Alabama Airbnb Management Companies by City

Alabama is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and a mild climate, making it an attractive destination for tourists. This guide lists every Airbnb property management company in Alabama by city.

Top Alabama Airbnb Management Companies

The best Airbnb management companies in Alabama include:

1. Awning: Best Overall Airbnb Manager
2. RedAwning: Best Half-Service Airbnb Management Solution
3. Avantstay: Best Luxury Short-term Rental Management Company
4. ITrip: Best For Local Presence
5. Luxury Coastal Vacations: Best for Coastal Properties
6. Evolve : Best for Involved Hosts

Top Alabama Airbnb Management Companies by City

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How We Researched the Top Alabama Airbnb Management Companies

When it comes to investing in a successful Airbnb rental business, choosing the right property management company is just as important as selecting the right property. This becomes especially critical in a state like Alabama, where many cities have stringent regulations and restrictions on short-term rentals.
As you consider different property management companies, focus on the same key criteria that we used in our ranking of the top Alabama Airbnb management companies:

• Services: Determine your level of involvement in the management of your property, whether that's partial or hands-off. Consider what services you require from the Airbnb manager, as well as what you'd like to handle yourself. Also, think about the preparation required for your property to welcome guests.
• Pricing: Consider how much you're willing to pay for a fully passive investment experience or for additional help managing your vacation rental.
• Value for money: Evaluate the list of services provided by several property management companies and the fees they charge, including the monthly fee and additional charges.
• Business model: Decide whether you prefer to work with a nationwide or local property manager, and consider factors like accountability, honesty, and transparency.
• Reviews: Check online reviews from both property owners and guests, and speak with local investors who have worked with each company you're considering.
• Number of listings in Alabama: Seek out a company with an established presence in the Alabama market, but not one that's overworked or understaffed. You want a professional with sufficient local capacity.

To maximize your vacation rental investments in Alabama , connect with an Awning property manager now.

How to Choose an Alabama Airbnb Management Company

When you're ready to interview a few top choices for an Alabama short-term rental property management company, ask the following questions:

• Are you a local property manager or a nationwide company?
• How many years have you been managing short-term rentals?
• How many properties are you currently managing?
• What is the size of your local team?
• Do you have an in-house local management team or do you work with vendors?
• How much have you been able to increase revenue in the local market?
• Do you offer property preparation services, such as interior design, furnishings, short-term rental licenses and permits, and tax assistance?
• Do you collect payment from guests and remit to owners, or do booking fees go directly to the property owner?
• Do you provide cleaning, laundry, and restocking services?
• Do you manage property inspections and maintenance work?
• Do you handle swimming pools and hot tubs?
• What is your Airbnb property management fee? What does it cover? Are there any additional fees or costs? Is there an onboarding or early-termination fee?
• May I review a copy of the property management agreement?
• How do I cancel your services?
• Will I be able to keep my property reviews if I opt out?
  

By getting answers to these questions, you'll be able to select the best Airbnb property management company in Alabama for your specific needs.

How Airbnb Management Works

There are two broad types of Airbnb property management companies: full-service and half-service.

Full-service property managers are those that take care of all the aspects of owning and running a short-term rental business. They help:

The best full-service Airbnb management companies help investors achieve passive income while boosting performance.

Half-service Airbnb property managers usually focus on listings, marketing, revenue management, guest communication and support, and taxes. Some of them offer to connect property owners with vetted local vendors for the services they do not cover.

Vacation rental property management companies can be national (covering most US markets) or local (focusing on a specific city). Both come with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Property management fees range widely in the US market: between 10% and 50% of revenue, with 20-25% of revenue being the average for full-service providers. Some companies charge different rates for different markets and different property types. Property managers frequently charge extra for services outside the core package, like interior design, furnishing, insurance, linen, etc.

The top vacation rental management companies have flexible terms and do not require long-term commitment on behalf of property owners. However, some expect quarterly or annual commitments.

Some Airbnb property managers focus on specific property types, like luxury rentals, group travel rentals, apartments, etc., while others work with most residential properties. Different companies have different eligibility requirements; for example, half-service property managers work with furnished short term rentals, while some full-service companies prefer to be directly involved in design and furnishing.

One thing property owners should keep in mind is that most Airbnb management companies list rentals under their brand name, so hosts lose the reviews and rankings once they leave. A noticeable exception is Awning, which allows properties to keep reviews.

How to Start an Airbnb in Alabama 

Investors who wish to start an Airbnb business in Alabama should consider the following steps:

• Choose the best location in Alabama for investment properties (where Airbnb is legal and yields high ROI).
• Identify a high-potential property for investment.
• Verify that the property is located in a zoning district that permits short-term rentals.
• Hire a local agent to assist with purchasing the property.
• Consider renovating the property if necessary.
• Furnish the rental with appropriate amenities.
• Determine the preferred business structure.
• File the necessary tax and employer identification documents.
• Obtain a vacation rental condo or dwelling license from the Alabama Department of Business & Professional Regulation.
• Acquire the local short-term rental licenses and permits required by the city.
• Decide whether to hire an Airbnb management company or manage the property independently.
• List the property on Airbnb and start renting it out.
• Provide ongoing services to guests and maintain the property.

Whether you choose to manage your Alabama Airbnb property independently or hire a property manager will impact the amount of passive rental income you receive. 

Alabama Airbnb Laws and Regulations

Alabama has a mix of state and local regulations regarding short-term rentals (STRs). STRs are regulated at the city and county level, with the exception of taxes which are imposed by the state. The specific laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction, but here are some key points to consider:

Taxes: Guests who book STRs in Alabama are subject to state and local lodging taxes, which vary by county and can range from 4-5% to 16%. These taxes are typically collected by the STR platform (such as Airbnb or Vrbo) and remitted to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of the host.

Business License: In some jurisdictions, hosts are required to obtain a business license from the city or county in which the STR is located.

Zoning and Land Use: Some jurisdictions may have specific zoning or land use requirements that affect the use of a property as an STR.

Safety and Health: In some jurisdictions, hosts may be required to comply with certain safety and health regulations, such as fire safety and sanitation codes.

It's worth noting that while Alabama generally has favorable STR laws and regulations, hosts should still be aware of and comply with all applicable requirements in their specific jurisdiction. Violations of STR regulations can result in fines and even criminal charges in some cases.

Takeaway

Starting an Airbnb business in Alabama is a lucrative option for real estate investors. However, short-term rental property owners must be prepared to face strict regulations imposed by the state and individual cities and strong competition from other savvy investors. To maximize the success of your rental business, it is essential to optimize your vacation rental property management strategy. One of the best ways to do this is by hiring a professional Airbnb manager.