One of the most important decisions you’ll make as a vacation rental owner is how your property will be managed.
You can choose to self-manage or hire a local real estate professional or
property management company to handle the details.
Full-service management often includes marketing, guest screening, leases, payment collection, and coordination of
cleaning and maintenance—but these services come at a cost. Management fees frequently run 15% or more
of rental income, which can have a meaningful impact on your bottom line.
Two common approaches: self-management vs. professional management
There’s no one right answer. The best approach depends on how involved you want to be, how far you live from the home,
and whether you have reliable local support. Many owners start with one approach and adjust over time as they learn what
works best for their schedule and goals.
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Professional management: less day-to-day involvement, but higher ongoing fees and less direct control.
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Self-management: more hands-on, but often greater control over pricing, policies, and the guest experience.
Why self-management appeals to many owners
For many homeowners, self-management offers clear advantages—both financially and personally.
Financial upside: keep more of what you earn
From a financial perspective, managing your rental yourself allows you to keep more of the income your property
generates. That additional revenue can be reinvested in improvements, used to offset expenses, or simply increase
profitability. Over time, the difference can be substantial.
Control and guest fit: protect the home and the experience
Just as important is control. When you manage your own rental, you decide who stays in your home. No one knows your
property better than you do, and direct communication allows you to screen prospective guests and ensure they’re a good
fit.
Many owners find that this personal connection leads to better care of the home, smoother stays, and more repeat guests—
especially in coastal markets where families return year after year.
Self-management vs. third-party booking channels
Some owners rely heavily on large third-party booking channels for convenience, but these platforms can come with
limitations that feel restrictive. They may control key parts of the booking process—such as communication tools,
cancellation rules, and payment timing. In many cases, owners may not receive funds until after guests have checked in,
which can affect cash flow and reduce flexibility.
When you manage your rental more independently, you typically retain more control over pricing,
policies, and payment terms, and you can build direct relationships with guests rather
than relying entirely on a third party.
A balanced, hands-on approach (even from a distance)
Self-management does require time and attention, but many owners find the tradeoff worthwhile—especially with today’s
tools, including online marketing, digital leases, and secure payment systems, which make managing a rental more
accessible than ever, even from afar.
The key is building a reliable local team. When paired with trusted support—such as a turnover cleaner, handyman,
plumber, electrician, and appliance repair professional—you can oversee the guest experience without personally handling
day-to-day cleaning or repairs.
What to line up before your first season
- Cleaning and turnover support (including backup coverage in peak weeks)
- Handyman for small repairs and quick fixes
- Licensed trades (plumber and electrician) for urgent issues
- Appliance repair contact (or retailer service plan)
- Clear house guide for guests (check-in, Wi-Fi, trash, quirks of the home)
- A simple system for inquiries, leases, payments, and calendars
Investor takeaway: choose the model that supports your goals
Managing a vacation rental is ultimately about balancing control, cost, and
time. Professional management can reduce day-to-day involvement, while self-management can increase
flexibility and long-term profitability—especially for owners who value direct guest relationships and a hands-on
approach.
Whichever path you choose, the most successful rentals are the ones that are well supported: clear processes, reliable
local help, and a guest experience that feels simple and well cared for.
FAQ: Managing a vacation rental
Q: How much do vacation rental management companies charge?
A: Fees vary by market and service level, but full-service management is often priced as a percentage of
rental income. Be sure to confirm what’s included—marketing, guest communication, turnovers, and maintenance coordination—
before comparing options.
Q: Is self-managing a vacation rental worth it?
A: For many owners, yes. Self-management can help you keep more income and maintain control over guest
selection, pricing, and policies. The tradeoff is time and attention, which can be reduced by building a strong local team.
Q: Can I self-manage a vacation rental if I live far away?
A: Many owners do. The key is reliable turnover support and a dependable local network for quick repairs,
plus simple systems for communication, leases, and payments.
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