Choosing an Airbnb management company, the questions to ask before signing

Entrusting your property means entrusting your income, your guests and your reputation on the platforms. Management companies’ websites all look alike, and so do their promises. What makes the difference is how they answer a few precise questions.

Here are the ten questions to ask before signing, grouped into four themes.

The scope of the service

1. What exactly does the offer include?

Ask for the written list of included services, and above all of those that are not. Check-in, cleaning, linen, restocking, small repairs, review management, every line counts. The contract should repeat this list word for word.

2. Who answers guests, and when?

A guest stuck outside the door at 11 pm will not read your terms and conditions. Ask who answers, in which languages, how fast, and what happens at night and at weekends.

3. How is cleaning checked?

A checklist, photos after every visit, a quality check, someone to call when something is wrong. Cleaning decides your reviews, it deserves more than a promise.

Money

4. What is the commission calculated on?

Gross amount paid by the guest, nightly rate only or net platform payout, the gap can reach several points. We break down this calculation in our article on Airbnb management costs in Paris.

5. Who collects the income, and when is it paid out?

The simplest arrangement is for the platform to pay you directly. If the company collects rent on your behalf, it is in principle acting under the French Hoguet law and should be able to show a professional licence. Ask for it, it is a normal question.

6. Which fees come on top, and up to what cap?

Setup, linen, supplies, repairs. Ask for the price list and who approves any expense above a set amount.

Control

7. Who owns the Airbnb account?

Your reviews are your capital. Ideally, the listing stays on your account and the company accesses it as a co-host. If it is published on the company’s account, the contract should provide for its transfer when the collaboration ends.

8. What reporting will you receive?

A regular statement of bookings, income, costs and the condition of the property. Ask for a sample. A company that truly manages your revenue can show you its numbers.

9. How do you leave the contract?

Commitment period, notice, existing bookings, return of keys and linen. Better to know at the start than at the end.

Compliance

10. Who handles the registration number and the night count?

The declaration stays in your name, but a good company checks that the number appears on every listing and tracks the nights let. The Paris rules are detailed in our article on short-term rentals in Paris. Also ask whether the company holds professional liability insurance.

Our answers, openly

We publish our rates, 20% for the Standard plan and 22% for the Premium plan, as well as our terms and conditions. The detail of services is in the contract, and we are happy to answer each of these questions before you sign. Let’s take the time to talk.