How start Property managing through Airbnb?

Question

I am a Real Estate Agent and my brokerage is looking into property management.  My question is how do we set up through Airbnb?  If we have a client and they want us to be full hands on I'm not finding it easy to figure out logistics. Meaning does my brokerage set up an Airbnb account and add multiple properties under that account or do we set up an account under the clients name and do that for each different client we work with?

Kathy Henley · Answer

@Lauren Valencia If you were the master of the AirBnb account, you would black out the month that the owners would be in town. This would prevent bookings from other travelers. By controlling the account, you will be the manager of the furnished apartment for the owners - communicating with the guests, cleaning and repairs - without bothering the owners. The rental income would post to the property account like other rental income, less fees and repairs.

Lauren Valencia · Answer

The owners plan to stay at the property a month or so when in town.  While out of town I will manage the entire property including repairs.

Kathy Henley · Answer

@Lauren Valencia There is management and there is the marketing. As property manager, you will pay the utility bills and keep the the property in shape. AirBnb is all about marketing and this takes time. Be sure to create separate PM Agreement for these properties as responsibilities expand. Create G/L account 'Tenant Supplies' for toilet paper and stuff. Will you handle emergency repairs between tenants? Spell it out with the property owner.

When creating an account on AirBnb, they will ask for what bank account the rental payments go to. It will be verified. This might be the same account as all rent payers, but the marketing 'face' on the app may be different. If you were ambitious, you might create a fictitious name for managing the brand of the furnished rentals. A link on the AirBnb site would take travelers to this site with more photos and a brand of dependable quality. Again, this takes time, so consider this when setting management fees.