Hiring a Property Manager for Your Airbnb? Don’t Sign Until You Ask These 5 Questions

Thinking About Hiring a Property Manager for Your Airbnb? Ask These 5 Key Questions First

Running a short-term rental sounds simple until you're stuck messaging guests at midnight, chasing down cleaners, or adjusting pricing for the fifth time this week.

If you're juggling a full-time job or scaling multiple listings, hiring a property manager for your Airbnb might seem like the perfect solution. But not all property managers are created equal. The wrong one can drain your profits and damage your reputation. The right one? A game-changer.

At BNB Guardians, we’ve worked with hosts who were burned by bad management or afraid to give up control. That’s why we coach our members through exactly what to look for (and avoid) when hiring a property manager for your Airbnb whether it’s your first listing or your fifth.

So before you sign any contracts, here are the five essential areas to cover and the questions you must ask to make sure your short-term rental business is in the right hands.

Why Hiring a Property Manager Could Be a Smart Move

A great property manager can help you:

• Free up your time so you’re not on-call 24/7

• Handle Airbnb guest communication with speed and professionalism

• Coordinate reliable cleaners and maintenance without drama

• Optimize your Airbnb listing for better visibility and higher revenue

• Protect your property, your reputation, and your peace of mind

But here’s the catch: some property managers are stuck in the long-term rental mindset. Airbnb is a different animal with faster pace, higher expectations, and more moving parts.

That’s why we teach Airbnb strategy inside our coaching program including how to find (or train) the right property management support for short-term rentals.

1. Experience and Expertise: Have They Actually Done This Before?

You need someone who knows the short-term game, not just how to collect rent on a 12-month lease.

Ask:

• How long have you been managing short-term rentals?

• How many active listings do you currently manage?

• Are you experienced with Airbnb optimization and Airbnb guest communication?

• Do you have any short-term rental certifications or training?

What to look for: Someone who understands Airbnb marketing, dynamic pricing, and what it takes to maintain a 5-star listing, not just someone who "manages properties."

2. Communication: Are They On Top of Guest Messaging?

Airbnb moves fast, and delayed communication = lost bookings and bad reviews.

Ask:

• How do you handle guest communication? Is it 24/7?

• What tools or systems do you use to stay responsive?

• How do you deal with guest complaints or last-minute requests?

• What's your emergency response plan?

At BNB Guardians, we teach our hosts to use Guesty for streamlined operations, including automated guest messaging, cleaner coordination, and smart notifications. If your manager isn’t using the right tech, it’s a red flag.

3. Revenue Strategy: Can They Help You Earn More?

A property manager should help you increase your income, not just protect it.

Ask:

• What’s your strategy for Airbnb pricing and occupancy?

• Do you use tools for dynamic pricing? If so, which ones?

• How do you market the property beyond just Airbnb?

• Can you provide examples of listings you’ve helped grow?

Pro tip: If they can't talk confidently about Airbnb SEO, Airbnb listing creation, or seasonal pricing strategies… keep looking.

4. Operations: Can They Keep Your Property in Top Shape?

Cleanliness is one of the biggest drivers of 5-star reviews, and guest expectations are high.

Ask:

• How do you handle scheduling and quality control for cleaning?

• What happens if there’s a maintenance issue during a guest stay?

• Do you work with trusted vendors or contractors?

• How do you make sure everything’s guest-ready every time?

We show our members how to build repeatable systems using tools like Guesty, so nothing slips through the cracks.

5. Costs and Contracts: What Are You Really Signing Up For?

Finally, understand how they charge and what’s included in the service.

Ask:

• What percentage or flat fee do you charge?

• Are there any setup fees or hidden costs?

• Do you cover guest messaging, marketing, and reviews or just cleaning?

• How are payments to cleaners, vendors, or yourself handled?

• Can I cancel the agreement if things don’t work out?

Watch out: Some property managers lock you into long-term contracts without delivering results. Don’t be afraid to ask for references or case studies.

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Airbnb Business?

Hiring a property manager can help you scale faster, reduce stress, and build a real business, not just a side hustle. But you’ve got to do it right.

At BNB Guardians, we do more than just Airbnb coaching, we also offer hands-on Airbnb management and cohosting for hosts who want support running day-to-day operations. Whether you're launching your first listing or already overwhelmed by the details, our team can help you stay profitable and stress-free.

We’ll guide you through everything from Airbnb optimization and guest communication to pricing strategy and team systems.

Need help with Airbnb? Whether you’re looking for a cohost, full-service property management, or just expert advice, we’ve got your back. Join our Airbnb Super Host Academy community or book a call with us at BNB Guardians. Let’s build your Airbnb business the smart way without burnout.