Best Airbnb Management Companies in the US: What They Charge (2026)

For US property owners looking to outsource the management of their Airbnb listings, a significant hurdle emerges right at the outset: a striking lack of pricing transparency. Our review of 136 management companies across the United States revealed a stark reality: only 28 of them were willing to publish their fee structures online. This means a vast majority, 108 companies, deliberately withhold this crucial information, forcing owners into a preliminary sales call before any financial details are disclosed. This asymmetry creates a considerable challenge for owners aiming to make an informed decision, as it renders direct comparison nearly impossible.

The core of this problem lies in the inability to meaningfully compare options when essential cost information is obscured. Without clear pricing, owners are left guessing about the financial implications of each service, making it difficult to evaluate value for money. This lack of transparency can lead to protracted and unproductive conversations, as owners attempt to extract basic fee information rather than focusing on the specific services and benefits each company offers. It also risks owners feeling pressured into agreements without a full understanding of the costs involved, potentially leading to dissatisfaction down the line.

This guide addresses this information gap directly. By compiling the pricing data that is publicly available, and by highlighting which companies are willing to be upfront with their charges, we empower owners to begin their research with a clearer financial picture. While many companies still prefer a direct conversation to discuss fees, this resource provides a starting point for identifying those management partners who are at least willing to share their pricing information, allowing for a more efficient and informed initial selection process.

The 28 companies that publish what they charge

Every figure below was read on the company’s own website and is dated. Nothing here is
an estimate, a range we have averaged, or a number quoted to us on a call. Where a company
adds a condition to its fee, that condition is printed in its own words.

The rest of the 136 companies we read — 108 of them — publish no
figure at all. That is not evidence of a bad deal; it is evidence that you will not know
the deal until you have spent a call finding out.

Why most companies will not put a number on the page

Many short-term rental management companies choose not to advertise their management fees upfront for a combination of practical and commercial reasons. Honestly, the level of service and the associated costs can differ significantly from one property to another. Factors such as the property’s location, its current condition, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and the expected guest turnover all play a role in determining the actual work involved. A pristine, well-maintained apartment in a high-demand tourist area will require a different management approach and resource allocation compared to a larger, older house in a less frequented location. Therefore, providing a single, fixed fee would be inaccurate and potentially misleading for many property owners.

From a commercial standpoint, publishing a standard fee can limit a company’s flexibility in tailoring proposals to individual client needs and perceived value. When discussing management services over the phone or in person, a company can gain a better understanding of the owner’s expectations, their financial goals, and their willingness to invest in management. This allows for a more nuanced conversation where the proposed fee can be shaped to align with the owner’s comfort level and the perceived benefits of the management services offered. It’s a way to ensure that both parties feel the arrangement is fair and mutually beneficial, rather than relying on a generic figure that might not reflect the unique circumstances of each property and owner.

What a management fee actually buys

Two companies can quote the same percentage and mean very different things by it. This
is the checklist to take into both conversations.

How to compare two quotes honestly

When comparing management fees, it’s crucial to look beyond the headline percentage. A seemingly lower percentage might actually represent a higher cost to you as a property owner, and vice versa. The critical factor is understanding the base from which that percentage is calculated. Is it solely on the nightly room rate, or does it encompass the entire guest payment, including all additional fees like cleaning charges and service fees? A management company charging a lower percentage on the total guest payment might be taking more money from your bookings than a company with a higher percentage that only applies to the room rate itself.

Furthermore, you must consider what costs are being billed separately and on top of the management fee. Some management companies present a low percentage but then add substantial charges for services that are either included in other companies’ percentages or are essential operational costs. For instance, a company with a lower headline percentage might charge extra for guest communication, key exchange, or even basic maintenance coordination. If these additional fees are significant, the overall expense for their services could easily exceed that of a competitor with a higher percentage but a more inclusive fee structure.

Therefore, to compare management quotes honestly and effectively, you need to perform a detailed cost analysis. Calculate the total amount you would pay each management company for a given booking, taking into account their percentage fee and all additional charges. This comprehensive view will reveal the true cost of each service. A management fee that appears higher on paper might ultimately be more cost-effective if it includes more services or is calculated on a smaller portion of the guest’s payment, leaving you with a greater net income from your property.

Full-service management, or co-hosting?

Full-service management is designed for owners who want a completely hands-off approach to their short-term rental. In this model, the management company essentially takes over your listing entirely. They will create and manage the listing on platforms like Airbnb, handle all guest communications from initial inquiry to post-stay reviews, and are responsible for coordinating check-ins and check-outs. Crucially, when something goes wrong at midnight – a plumbing emergency, a locked-out guest, or a noise complaint – it is the full-service management company that is on the hook to address it, dispatching their own staff or contractors. This arrangement is ideal for owners who live a significant distance from their rental property, or who simply have no desire to be involved in the day-to-day operations.

Co-hosting, on the other hand, is a more collaborative partnership. Here, the owner typically retains ownership of the listing, meaning they are the primary point of contact and control on platforms like Airbnb. While a co-host will assist with guest communication, managing inquiries, and coordinating bookings, the ultimate decision-making power often rests with the owner. The owner is generally on the hook for significant repairs or emergencies, although a co-host might be responsible for initial troubleshooting or arranging for services. This model suits an owner who lives relatively close to their property and is willing to be more actively involved, perhaps handling major issues themselves or overseeing the co-host’s work, but still wants help with the more time-consuming tasks of guest interaction and daily management.

How to get a number out of the 108 that publish none

Before you even pick up the phone to one of the 108 companies that advertise no fees, take a moment to prepare. Send them the essential details of your property in writing first. This could be a simple email outlining the property type, size, number of bedrooms, and its general location. This step ensures that when you speak, the conversation is focused on the specifics of your property and what they can offer for it, rather than them making assumptions or trying to gauge your general expectations. It grounds the discussion in tangible facts from the outset.

When you do connect for a call, be direct and efficient. Ask for the total fee they charge for their services and any potential add-on costs in the very same question. For example, you might say, “Could you please outline the total fee you charge for managing a property like mine, and what are any additional charges I should be aware of?” This avoids back-and-forth about individual components and gets you closer to a comprehensive understanding of their pricing structure immediately.

To get a concrete understanding of their financial expectations, ask about what a similar property in your area actually paid in total last year. Instead of asking about a percentage, phrase your question as, “Could you tell me what a property comparable to mine, in terms of size and location, paid in total fees to your company last year?” This gives you a real-world figure to work with. Crucially, before the call concludes, request that this information, including the total fee and any identified add-ons, be confirmed in writing.

When the property is a luxury one

When a property is classified as luxury or high-value, the entire approach to its management shifts significantly. While the percentage of fees might appear the same as for a standard property, the actual work involved is far more complex and demanding. Luxury owners expect a level of service that goes beyond basic maintenance and rent collection. This includes meticulous presentation, proactive problem-solving, and a deep understanding of the nuances of high-end clientele. The same percentage of a higher rent or asset value translates into a greater financial stake for the manager, demanding a correspondingly higher standard of care and attention to detail.

A specialist operator, in contrast to a volume operator, focuses on delivering bespoke services tailored to the unique needs of luxury properties and their discerning owners. A volume operator, managing a large portfolio of more standard properties, often relies on streamlined processes and a more generalized approach to achieve efficiency. A specialist, however, dedicates more time to each individual property, anticipating potential issues before they arise, curating guest experiences, and maintaining the property to exceptionally high standards. This often involves coordinating with specialist tradespeople, managing high-profile guests, and ensuring every aspect of the property’s presentation is impeccable. Therefore, an owner of a luxury or high-value home should prioritize understanding the individual workload of a property manager – specifically, how many properties they personally oversee – rather than simply inquiring about the overall size of the management company. A manager handling fewer properties, even within a larger firm, can dedicate the necessary time and expertise to truly excel in managing a high-value asset.

The national operators, in their own words

These companies describe themselves as operating across the country rather than in one
market. The middle column is the reach each one claims; the right-hand column is taken
from its own site, not from our summary of it.

Nine questions to ask before you sign

Take these to every company you speak to and write the answers down. The differences
between two operators show up here far more clearly than in the headline percentage.

1. Is the fee taken from the nightly rate only, or from the total the guest pays including the cleaning and pet fees?
2. What is billed on top of the percentage in a normal month, and what did that come to for a comparable property last year?
3. Who pays for the turnover clean, and does it appear on my statement or the guest’s booking?
4. What is the onboarding cost, and is photography part of it?
5. How long is the term, what is the notice period, and is there a fee to leave?
6. Do you hold the listing, or do I? If we part, does the review history stay with my property?
7. Which registration, permit and occupancy-tax filings do you handle, and which stay with me?
8. How many properties does the person answering my guests look after?
9. What is the maintenance mark-up, and at what value do you call me before spending?

Questions owners ask us

What is the best Airbnb management company?

There is no single best one nationally, and any page that names one is guessing. The companies that operate in Seattle are mostly not the companies operating in Cape Coral. The comparison that holds is local: who works in your market, what they charge, and what is billed on top. Of the 136 US companies whose sites we read, 28 publish a fee you can compare before you call.

How do I find someone to manage my Airbnb?

Start from the market rather than from a national list. Find the operators working in your city, ask each one the same nine questions below, and get the answers in writing. An operator who already runs properties within a few miles of yours knows the local permit rules, the cleaning market and the seasonal rate pattern, and that is worth more than a national brand name.

Does Airbnb offer property management itself?

No. Airbnb is the booking platform; it does not manage properties. Management is a separate business you contract with, and the platform’s own service fee is charged on top of whatever your manager charges.

Who manages Airbnb properties?

Three kinds of business. Full-service operators take the listing, the guests, the cleaning schedule and the maintenance calls. Co-hosts share the work with an owner who stays involved and usually keeps the listing in their own name. And individual local managers run a handful of properties each, often with the closest knowledge of one town.

What is a normal management fee?

There is no single normal figure, which is why this page prints what each company publishes rather than an average. The 28 published fees above are the honest evidence available; the other 108 companies quote privately, so any market-wide average would be built on the minority that talk.

Do management companies charge for cleaning as well?

Usually the guest pays the turnover fee as part of the booking, so it does not appear on your statement. What varies is linen, consumables and deep cleans, which some operators absorb and others bill back. Ask which of the three it is.

Where to look next

The picture changes market by market, because the companies that operate in one city are rarely the ones operating in the next. We keep a page for each: Seattle, Atlanta, Portland, Indianapolis, Cape Coral, Long Beach, Boston, Sedona.

If you would rather start from what a manager in your market actually charges, our
city pages list the companies operating there, with published fees where the company
publishes one.