Indiana is a desirable destination for investing in short-term rentals due to its varied offerings, including scenic parks, historical sites, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation. This guide highlights all Airbnb property management companies in Indiana by city.
Top Indiana Airbnb Management Companies
The best Airbnb management companies in Indiana include:
- Awning: Best Overall Airbnb Manager
- RedAwning: Best Half-Service Airbnb Management Solution
- Avantstay: Best Luxury Short-term Rental Management Company
- Leavetown: Best For Local Presence
- Five Star Property: Best for Luxury Properties
Top Indiana Airbnb Management Companies by City
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How We Researched the Top Indiana Airbnb Management Companies
The criteria we used to select and rank the top Airbnb management companies in Indiana 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 Indiana , connect with an Awning property manager now.
How to Choose a Indiana Airbnb Management Company
Selecting the right Airbnb management company is just as crucial to the success of your rental business as choosing the right property to invest in. This is especially true in states like Indiana, where many cities have stringent regulations for short-term rentals.
When making your decision, consider the following criteria that we used in our ranking of the top Indiana Airbnb management companies:
- Services: Determine your level of involvement in property management (half-service might be suitable) or whether you desire a completely passive income (full-service is a must). What services do you expect from the Airbnb manager and what tasks are you willing to handle yourself? Does your property require furnishing to be guest-ready?
- Pricing: Consider how much you're willing to pay for a fully passive investment or for additional management assistance.
- Value for money: Evaluate the services provided by several property management companies and the fees they charge, including monthly fees and additional charges.
- Business model: Decide if you prefer working with a nationwide or local property manager. Do you value national accountability or a personal touch from a local provider? Is the company transparent and trustworthy?
- Reviews: Read online reviews by both property owners and guests. If possible, speak to local investors who have worked with each property management company you're considering.
- Number of listings in Indiana: Choose a company that has a established presence in the Indiana market but is not overburdened or understaffed. An experienced professional with local capacity is ideal.
When interviewing potential Indiana short-term rental property management companies, ask the following questions:
- Are you a local or a 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 contractors?
- What is your ability to increase revenue in the local market?
- Do you provide assistance with property preparation, interior design, furnishings, short-term rental licenses, permits, and taxes?
- Who collects payment from guests and remits to owners or do booking fees go directly to the property owner?
- Do you offer cleaning, laundry, and restocking services?
- Do you manage property inspections and maintenance work?
- Do you manage swimming pools and hot tubs?
- What is your Airbnb property management fee? What services does it cover? Are there any additional fees or costs? Is there an onboarding fee or early-termination fee?
- May I review a copy of the property management agreement?
- What is the process for canceling your services?
- Do I retain my property reviews if I cancel your services?
Knowing the answers to these questions is crucial for finding the best Indiana 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 Indiana
In order to start an Airbnb business in Indiana, investors need to:
- Choose the best Indiana investment property location (where Airbnb is legal, and ROI is high)
- Locate a high-potential property
- Ensure the zoning district permits short-term rentals
- Seek assistance from a real estate agent to aid in purchasing the property
- Undertake renovations (if necessary)
- Furnish the rental unit
- Determine the appropriate business structure
- File required tax and employer identification documents
- Obtain a vacation rental license from the Indiana Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR)
- Secure necessary local short-term rental licenses and permits by city
- Make a decision on whether to self-manage or hire an Airbnb management company
- List the property and start renting out
- Provide ongoing maintenance and guest services.
The choice between self-management and hiring a property manager will impact the level of passive rental income earned in Indiana.
Indiana Airbnb Laws and Regulations
short-term rental regulations in Indiana are primarily focused on local government control and taxation. A new law, H.B. 1035, was passed in 2018, which permits homeowners to rent out their primary residence on online forums such as VRBO, Airbnb, and HomeAway.
The law allows grandfathering in of pre-existing short-term rental properties. Under the law, owner-occupied short-term rental properties are a permitted residential use, and any applicable ordinance cannot disallow them.
However, short-term rental properties that are not owner-occupied require special exceptions or zoning variances.Moreover, laws that regulate, prohibit, or limit short-term rentals must be enforced.
Short-term rental regulations may vary depending on the location and may include zoning laws, occupancy and safety standards, taxation, licensing, and insurance requirements, with guides available for more information specific to the city.
Landlords in Indiana have specific rights and obligations, including maintaining the living space free from hazards and garbage, maintaining appliances, complying with cleanliness standards, and abiding by all rules and regulations in the rental agreement.
Takeaway
Starting an Airbnb business in Indiana can be a lucrative way to invest in real estate. However, investors should be aware of the regulations imposed by the state and local municipalities, as well as competition from other experienced investors. This highlights the importance of having a well-optimized vacation rental property management strategy. Hiring a professional Airbnb manager is one of the best ways to ensure success in the rental business.