What Every Airbnb Host Should Know About Hiring Property Managers

Managing a short-term rental can be exciting and profitable — but it’s rarely passive. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by guest messaging, cleaning coordination, and ongoing maintenance, hiring a reliable Airbnb property manager could be the game-changer you need. Here's a practical guide for Airbnb hosts to evaluate if hiring a manager is the right move, what to look for, and how to ensure your rental business runs like a well-oiled machine.

When Does Hiring an Airbnb Manager Make Sense?

While some hosts enjoy being hands-on, others are looking to reclaim their time or expand their portfolios. Here are scenarios where bringing in a property manager is worth serious consideration:

1. You're Managing Multiple Listings

Running several properties at once means juggling guest turnover, dynamic pricing, cleaning schedules, and local maintenance. A professional Airbnb manager can centralize these tasks, freeing you to focus on growth.

Tip: Use a cleaning automation platform like Soyhome to reduce manual coordination and ensure each property is always guest-ready.

2. You Want to Grow Without Burning Out

Looking to scale your Airbnb business? Delegating day-to-day tasks — especially things like Airbnb turnover cleaning and guest communication — gives you the bandwidth to invest in new properties or improve performance.

Learn how Soyhome automates Airbnb cleaning tasks so you can scale efficiently without sacrificing quality.

3. You're Hosting Remotely

Managing a short-term rental from out of town? A local Airbnb manager provides peace of mind by handling check-ins, resolving issues, and overseeing cleaning and maintenance in your absence.

Key Qualities to Look for in an Airbnb Property Manager

Not all property managers offer the same level of service. To find the right fit for your hosting goals, ask about:

• Vacation rental experience: Look for managers who specialize in short-term rental operations, not just long-term or traditional property management.

• Local expertise: They should understand seasonal pricing, area-specific regulations, and local guest expectations.

• Tech savviness: From Airbnb to cleaning task automation, using the right tools makes management more efficient.

  
  

Questions to Ask Before You Hire

Interviewing a property manager? Go beyond the basics and ask these critical questions:

• How do you coordinate with cleaners between guest stays?

• What’s your protocol for emergency repairs or last-minute cancellations?

• How do you optimize pricing and booking across platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo?

• Can you share examples of improving listing performance or resolving guest complaints?

And don’t forget: Ask how they handle Airbnb cleaning. Some managers rely on platforms like Soyhome to automate cleaner scheduling, assign custom checklists, and maintain cleaning quality with photo verification.

Pricing: What Does Airbnb Property Management Cost?

Fees vary, typically ranging from 10% to 30% of your rental income. Higher rates often include full-service options — listing optimization, calendar management, cleaning oversight, and guest support. Some property managers offer flat monthly rates, while others charge based on performance.

To get the most value, clarify:

• What services are included?

• Are cleaning costs bundled or separate?

• Do they charge extra for emergency support or special services?

  
  

The Tech Advantage: Why Automation Matters

Top-performing property managers use technology to simplify operations. From syncing bookings to scheduling turnover cleaning, automation saves time and prevents errors.

Ask if they use:

• A Property Management System (PMS) to sync calendars and manage listings.

• Automation tools to coordinate with Airbnb cleaning services.

• Data insights to adjust pricing and optimize your listing performance.

At Soyhome, for instance, hosts can instantly connect with pre-vetted cleaners and set up auto-scheduling for turnovers, even if you don’t use a full-service manager.

Is Hiring an Airbnb Property Manager Right for You?

If you value your time, want to grow your rental income, or manage from a distance, hiring a property manager may be the strategic move your business needs. But even if you’re a DIY host, outsourcing certain tasks — like cleaning coordination — can significantly reduce your workload.

Just make sure you:

• Vet managers thoroughly

• Understand the services (and costs) involved

• Keep control over performance metrics and guest experience

  
  

Want to simplify Airbnb turnovers without hiring a full-time manager?

Try Soyhome — the smarter way for Airbnb hosts to find reliable cleaners, automate cleaning tasks, and maintain 5-star cleanliness standards across all your listings.