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Massachusetts is a desirable destination for investing in short-term rentals, featuring a wealth of attractions such as historical landmarks, vibrant cultural and art scene, picturesque scenery, and renowned universities. This guide highlights all the Airbnb property management companies in Massachusetts, categorized by city.
Top Massachusetts Airbnb Management Companies
The best Airbnb management companies in Massachusetts include:
- Awning: Best Overall Airbnb Manager
- RedAwning: Best Half-Service Airbnb Management Solution
- Avantstay: Best Luxury Short-term Rental Management Company
- Blueground: Best For Apartments
- Sand Dollar Realty: Best for Local Presence
Top Massachusetts Airbnb Management Companies by City
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How We Researched the Top Massachusetts Airbnb Management Companies
The criteria we used to select and rank the top Airbnb management companies in Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts , connect with an Awning property manager now.
How to Choose a Massachusetts Airbnb Management Company
How to Choose a Massachusetts Airbnb Management Company
Choosing the best Airbnb management company is essential for the success of your rental business, especially in a state like Massachusetts where there are stringent short-term rental regulations and restrictions.
Here are the criteria to keep in mind when making your decision:
- Services: Determine whether you want to be hands-on in managing your property (half-service might be best) or if you prefer a completely passive income (full-service is crucial). Decide what services you expect from the Airbnb manager and what you're willing to handle yourself. Do you have a furnished property ready for guests, or do you need assistance with this?
- Pricing: Consider how much you're willing to spend for a passive investment experience or additional help managing your vacation rental.
- Value for money: Evaluate the services offered by multiple property management companies and the fees they charge, including the monthly fee and any additional charges.
- Business model: Decide whether you prefer working with a local or nationwide property manager and whether you want national accountability or a personal touch. Make sure the company appears honest and transparent.
- Reviews: Read online reviews from both property owners and guests. If possible, speak with local investors who have worked with the property management companies you're considering.
- Number of listings in Massachusetts: Choose a company that has a strong presence in the Massachusetts market but isn't overextended or understaffed. You want a professional with local experience.
When interviewing top Massachusetts short-term rental property management companies, ask the following questions:
- Are you a local or nationwide property manager?
- How long 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 management team or work with vendors?
- What is the average increase in revenue in the local market?
- Do you provide assistance with preparing the property, such as interior design, furnishing, licenses and permits, and taxes?
- Who collects money from guests and remits it to owners - you or the property owner?
- Do you provide cleaning, laundry, and restocking services?
- Do you manage 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?
- Can I see a copy of the property management agreement?
- What is the process for cancelling your services?
- Will I retain my property reviews if I opt out?
Getting answers to these questions is crucial to selecting the best Massachusetts 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.
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 Massachusetts
To start an Airbnb business in Massachusetts, investors must follow these steps:
- Identify a desirable location for the investment property, where short-term rentals are allowed and the ROI is favorable
- Look for a high-potential property
- Ensure the zoning district allows for short-term rentals
- Work with an agent to purchase the property
- Consider renovation if necessary
- Furnish the rental space
- Decide on a suitable business structure
- Submit tax and employer identification documents
- Obtain a vacation rental condo or dwelling license from the Massachusetts Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR)
- Get any necessary local short-term rental licenses or permits from the relevant city
- Determine if you want to manage the property yourself or hire an Airbnb management company
- List the property on Airbnb and begin renting it out
- Continuously provide guest services, property maintenance, and upkeep
The choice of self-management or a property manager will impact the level of passive rental income earned.
Massachusetts Airbnb Laws and Regulations
Short-term rentals are subject to regulation in Massachusetts, and the state has specific laws governing their operation. Massachusetts law requires operators of short-term rentals to maintain liability insurance of no less than $1,000,000 to cover each rental.
A new law for short-term rentals was enacted on July 1, 2019, which requires a short-term rental booked on or after January 1, 2019, to comply with the provisions of the new law, effective July 1, 2019. Operators of short-term rentals in Massachusetts are subject to the state room occupancy excise tax rate of 5.7%, with a local option room occupancy tax and other taxes and fees that may apply, depending on the city or town.
In Massachusetts, a stay that is 31 days or less is considered a short-term rental and subject to tax and regulation. Residential units subject to rent control provisions have a maximum amount allowed for short-term rentals.
There are unique legal challenges that come with short-term rentals in Massachusetts, and such rentals, which typically occur through Airbnb, are not a traditional landlord-tenant relationship, but still come with various legal obligations. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has ruled on the zoning permissibility of short-term rentals, stating that it is compatible with single-family zoning.
Finally, Massachusetts allows entities to apply for approval to issue temporary permits as a short-term rental entity for compact hoisting machinery. An owner who complies with certain requirements may rent a dwelling unit under the Short Term Vacation or Recreation Rental Exemption.
Takeaway
Starting an Airbnb business in Massachusetts is a great way to invest in real estate and make money. However, it is important to keep in mind that short-term rental properties in the state are subject to strict regulations and intense competition. To ensure success, it is crucial to have an effective vacation rental property management strategy in place. One way to do this is by hiring a professional Airbnb manager.
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