance themselves.
✅ Pros
- Massive scale and brand recognition mean strong booking volume
- Truly hands-off experience with local teams in each market
- Sophisticated pricing technology that adjusts rates hundreds of times daily
- Homeowner portal for tracking earnings, bookings, and performance
❌ Cons
- Among the most expensive management options in the industry
- Fee structure is opaque — you won't know your rate until you get a custom quote
- Service quality has been inconsistent, particularly during the company's financial difficulties and Casago acquisition
- Numerous host complaints about poor communication and surprise charges
Reviews: Vacasa holds a 4.1/5 on Trustpilot from over 16,000 reviews. Guest reviews tend to be positive when things go smoothly, praising property quality and locations. Owner reviews are more mixed, with recurring complaints about communication issues, unexpected charges, and inconsistent property maintenance. On Yelp, the rating drops to 2.3/5, and Sitejabber shows 1.1/5 — suggesting that unhappy customers feel strongly enough to seek out review platforms.
4. AvantStay
Founded 2017 · Los Angeles · 2,300+ properties · Full-service luxury
Overview: AvantStay has carved a niche in the luxury, group-travel segment. They target larger, design-forward homes that sleep eight or more guests in destinations like Palm Springs, Scottsdale, and Cabo. AvantStay manages over 2,300 properties and treats each listing like a boutique hotel, with in-house design teams and concierge-level guest services.
Services: Full-service management including property design and staging (in-house team), professional photography, multi-platform distribution (Airbnb, Vrbo, Marriott Homes & Villas, and their own site), dynamic pricing, 24/7 guest support, concierge app (grocery delivery, chef referrals), hotel-standard housekeeping, maintenance, $1 million liability coverage, and automated permit filing.
Pricing: Not publicly listed. Former hosts report fees ranging from 20% to 25%, though some sources indicate rates can reach 40% depending on the property. AvantStay is selective — homes must meet their luxury, group-friendly criteria and be in an existing service area.
✅ Pros
- Premium guest experience translates to four-figure nightly rates and strong reviews
- In-house design team elevates property presentation and asset value
- Attracts high-quality guests (corporate retreats, milestone celebrations)
- Exceptional 4.6/5 Trustpilot rating from ~1,900 reviews
❌ Cons
- Only accepts larger, upscale properties — not suitable for standard rentals
- Limits owner stays, particularly during peak periods
- Design team has final say on décor — you give up creative control
- Limited geographic coverage (13 US states plus parts of Mexico)
5. Casago
Founded 2001 · Scottsdale, Arizona · 45,000+ properties (post-Vacasa acquisition) · Full-service franchise
Overview: Casago is one of the most established names in vacation rental management. Operating as a franchise model, each Casago location is independently owned by a local operator, giving hosts the benefit of both national brand standards and local market expertise. Following the acquisition of Vacasa in early 2025, Casago now oversees a combined portfolio of roughly 45,000 properties across 70+ destinations.
Services: Full-service management including listing creation, multi-platform distribution, dynamic pricing, guest screening and communication, cleaning and maintenance, 24/7 guest support, monthly revenue reporting, tax and permit assistance, and annual property inspections with a proprietary quality rating system.
Pricing: Around 18% of booking revenue, notably competitive for a genuine full-service manager. Casago promotes a "No Surprises" guarantee, meaning standard operational costs like lightbulb replacements and basic maintenance are included. No long-term contracts required.
✅ Pros
- Competitive 18% fee with transparent, all-inclusive pricing
- Local franchise owners provide personalised, on-the-ground attention
- Strong owner-first philosophy ("Cash, Care, and Communication")
- Now backed by Vacasa's technology and scale post-acquisition
- Flexible terms with no long-term lock-in
❌ Cons
- Franchise model means quality can vary by location
- Narrower booking channel distribution compared to some competitors
- Integration with Vacasa is still in progress, introducing some uncertainty
- Owners must furnish their property before onboarding (limited setup assistance)
6. RedAwning
1,000+ destinations · US, Canada, Mexico · Half to full-service (tiered)
Overview: RedAwning is a technology-driven management platform that distributes properties across 50+ booking channels — more than almost any other provider. The company operates in over 1,000 destinations. RedAwning acquired Awning in early 2024 and offers a tiered service model ranging from marketing-only to full-service management.
Services: Multi-channel distribution across 50+ platforms, professional listing optimisation, dynamic pricing, 24/7 guest support, personalised vacation rental website, automated door codes for self-check-in, payment processing, cleaner management (in select tiers), and optional property management add-ons.
Pricing: Tiered model starting at 10% of booking revenue (plus a 3% credit card processing fee) for the half-service marketing and distribution tier. Full-service tiers with on-the-ground support range up to 25%.
✅ Pros
- Industry-leading distribution across 50+ booking channels
- Flexible, tiered pricing — pay only for what you need
- Transparent fee structure with no hidden costs
- Owners keep their listing and reviews if they leave
❌ Cons
- Full-service coverage is only available in select markets
- The 3% processing fee adds to the headline commission rate
- Less brand recognition with guests compared to Vacasa or Evolve
- Support quality can vary depending on the service tier
7. iTrip Vacations
Founded 2008 · 100+ US destinations · Full-service franchise
Overview: iTrip Vacations operates a franchise model with locally owned offices in more than 100 destinations across North America. Each franchise is run by a local entrepreneur who serves as your dedicated property manager, offering a personal touch that larger corporate providers often lack.
Services: Full-service management including listing creation, professional photography, multi-channel distribution (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, Marriott Homes & Villas), dynamic pricing, guest screening, 24/7 guest support, cleaning and inspection coordination, maintenance management, and owner reporting.
Pricing: Commission-based fees typically ranging from 20% to 30% of rental revenue, varying by franchise location and service level.
✅ Pros
- Local franchise owners provide personalised, accountable service
- National marketing power combined with local market knowledge
- Marriott Homes & Villas partnership opens access to 160+ million loyalty members
- Strong operational infrastructure across 100+ destinations
❌ Cons
- Service quality depends entirely on the local franchise operator
- Fees can be higher than larger corporate providers
- Limited international coverage (North America only)
- Less technological sophistication compared to some competitors
8. Hosteeva
New Orleans-based · North America · Full-service + PMS platform
Overview: Hosteeva operates as both a full-service management company and a property management software (PMS) platform. This dual model makes it unique. Owners can choose "Managed" for full-service management or "Hosted" to self-manage using Hosteeva's technology suite, which includes AI-powered pricing, 85+ channel distribution, and an automated guest communication system called EVA AI.
Services: For the Managed tier: end-to-end property management including listing, pricing, guest communication, cleaning, maintenance, and reporting. For the Hosted tier: PMS software with channel management across 85+ platforms, dynamic pricing, unified inbox, automated messaging, payment processing, and owner portal. Also offers a Marriott Homes & Villas partnership for qualifying properties.
Pricing: Not publicly listed for the Managed tier. The Hosted (self-management) tier operates as a software subscription. Hosteeva reports that properties using their smart pricing see a 39% average increase in revenue.
Related reading: Want to explore other PMS options? See our ranking of the 10 best short-term rental management software tools in 2026.
✅ Pros
- Flexible model — choose full-service or self-management with professional tools
- Distribution across 85+ booking channels, including Marriott Homes & Villas
- AI-powered pricing and guest communication (EVA AI)
- Owners using the Hosted tier keep significantly more of their income
- Integrates with Touch Stay
❌ Cons
- Smaller brand presence compared to industry giants
- Full-service management availability may be limited by location
- PMS platform requires some technical comfort to use effectively
- Fewer third-party reviews available
9. GuestReady
UK, Europe, Middle East, Asia · Full-service international
Overview: GuestReady is an international property management company specialising in short-term rental services, with operations spanning the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. This makes it a standout choice for property owners outside North America — a market segment that most companies on this list don't serve.
Services: Full-service management including listing optimisation, professional photography, multi-platform distribution, dynamic pricing, guest communication, cleaning and linen services, key management, maintenance coordination, and performance reporting.
Pricing: Typically 20–30% of rental revenue, varying by market and service level. Custom quotes are provided based on property assessment.
✅ Pros
- One of the few management companies with a genuine international footprint
- Strong presence in European and Middle Eastern markets
- Full-service offering comparable to North American providers
- Solid option for owners with overseas investment properties
❌ Cons
- Not available in the US, Canada, or most of the Americas
- Smaller portfolio and brand recognition than industry leaders
- Service quality may vary across their diverse geographic markets
- Less pricing transparency compared to some competitors
10. SkyRun Vacation Rentals
Established 2004 · 40+ US markets · 1,300+ properties · Full-service franchise
Overview: SkyRun operates as a franchise with locally owned offices across 40+ markets in the US. The company manages over 1,300 properties and has a particularly strong presence in mountain and coastal vacation rental destinations like Breckenridge, Keystone, and various ski and beach towns.
Services: Full-service management including professional listing creation, multi-platform distribution, dynamic pricing (powered by PriceLabs since 2024), 24/7 guest support, professional housekeeping, property inspections, maintenance coordination, and detailed owner reporting. Some franchises offer a co-management option where owners handle certain tasks at a reduced fee.
Pricing: Commission-based fees ranging from 13% to 40%, with the most common rate around 20%. A co-management tier at approximately 15% is available for hands-on owners. Select franchises also offer a guaranteed income model with a fixed monthly payout.
✅ Pros
- Local franchise owners live in the market and know the area intimately
- Flexible fee tiers including co-management and guaranteed income options
- Strong reputation in mountain and coastal vacation markets
- Reports suggest owners see ~30% more booked nights in their first year
❌ Cons
- Service quality varies significantly by franchise location
- Fee range is wide — important to negotiate before signing
- Smaller national presence compared to Vacasa or Evolve
- Limited Trustpilot presence (2.9/5 from very few reviews)
Full-Service vs. Half-Service Comparison
Understanding the difference between full-service and half-service management is crucial before you choose a provider. Here's a detailed breakdown:
| Feature | Half-Service (Evolve, RedAwning Basic) | Full-Service (Vacasa, Awning, AvantStay) |
|---|---|---|
| Listing creation & optimisation | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
| Professional photography | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
| Multi-platform distribution | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
| Dynamic pricing | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
| Guest communication (24/7) | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
| Cleaning coordination | ❌ Owner's responsibility | ✅ Included |
| Maintenance & repairs | ❌ Owner's responsibility | ✅ Included |
| Restocking supplies | ❌ Owner's responsibility | ✅ Included |
| Key exchange / check-in | ❌ Owner's responsibility | ✅ Included |
| Furnishing & design | ❌ Not offered | ⚠️ Some companies (AvantStay, Awning) |
| Permit & licence management | ❌ Not typically offered | ⚠️ Some companies (Awning, AvantStay) |
| Tax preparation | ❌ Not offered | ⚠️ Some companies (Vacasa) |
| Typical fee range | 10–15% | 18–35% |
| Owner time commitment | Moderate (on-ground tasks) | Minimal to none |
Fee Comparison Table
Fees are one of the most important factors in choosing a management company. Here's a transparent comparison:
| Company | Base Fee | Additional Fees | Contract Terms | Reviews Stay With You? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evolve | 10% (Core) / 15% (Plus) | None disclosed | No lock-in; $250 early cancel fee (90 days) | ❌ No |
| Awning | From 10% | Maintenance add-ons $25–$150/mo; design $15K–$50K optional | Not clearly disclosed | Not confirmed |
| Vacasa | 25–35% (custom quote) | Possible add-ons; effective rate can exceed 40% | Varies | ❌ No |
| AvantStay | 20–25% (reported) | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not confirmed |
| Casago | ~18% | "No Surprises" — basics included | No long-term contract | Not confirmed |
| RedAwning | 10–25% (tiered) | 3% credit card processing fee | Flexible | ✅ Yes |
| iTrip | 20–30% | Varies by franchise | Varies by franchise | Varies |
| Hosteeva | Not disclosed / Subscription | Not disclosed | Not disclosed | Not confirmed |
| GuestReady | 20–30% | Custom quote | Not disclosed | Not confirmed |
| SkyRun | 13–40% (commonly ~20%) | Varies by franchise | Varies | Varies |
How to manage Airbnb properties without a management company
Self-managing your Airbnb requires effort but can save on fees.
- Use property management software for automation.
- Establish reliable cleaning and maintenance.
- Create clear house rules and welcome guides (consider Touch Stay).
- Employ dynamic pricing tools
- Be highly responsive to guests
- Ensure smooth check-in/out
- Manage guest reviews
- Understand local regulations and taxes
- Use high-quality photos
- Market your property effectively
The days of managing everything manually are over. In Touch Stay's 2026 Host Report, 82% of hosts use at least one automation tool, and only 18% run their operation with no automation at all. Yet over half (56%) still handle guest communication through manual emails, texts, or calls, which is one of the easiest areas to automate.
The most effective self-managing hosts build a connected tech stack rather than doing everything by hand. A typical setup pairs a PMS for bookings and calendar sync with a dynamic pricing tool and a digital guidebook for guest communication.
Touch Stay integrates directly with leading PMS platforms including Guesty, Hostaway, Hospitable, Lodgify, Hosteeva, and OwnerRez, so your guidebook automatically syncs with each reservation, sending guests the right information at the right time without you lifting a finger.
Ready to enhance the guest experience and start reclaiming your precious time? Create your digital guidebook in minutes!
Frequently asked questions
