Do I Need a Property Management Company for My Airbnb?

If you're just getting started as an Airbnb host, or even if you've managed a few bookings already, you've probably wondered:

Do I need a property management company for my Airbnb?

Here’s the short answer: If you're short on time, struggling with reviews, or simply want to earn more without the stress – then yes, a good short-term rental management company can be a game changer.

Let’s break it down.

What does a property management company do for your Airbnb?

A full-service holiday let management company takes care of everything, including:

• Guest messaging and support (24/7)
• Cleaning and laundry coordination
• Pricing and revenue optimisation
• Maintenance scheduling and issue resolution
• Listing creation and marketing
• Onboarding, furnishing, and styling (if needed)

Some companies only offer booking or messaging support. Others (like us at Red Kite Hosts) provide a full service that genuinely takes everything off your plate.

What are the signs you need help managing your Airbnb?

You don’t need to be overwhelmed to benefit from help – but here are a few red flags that suggest it might be time:

• You’re missing guest messages or replying too slowly: Many guests expect replies within an hour (ideally minutes).
• Cleanings are inconsistent or rushed: Maybe you don’t have a reliable team, or the logistics of back-to-back bookings are causing issues.
• You’re always playing catch-up with maintenance: It’s not just the big jobs – small things add up. You don’t want to miss out on bookings by stopping guests being able to book but the home isn’t in the same condition as it used to be.
• You’re not sure when or how to do deep cleans: These are crucial, but tricky to schedule and manage well.
• You’re not getting enough bookings – or underpricing without realising: Local events, weekends, seasonal trends, and last-minute changes all impact rates. If you're not adjusting dynamically, you could easily be missing 20–30% in revenue.

What are the pros (and myths) of using a management company?

Pro: You save hours of time every week. And not just replying to guests or changing sheets – we’re talking about calendar management, contractor coordination, pricing strategy, and constant operational oversight.

Pro: You can actually earn more. Most of our clients earn 20–30% more than they did managing things themselves. Why? Because we:

• Price homes more effectively
• Boost guest satisfaction and reviews
• Prevent maintenance problems
• Keep calendars full

Myth: "I’ll lose control of my home."

Actually, we work with owners to suit their preferences. Some want to handle maintenance themselves. Others want to approve costs above a certain number. Some are completely hands-off. We’re flexible, and most great management companies are too.

How much does Airbnb management cost?

At Red Kite Hosts, we offer two main tiers:

HostLite (12% + VAT):

• 24/7 guest support and check-in
• Guest screening
• Dynamic pricing
• Listing setup and optimisation

Host+ (15–18% + VAT):

• Everything in HostLite
• Professional cleaning and linen
• Hotel-quality toiletries

Why Red Kite Hosts?

We live and work in the areas we manage homes. Our team is based across the Cotswolds and surrounding counties – this is where we walk, eat, explore, and raise families. We know the roads, the events, the shortcuts, and the seasonal quirks.

With Red Kite, you get:

• Local account managers who meet you in person
• Onboarding visits and expert setup
• Reliable housekeeping - one housekeeper or a small team per home that know your property inside-out
• Maintenance coordination via our vetted and trusted pool of all local trades
• Efficient tools and systems spanning digital guidebooks, dynamic pricing software, operational software including inspections reports and clear and transparent monthly invoicing
• Hands-on support plus national-level infrastructure

You get the benefit of a professionalised Airbnb business, without giving up the local insight and care.

So... Do you need a property management company?

If you're:

• Getting fewer bookings than expected
• Unsure how to price effectively
• Missing messages or reviews are slipping
• Spending more time than you can afford

...then yes, it’s worth speaking to a management company.

And if you want local, flexible, and expert support that takes care of everything, then that’s where we come in.

Considering working with a property management company? Get in touch for a no-pressure chat — we’ll help you figure out if it’s the right fit for you and your home.

‍