Arkansas is a great location for those looking to invest in a short-term rental property due to its diverse attractions, including natural parks, cultural landmarks, and various outdoor activities. The state experiences a high demand for rental properties all year round, making it an attractive location for Airbnb investment.
Top Arkansas Airbnb Management Companies
The best Airbnb management companies in Arkansas include:
- Awning: Best Overall Airbnb Manager
- RedAwning: Best Half-Service Airbnb Management Solution
- Avantstay: Best Luxury Short-term Rental Management Company
- Hot Springs Village Rentals: Best For Host Springs Village
- Cohobnb: Best for NorthWest Arkansas
Top Arkansas Airbnb Management Companies by City
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How We Researched the Top Arkansas Airbnb Management Companies
The criteria we used to select and rank the top Airbnb management companies in Arkansas include:
- Services: We looked at whether a company is a half-service or full-service provider and whether it covers all expected services within each category.
- Pricing: We considered whether an Airbnb property manager has a clear pricing structure covering all services. We also looked at what additional fees hosts will need to pay.
- Value for money: We evaluated whether the provided services and the expected fee offer the best value for money.
- Business model: We investigated whether a company uses the latest real estate technology while retaining human touch, which is crucial in property management.
- Reviews: We took into consideration whether companies have a strong online presence and whether reviews are positive or negative.
- Number of listings: We searched for the Airbnb management companies with the most active listings in the market.
To maximize your vacation rental investments in Arkansas , connect with an Awning property manager now.
How to Choose a Arkansas Airbnb Management Company
Selecting the right Airbnb management company is crucial for the success of your rental business, just like finding a high-potential property. This becomes even more important in a market like Arkansas, where many cities have strict regulations for short-term rentals.
When deciding, consider the following criteria, similar to what was used in ranking the top Arkansas Airbnb management companies:
- Services: Decide on your level of involvement in property management (half-service or full-service). Identify what services you expect from the Airbnb manager and what you are willing to handle yourself. Determine if your property is ready for guests or if you need assistance with preparation.
- Pricing: Determine your budget for either passive investment experience or extra help with your vacation rental.
- Value for money: Compare the services and fees offered by several property management companies, including monthly fees and additional charges.
- Business model: Consider whether you prefer a local or nationwide property manager. Determine if you want a personal touch or national accountability. Look for a company that is transparent and trustworthy.
- Reviews: Read online reviews from property owners and guests. Reach out to local investors who work with each company you are considering.
- Number of listings in Arkansas: Choose a company that has an established presence in the Arkansas market and a local team that is not overworked or understaffed. Look for an experienced professional with sufficient local capacity.
When interviewing top Arkansas short-term rental property management companies, ask the following questions:
- Are you a local or nationwide property manager?
- How many years of experience do you have 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 outside vendors?
- What is your track record for increasing revenue in the local market?
- Do you provide assistance with property preparation, interior design, furnishing, licensing, permits, and taxes?
- Do you collect payments from guests or do booking fees go directly to the property owner?
- Do you offer cleaning, laundry, and restocking services?
- Do you handle property inspections and maintenance?
- Do you manage swimming pools and hot tubs?
- What is your Airbnb property management fee and what does it cover? Are there any additional fees or costs? Is there an onboarding or early-termination fee?
- Can I review the property management agreement?
- What is the process for canceling your services?
- Will I retain my property reviews if I end your services?
Having answers to these questions is critical to choosing the best Arkansas Airbnb property management company that meets 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 Arkansas
Starting an Airbnb business in Arkansas requires several key steps, including:
- Choosing a location with high potential for investment and where Airbnb is legally allowed
- Finding a suitable property
- Verifying that the zoning district allows short-term rentals
- Consulting a real estate agent to help with the property purchase
- Undergoing renovations if necessary
- Furnishing the rental
- Determining the best business structure
- Filing tax and employer identification documents
- Obtaining a vacation rental dwelling license from the Arkansas Department of Business & Professional Regulation
- Acquiring local short-term rental licenses and permits from the city
- Deciding between self-management or hiring an Airbnb management company
- Listing the property and beginning to rent it out
- Providing ongoing guest services and property maintenance
The decision to self-manage or hire a property manager will determine the level of passive rental income that can be achieved.
Arkansas Airbnb Laws and Regulations
Arkansas has regulations in place for short-term rentals that vary by city. Fayetteville, for instance, passed regulations in 2021 that require a license, taxes, inspections, and the appointment of a responsible party, while anyone operating such a rental in a zoning district that doesn't allow hotels is in violation.
The short-term rental tax rate in Arkansas is 1% of the gross receipts received from the rental, according to Arkansas Code Ann. § 2663-301(b) (Repl. 2020). Host Compliance, a leading national short-term rental monitoring and enforcement firm, is contracted to enforce compliance in some Arkansas cities, and violators are subject to stiff penalties, as in Fayetteville, where violators may be fined $1,000.
Arkansas tenants have certain rights, including the right to not be discriminated against in housing and the right to report safety and health violations to proper authorities, as specified by AR Code. Tit. 18. Ch. 17. The Arkansas Short-Term Rental Alliance is a group that believes in fair and reasonable regulations of short-term rentals in Arkansas.
Takeaway
Starting an Airbnb business in Arkansas is a lucrative option for real estate investors. However, they should be prepared for regulations imposed by the state and individual cities and face strong competition. To be successful, it's important to have an effective vacation rental property management strategy, which can be achieved by hiring a professional Airbnb manager.