Maryland Airbnb Management Company Directory

Maryland is a great place for investing in short-term rentals, with its rich history, scenic beauty, bustling cities, and excellent food and wine. Here is a comprehensive guide to the top Airbnb property management companies in Maryland, by city.

Top Maryland  Airbnb Management Companies

The best Airbnb management companies in Maryland  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. Railey Vacations: Best For Local Presence
5. Eastern Shore Vacation Rentals: Best for Coastal Properties

Top Maryland  Airbnb Management Companies by City

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How We Researched the Top Maryland  Airbnb Management Companies

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

How to Choose a Maryland Airbnb Management Company

Selecting the best Airbnb management company is just as crucial as finding a high-potential property for the success of your rental business, especially in a market like Maryland with its strict short-term rental regulations and restrictions.

When making your decision, consider the following factors, similar to those used in our ranking of the top Maryland Airbnb management companies:

• Services: Determine your level of involvement in property management (half-service or full-service). Consider the services you need from the Airbnb manager and which you prefer to handle yourself. Think about the current state of your property, whether it is ready for guests or needs preparation.
• Pricing: Determine your budget for a passive investment experience or additional management help.
• Value for money: Compare the services and fees of several property management companies, including the monthly fee and any additional charges.
• Business model: Consider working with a local or nationwide property manager, keeping in mind the level of accountability and personal touch you prefer. Look for a company with a transparent and honest business model.
• Reviews: Read online reviews from both property owners and guests, and if possible, speak with local investors using each company you're considering.
• Number of listings in Maryland: Find a company with a strong presence in the Maryland market but not overburdened with properties. Choose a professional with ample local experience.

When interviewing potential property management companies, ask the following questions:

• Are you a local or 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 team or work with vendors?
• How much revenue have you increased in the local market?
• Do you assist with property preparation, such as interior design, furnishing, licenses and permits, and taxes?
• Do you handle guest payment and remit to the owner or do booking fees go directly to the owner?
• Do you provide cleaning, laundry, and restocking services?
• Do you conduct property inspections and maintenance work?
• 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?
• Can I review the property management agreement?
• How can I cancel your services?
• Will I keep my property reviews if I opt out?

Knowing the answers to these questions will help you choose the best Airbnb property management company in Maryland to meet 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.

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 Maryland 

In order to start an Airbnb business in Maryland, investors need to:

1. Choose the best Maryland investment property location (where Airbnb is legal, and ROI is high)
2. Find a high-potential property
3. Verify that the zoning district permits short term rentals
4. Work with a real estate agent to purchase the property
5. Renovate the property if necessary
6. Furnish the rental
7. Select an appropriate business structure
8. File the necessary tax and employer identification documents
9. Obtain a vacation rental license from the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation
10. Secure local short-term rental licenses and permits as required by individual cities in Maryland
11. Determine whether to manage the property independently or to engage the services of an Airbnb management company
12. List the property and begin renting it out
13. Provide ongoing support and maintenance for guests and the property

The decision on whether to manage the Maryland vacation rental on your own or to hire a property manager will affect the level of passive rental income received.

Maryland Airbnb Laws and Regulations

Maryland has different short-term rental laws and regulations across its various counties and cities. In Prince George's County, a Short-Term Rentals Program was established in 2019 that requires hosts to obtain a license to operate their business.

• Anne Arundel County requires the registration of short-term residential rentals and collection of an occupancy tax, effective April 2020.
• Baltimore City passed an ordinance that requires the licensing of short-term rentals. 
• Montgomery County considers short-term residential rentals as units or rooms available for rent for less than 30 consecutive days and requires that the dwelling unit used as a short-term rental must be a legal, permitted residential dwelling unit. 
• Meanwhile, in Washington County, a short-term residential rental is defined as a non-owner-occupied residential structure that provides temporary lodging to transient guests and the county updated its ordinance to include this type of rental in 2021.

State-level regulations for short-term rentals in Maryland vary depending on the location and may include zoning laws, occupancy and safety standards, taxation, licensing, and insurance requirements. Hosts are advised to review the specific requirements and regulations in their respective cities or counties to ensure compliance with local laws. In Baltimore County, rental units must be registered or approved for exemption before they are rented, including short-term rentals advertised on websites such as Airbnb and VRBO.

It's important to note that renting a home for less than a month is against the law in Montgomery County, though there are still several options in the area that can be rented for a month or more. It is also recommended to seek professional tax advice as no short-term vacation rental tax guide can substitute for this.

Takeaway

Starting an Airbnb business in Maryland is a profitable real estate investment, but investors can expect to face regulations and competition. An effective vacation rental property management strategy is crucial for success, which can be achieved by hiring a professional Airbnb manager.