I searched “top 10 questions to ask before hiring a vacation rental manager” and while the resulting answers were informative, I’m not sure they are actually the right questions a property owner should ask when they’re considering hiring someone to manage their short-term rental.

At some point it’s definitely helpful to know the detail items like what tech stack the company is using, is there an owner dashboard that can be used and how they’ll market your home to get the best exposure, but this is an important relationship you’re entering into, so how about starting with a smart foundation?

You’re Hiring a Store Front for your Short-Term Rental

Communication seems like a good place to start.
When you hire a vacation rental manager (VRM), I’m going to estimate that 98% of your communications will be virtual. They’re also representing you to your potential and actual guests. Your VRM is really your storefront.
– At first contact did you get a timely response?
– How did the response sit with you? Were they informative, well spoken and approachable?

Local management trumps remote. Here’s why.

I know that a lot of VRM’s manage vacation properties remotely, and they probably do a great job. However having your management company living and working in the community where your rental is located can’t be beat.

Succession planning – What if the manager drops dead?

Not to be indelicate but it’s a potential problem. It’s true that you and your rental will benefit from being taken care of by a small management company that offers direct, one-on-one service to marketing, cleaning, repairs and neighbour-relations. Most smaller (boutique) operations are run from the top down by 1 person, the owner-operator. There are likely other staff on board for many of the daily tasks, but what happens to your rental listing if the owner is incapacitated or dies suddenly? Is the brain trust for overseeing the business shared among key people on staff?