Iowa Airbnb Management Company Directory

Iowa is a state in the Midwestern region of the United States, known for its rolling hills, fertile farmlands, and diverse landscape. It attracts tourists with its scenic beauty, historical sites, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Top Iowa  Airbnb Management Companies

The best Airbnb management companies in Iowa  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. SOMNI: Best For Apartments
5. Leavetown: Best For Local Presence

Top Iowa Airbnb Management Companies by City

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How We Researched the Top Iowa  Airbnb Management Companies

The criteria we used to select and rank the top Airbnb management companies in Iowa  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 Iowa , connect with an Awning property manager now.

How to Choose a Iowa  Airbnb Management Company

Finding the right Airbnb management company is just as critical as choosing the right property to invest in for the success of your vacation rental business. This is particularly important in a state like Iowa, where many cities have strict short-term rental regulations and restrictions.

When making your selection, consider the same factors we used in our ranking of the top Iowa Airbnb management companies:

• Services: Do you want to have a hands-on approach in managing your property (half-service is recommended) or do you prefer a completely passive income stream (full-service is required)? What services do you need from the Airbnb manager and what tasks would you like to handle yourself? Is your property ready for guests or do you require assistance with this?
• Pricing: How much are you willing to pay for a fully passive investment experience or for added support in managing your vacation rental?
• Value for money: Compare the services offered by a few different property management companies and the fees they charge, including the monthly fee and any additional costs.
• Business model: Would you prefer to work with a local property manager or a nationwide company? Do you want national accountability or a more personal touch? Does the company seem trustworthy and transparent?
• Reviews: Look at online reviews from both property owners and guests. If possible, speak with a few local investors who have worked with each property manager you are considering.
• Number of listings in Iowa: Choose a company that has a established presence in the Iowa market but is not overworked or understaffed. You want to work with an experienced professional with enough local resources.

When evaluating your top choices for an Iowa short-term rental property management company, ask the following questions:

• Are you a local property manager or a nationwide company?
• How many years of experience do you have managing short-term rentals?
• How many properties do you currently manage?
• What is the size of your local team?
• Do you have an in-house local management team or do you work with outside vendors?
• How much have you been able to increase revenue in the local market?
• Do you provide assistance with property preparation, interior design, furnishings, short-term rental licenses and permits, and taxes?
• Who collects money from guests and remits it 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 handle 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 a copy of the property management agreement?
• How can I cancel your services?
• Will I be able to keep my property reviews if I opt out?

Having answers to these questions will help you select the best Airbnb property management company in Iowa 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 Iowa 

Starting an Airbnb business in Iowa involves these steps:

1. Find a suitable location where Airbnb is allowed and offers good returns on investment
2. Identify a high-potential property
3. Check the zoning laws to ensure they permit short term rentals
4. Engage a real estate agent to assist with the property purchase
5. Conduct renovations (if necessary)
6. Furnish the rental space
7. Select a business entity
8. File tax and employer identification papers
9. Apply for a vacation rental license from the Iowa Department of Business & Professional Regulation
10. Obtain the necessary local licenses and permits for short-term rentals from cities in Iowa (many cities require these)
11. Choose whether to manage the property yourself or hire an Airbnb management company
12. List the property for rental
13. Offer ongoing support and maintenance to guests and the property

The decision on whether to manage the Iowa vacation rental independently or through a property manager will impact the level of passive rental income received.

Iowa  Airbnb Laws and Regulations

Iowa's short-term rental laws have recently been modified by the 2020 Omnibus Bill, HF 2641, which added a definition of "short-term rental property" and placed restrictions on the ability of cities and counties to regulate properties managed as short-term rentals. 

Essentially, short-term rentals are any dwelling that is offered for a fee for thirty days or less. Short-term rental regulations in Iowa vary depending on the location and may include zoning laws, occupancy and safety standards, taxation, licensing, and insurance requirements.

It is important to note that the Iowa Legal Aid may provide assistance to those who need legal advice regarding landlord and tenant laws in the state, which are outlined in the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Law Ch. 562A.

Takeaway

Starting an Airbnb business in Iowa is a potential source of income through real estate. However, it is important to be aware of regulations imposed by the state and cities, as well as competition from other investors. To ensure success, a proper vacation rental property management strategy is necessary, which can be achieved by hiring a professional Airbnb manager.