What Does a Vacation Rental Manager Do?

Owning a vacation rental can be rewarding, but running one is a job: answering guests at all hours, arranging cleans between stays, fixing what breaks and adjusting prices every week. A vacation rental manager takes on that work. Here is what they do and how to choose one.

Pricing

A good manager sets nightly rates that move with demand: higher for weekends, holidays and local events, lower in quiet periods to fill gaps. They set minimum stays and discounts and review results regularly.

Listings

The manager creates and maintains listings on booking sites, with photos, descriptions, house rules and accurate amenities. They keep calendars in sync to avoid double bookings.

Guests

• Answering questions before booking.
• Screening guests and confirming house rules.
• Sending check-in instructions.
• Being reachable during the stay for problems.
• Handling reviews afterward.

Cleaning and turnover

Between every stay, the home must be cleaned, linens changed, supplies restocked and the property checked for damage. Managers schedule cleaners, set standards and inspect the work.

Maintenance

Managers arrange routine maintenance, such as pool service, landscaping and HVAC filters, and coordinate urgent repairs. Most agree a spending limit with the owner, above which they ask for approval.

Compliance

Depending on the area, a rental may need a permit, a business license and occupancy tax filings. A manager can help keep registrations current and taxes filed, though the owner remains responsible for the property. See our guide to short-term rental permits.

Reporting

Owners should receive a regular statement showing bookings, revenue, fees and expenses. Ask how often and in what format.

How fees work

Fee structures vary. Many managers charge a percentage of booking revenue. Some charge flat monthly fees, and some offer tiers with different services. Ask:

• What exactly is included?
• What costs extra, such as cleaning, linens or repairs?
• How are prices set?
• How long is the contract, and how do I end it?

What the owner still decides

Even with a manager, owners usually decide on major repairs, upgrades, furnishing, the home's rules and whether to block dates for personal use.

Is a manager right for you?

Self-managing makes sense if you live nearby, have time and enjoy hosting. A manager makes sense if you live far away, own several homes or want the time back.

How JekkyStay works with owners

JekkyStay manages large homes for owners, handling pricing, listings, guest messages, cleaning and maintenance, with fees tied to performance and no long-term contracts. See how management works, our pricing and the markets we serve, or get a quote. If you are deciding whether your home suits groups, read is your home a good group vacation rental.

Frequently asked questions