Kentucky Airbnb Management Company Directory

Kentucky is a great place for short-term rental investments, thanks to its diverse attractions such as historical sites, horse racing tracks, natural beauty, and bourbon distilleries. The state sees a steady demand from tourists all year round, making it an attractive location for Airbnb investors.

Top Kentucky  Airbnb Management Companies

The best Airbnb management companies in Kentucky  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. Key Source: Best For Local Presence

Top Kentucky Airbnb Management Companies by City

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How We Researched the Top Kentucky  Airbnb Management Companies

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

How to Choose a Kentucky Airbnb Management Company

Finding the ideal Airbnb management company is crucial to the success of your vacation rental business, particularly in a state like Kentucky where many cities have stringent short-term rental regulations. When making this decision, consider the following criteria, which we used in our ranking of the top Kentucky Airbnb management companies:

• Services: Decide whether you prefer a hands-on approach to property management (half-service) or a completely passive income experience (full-service). Identify the services you expect your Airbnb manager to provide and what tasks you're willing to handle yourself. Consider whether your property is fully furnished and ready for guests, or if you need assistance.
• Pricing: Determine your budget for a passive investment experience or extra management support for your vacation rental.
• Value for money: Compare the services offered by several property management companies and the associated fees, including monthly fees and additional charges.
• Business model: Consider whether you prefer a local or nationwide property manager, and evaluate the company's transparency and honesty.
• Reviews: Research online reviews from property owners and guests, and speak with local investors who have experience working with each property manager you're considering.
• Number of listings in Kentucky: Choose a company with a proven track record in the Kentucky market but with enough capacity to manage your property. You want to work with an experienced professional who can provide personal, local support.

When interviewing potential Kentucky short-term rental property management companies, ask these 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 management team or work with vendors?
• How much have you been able to increase revenue in the local market?
• Do you offer services to get properties ready for guests, such as interior design, furnishing, permits and licenses, and taxes?
• Do you handle guest payments and remit funds to owners or does the booking fee go directly to the property owner?
• Do you provide cleaning, laundry, and restocking services?
• Do you conduct property inspections and handle maintenance tasks?
• Do you manage swimming pools and hot tubs?
• What is your property management fee and what does it cover? Are there any additional fees or costs? Are there onboarding or early-termination fees?
• May I review a copy of the property management agreement?
• How can I cancel your services?
• Will I retain my property reviews if I end the agreement?

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

To begin an Airbnb business in Kentucky, investors must:

• Locate the ideal Kentucky property investment location (where Airbnb is permitted and yields high returns)
• Identify a property with high growth potential
• Ensure the zoning district permits short-term rentals
• Employ a real estate agent to assist with purchasing the property
• Undergo renovation (if necessary)
• Furnish the rental space
• Decide on a business structure
• Submit tax and employer identification documents
• Acquire a vacation rental condo or dwelling license from the Kentucky Department of Business & Professional Regulation
• Obtain local short-term rental licenses and permits required by each city
• Determine if they want to manage the property themselves or hire an Airbnb management company
• List the property and begin renting it out
• Provide ongoing services to guests and maintain the property

The decision to manage the Kentucky vacation rental independently or to hire a property manager will impact whether the investor enjoys passive rental income.

Kentucky Airbnb Laws and Regulations

Short-term rental regulations in Kentucky can vary depending on the location and may include zoning laws, occupancy and safety standards, taxation, licensing, and insurance requirements. A short-term rental is defined as a dwelling, unit, or room that is rented, leased, or assigned for a tenancy of less than 30 consecutive days in duration including tourist and guest homes. The Kentucky Derby Museum is a popular tourist destination in Kentucky where short-term rentals have gained traction in the last few years.

In Bowling Green, Kentucky, short-term rentals must adhere to new Airbnb laws that were introduced in March 2022. The legislation creates a distinction between Bed and Breakfasts and short-term rentals like Airbnb.

In Louisville, Kentucky, the Metro Council approved a new law that restricts short-term rentals. The new rules require non-owner-occupied short-term rentals to be located at least 600 feet away from each other in residential areas. Current short-term rental properties are grandfathered in, and future short-term rental applicants may apply to operate in certain areas.

According to Kentucky landlord-tenant law, tenants have the right to a habitable living space and the right to pursue forms of alternate action. Kentucky landlords have a responsibility to keep the premises fit and habitable. This means that all systems including electric, plumbing, HVAC etc, must be provided in workable condition and there must be working heating and hot water from the landlord.

Lastly, KRS Chapter 142 - Section 400 creates a transient room tax at the rate of 1 percent of the rent, on every occupancy of any suite, room, rooms, cabins, lodgings, campsites, or other accommodations charged by any hotel, motel, inn, tourist camp, tourist cabin, campground, recreational vehicle park, or other place in which accommodations are regularly furnished to transients for a fee.

Takeaway

Starting an Airbnb business in Kentucky can be a lucrative investment in real estate. However, regulations imposed by the state and individual cities can be strict and the competition among short-term rental property investors can be strong. To maximize success, it's important to have a strong vacation rental property management strategy. One solution is to hire a professional Airbnb manager.