Can I Hire Someone to Manage My Airbnb?

Running an Airbnb can earn good money, but it takes work. From guest bookings to cleaning, it all adds up fast. If you’re tired of handling it alone or don’t live near the property, you’ve probably asked yourself: Can I hire someone to manage my Airbnb?

Short answer—yes, you can. Long answer—it depends on what you want, how hands-on you want to be and what kind of results you expect.

Let’s dig into the nuts and bolts of hiring help, what it costs, what to expect and why many hosts are handing over the keys.

Why People Hire Airbnb Managers

Most Airbnb hosts start out doing everything themselves. But once bookings increase or life gets busy, things slip. Maybe a guest had to wait. Maybe the place wasn’t ready on time. These issues hurt reviews, and reviews hurt profits.

That’s where finding a professional Airbnb manager comes in. You can hand off the hard stuff and get peace of mind. This is ideal for people with:

• Full-time jobs
• Multiple listings
• Properties in other cities
• No time for daily check-ins

Think of it like hiring a mechanic for your car. You can do it yourself, but the right expert gets better results in less time.

What Does an Airbnb Manager Do?

The role of an Airbnb property manager is comprehensive and covers numerous aspects of managing your property. Their job is to make sure everything runs smooth, guests stay happy and your place stays booked. Most property managers take care of everything behind the scenes so you don’t have to. 

They respond to guest messages, manage bookings, update calendars and adjust pricing based on demand. They also organise cleaning, do quality checks, restock supplies and deal with any damage or repair jobs. If guests have issues during their stay, your manager sorts it out fast. That means no late-night calls or stressful last-minute problems for you.

Here’s what most managers take care of:

• Guest communication
• Pricing and calendar updates
• Cleaning and laundry
• Check-in and check-out
  Maintenance issues
• Stocking essentials
• Review management

Some managers also offer setup help like professional photos, listing creation or property styling. The level of service depends on what they offer and what you need.

You’ll find more about the role of an Airbnb property manager when you look deeper into these services. For a full breakdown of these tasks and what’s included, check out this Airbnb property management guide. Always ask for a clear service list before signing anything.

How Much Does It Cost?

Costs vary depending on the service and location. But here’s a simple breakdown:

• Full-service management: 20% to 30% of your booking income
• Partial service: Flat fees or lower percentages (10–15%)
• Set-up only: One-time fees for listing creation and staging

So if you earn $5,000 a month on bookings and your manager charges 25%, you keep $3,750.

The key here is value. If your manager boosts bookings and keeps your ratings high, they might make you more than you’d earn alone.

Short-Term Gains vs Long-Term Strategy

Some hosts hire help to get through a busy season. Others do it as part of a growth plan. Hiring a manager frees you up to:

• Scale across multiple properties
• Focus on buying more homes
• Run Airbnb remotely
• Avoid burnout

If you’re thinking long-term, your strategy matters. Knowing when to hire an Airbnb manager can shape your whole rental business. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed—plan early and grow smart.

Choosing the Right Manager

Not all managers are the same. Some are large companies. Some are small local teams. Some are former Airbnb hosts themselves.

Here’s what to look for in an Airbnb property manager:

1. Experience: Do they know short-term rental laws and trends?
2. Local knowledge: Are they based in your city or know it well?
3. Service range: Do they do cleaning, maintenance, pricing, and guest comms?
4. Tech tools: Do they use smart locks, pricing software or Airbnb-approved apps?
5. Reviews or case studies: Can they prove results?

One example is a couple in Brisbane who turned a single listing into three properties after hiring a local manager. Their earnings doubled, and they now focus on property investing instead of cleaning sheets.

Full-Service vs Co-Hosting

You’ve got two main paths—full service or co-hosting.

Full-service management is hands-off. The company runs everything. You pay a higher fee, but it’s stress-free.

Co-hosting is more flexible. You work with someone (or a team) who handles just part of the job. Maybe they do check-ins and cleanings while you handle the rest.

Both options work. It depends on how much time you want to spend and what you want to control.

Remote Ownership: Managing From Afar

Owning an Airbnb outside your hometown? You’ll need help on the ground. Hiring a manager makes this possible.

With tools like smart locks, auto messaging and online calendars, managing an Airbnb remotely is easier than ever. But you still need someone to:

• Clean after guests leave
• Refill supplies
• Handle damage or repairs

That’s where your local manager shines. They’re your boots on the ground. They make sure guests get what they need—and you get good reviews.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Not every manager is a good fit. Some overcharge. Some underdeliver. Some don’t keep you in the loop.

Here’s how to avoid the most common mistakes:

• Don’t pick the cheapest option: Low cost often means low effort.
• Ask for a contract: Always read the fine print before signing.
• Check their past work: Look at listings they manage. Read guest reviews.
• Set clear rules: Define who does what. Agree on how often they report to you.

It’s also smart to ask about cancellations, emergencies and payment timelines.

Regional Considerations Across Australia

Australia’s Airbnb market changes based on city and region. In some places, demand is seasonal. In others, there are strict council rules.

If you own a property in Queensland, check out guides on how to manage an Airbnb in Gold Coast or how to hire a property manager in Noosa. Each region has its own quirks.

In cities like Sydney or Melbourne, competition is fierce. You’ll want a manager who knows how to optimise your listing and use dynamic pricing tools.

Short-Term Rental Trends in 2025

Right now, Airbnb is evolving. Guests want more than a bed—they want experiences. They expect fast replies, spotless homes and clear listings.

Current trends show:

• Higher demand for 2–3 night stays
• Interest in workcation-friendly homes
• Eco-conscious travel habits
• Families booking full homes instead of hotels

An expert Airbnb manager knows these trends and adjusts your strategy to fit. Staying ahead keeps your listing full year-round.

Future Outlook for Airbnb Management

Looking ahead, automation will play a bigger role. Smart devices, keyless entry, and AI pricing tools are already shaping how hosts run their business.

Managers who embrace tech will stand out. This means:

• Faster guest service
• Higher occupancy rates
• Fewer mistakes

As more investors enter the short-term rental space, expert insights on Airbnb property management will become essential. Property managers will shift from cleaners and key holders to strategic partners.

Legal and Compliance Responsibilities

Each state in Australia has its own rules. Councils might require approvals, noise restrictions or max-night limits. Your Airbnb manager should help you follow these laws.

For example:

• In Brisbane, new rules require registration and safety checks
• In Sydney, you may need development approval for short stays
• Coastal towns may restrict how many days you can rent per year

Before hiring, ask how your manager handles legal issues and compliance. This protects you from fines or removal from the platform.

Example Case Study: Brisbane Property Owner

Sarah owns a three-bedroom home in Brisbane. At first, she did everything herself—bookings, cleaning, guest support. After a few months, she hit a wall. Guests complained about late replies. Cleaners were unreliable. Her rating dropped.

She hired a local full-service Airbnb manager. They:

• Handled all guest communication
• Used dynamic pricing tools
• Scheduled professional cleaners
• Added smart locks and auto check-in

Within 60 days, her occupancy jumped by 35%. Reviews improved. She now earns 28% more per month and spends zero time managing the home.

Her story shows the benefits of hiring an Airbnb manager when things start to slip.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Can I still access my Airbnb account if I hire a manager?

Yes, you always keep access to your Airbnb account, even after hiring a manager. Most Airbnb managers work by being added as a co-host or team member. This means they can respond to guests, update calendars and manage day-to-day tasks, but you stay in full control of your account. You can log in anytime to check bookings, reviews, revenue or performance data. This setup creates full transparency and gives you peace of mind. Some owners like to be involved and check in weekly. Others prefer to let the manager take over while they focus on other things. Either option works as long as roles are clearly defined up front. You can also ask your manager to send you monthly reports or key updates so you always know what’s happening. The goal is to build a working relationship where you stay informed without getting bogged down in the day-to-day tasks.

2) How do I find a reliable Airbnb manager near me?

Finding a trustworthy Airbnb manager starts with research. Look at top-rated Airbnb listings in your area and check who manages them. If a local manager consistently runs high-performing properties with strong guest reviews, that’s a good sign. Next, browse websites that outline what to look for in an Airbnb property manager—these will show you key traits like experience, responsiveness and service range. Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions: How long have they managed short-term rentals? Do they know the local council rules? What tools do they use to set pricing and screen guests? Reliable managers should be open, transparent and happy to provide references. You should also check if they hold business licenses, are part of local property groups or have an online presence. Avoid anyone who seems unclear about services, hides fees or doesn’t provide written agreements. Trust is built on clarity and accountability.

3) Is it worth paying 25% or more for Airbnb management?

Paying 25% or more might seem high, but for many hosts, it’s worth every dollar. The key is what you’re getting in return. A good manager doesn’t just save you time—they often increase your income. They do this by adjusting your nightly pricing based on demand, responding quickly to guests, improving reviews and keeping your calendar full. They also handle cleaning, maintenance and emergencies, so you don’t deal with last-minute calls or upset guests. Without a manager, you might earn more on paper—but lose money from double bookings, bad reviews or missed messages. The right manager helps you run your Airbnb like a business. Just make sure you ask the right questions up front. What’s included in their fee? How do they report results? Can they share examples of past success? If they bring in more revenue and protect your listing’s reputation, then yes—paying that 25% is a smart investment.

4) Can I hire someone just for cleaning or check-ins?

Yes, you don’t have to hand over full control to get help. Many Airbnb hosts choose co-hosting or partial management instead of full-service. This means you hire someone just for tasks like cleaning, restocking, key exchanges or handling guest questions. You still manage bookings and pricing while they take care of the day-to-day chores. This works well if you live nearby or want to stay involved without doing it all. It also saves money since you’re only paying for the services you need. The key to success here is setting clear roles. Make sure your helper knows exactly what they’re responsible for and when they’re expected to act. Put agreements in writing to avoid confusion. Whether it’s a friend, neighbour or professional cleaner, having someone reliable on call keeps your place in great shape and guests happy. It’s a flexible option for owners who want support without stepping back completely.

5) Do Airbnb managers handle emergencies like broken pipes or late-night issues?

Yes, professional Airbnb managers should be ready to deal with emergencies. This includes things like broken plumbing, lost keys, power outages or noisy guests. Full-service managers usually have local contacts for plumbers, electricians or cleaners, and they know how to act fast. Most offer 24/7 guest support so someone is always available—even in the middle of the night. This is especially important if you don’t live near the property or want peace of mind while travelling. Before hiring anyone, ask how they handle urgent problems. Do they have a list of trusted tradespeople? What’s their process for after-hours issues? How do they keep you informed? A reliable manager will already have systems in place to respond fast and protect your property. Emergencies can damage your reviews if not handled well. That’s why having someone on the ground who can act quickly is one of the biggest benefits of hiring a manager.

Ready to Let Someone Else Take the Reins?

Managing an Airbnb takes time, patience and skill. If you’re burnt out or ready to scale, hiring a manager might be your best move. You’ll save time, protect your ratings and maybe even earn more.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but with the right fit, your Airbnb can run like a business—not a side hustle. Want to take the next step? Check out BnB Booking and start your search for a reliable partner. From airbnb property management to full hands-off service, we’ll help you take your short-term rental to the next level.

Please call us today on 1300 146 514 to learn more or leave an enquiry and we will get back to you as soon as possible.