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Michigan is a great place to consider investing in short-term rentals due to its rich cultural offerings, natural beauty and recreational opportunities, as well as its high demand from tourists and visitors throughout the year. This guide highlights all the Airbnb property management companies in Michigan by city.
Top Michigan Airbnb Management Companies
The best Airbnb management companies in Michigan include:
- Awning: Best Overall Airbnb Manager
- RedAwning: Best Half-Service Airbnb Management Solution
- Avantstay: Best Luxury Short-term Rental Management Company
- Bluefish: Best For Local Presence
- Camp Squid Off The Grid: Best for Camping Properties
Top Michigan Airbnb Management Companies by City
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How We Researched the Top Michigan Airbnb Management Companies
The criteria we used to select and rank the top Airbnb management companies in Michigan 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 Michigan , connect with an Awning property manager now.
How to Choose a Michigan Airbnb Management Company
Choosing the right Airbnb management company is just as crucial to the success of your rental business as finding the perfect property. This is especially true in Michigan, where several cities have strict regulations for short-term rentals.
When making your decision, consider the following factors, which were used in our ranking of the top Michigan Airbnb management companies:
- Services: Do you want to be actively involved in managing your property (half-service), or do you prefer a completely passive income (full-service)? What specific services do you expect from your Airbnb manager, and what tasks would you like to handle yourself? Is your property ready for guests, or do you need help with furnishing and preparation?
- Pricing: How much are you willing to pay for a fully passive investment experience or extra help with managing your vacation rental.
- Value for money: Compare the services and fees of different property management companies, including the monthly fee and any additional charges.
- Business model: Would you prefer a local or nationwide property manager? Do you value local, personal touch, or national accountability? Does the company appear trustworthy and transparent?
- Reviews: Read online reviews from both property owners and guests. If possible, speak with local investors who have worked with each company you're considering.
- Number of listings in Michigan: Choose a company with an established presence in Michigan, but not one that is overloaded or understaffed. You want to work with a seasoned professional with adequate local resources.
When interviewing potential Michigan short-term rental property management companies, be sure to ask the following questions:
- Are you a local or nationwide company?
- 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 do you work with outside vendors?
- How much have you been able to increase revenue in the local market?
- Do you assist with property preparation, including interior design, furnishings, short-term rental licenses and permits, and taxes?
- Who collects money from guests and remits it to the owners? Do booking fees go directly to the property owner?
- Do you provide cleaning, laundry, and restocking services?
- Do you handle 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? Is there an onboarding or early-termination fee?
- May I review a copy of the property management agreement?
- What is the process for canceling your services?
- Will I retain my property reviews if I opt out of your services?
Having the answers to these questions is essential to selecting the best Airbnb property management company in Michigan 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.
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 Michigan
To start an Airbnb in Michigan, you must:
- Identify the ideal Michigan investment property location where Airbnb is permissible and returns are high
- Acquire a property with substantial earning potential
- Verify that the zoning district allows short-term rentals
- Engage a real estate agent to assist with purchasing the property
- Undertake renovations (if necessary)
- Furnish the rental unit
- Determine the business structure
- File tax and employer identification documents
- Obtain a vacation rental dwelling license from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
- Acquire local short-term rental licenses and permits by city (most cities in Michigan require local licenses or permits)
- Make a decision on whether to manage the property yourself or hire an Airbnb management company
- List the property and commence renting it out
- Provide continuous service to guests and maintain the property
The choice to manage your Michigan vacation rental independently or through a property manager will determine if you earn passive rental income or not.
Michigan Airbnb Laws and Regulations
Michigan's short-term rental laws have recently undergone some changes. On October 27, 2021, the Michigan House of Representatives passed House Bill 4722, which limits how local governments may regulate short-term rentals. Specifically, the bill would prohibit cities and townships from banning short-term rental housing. Michigan's Zoning Enabling Act of 2006 has been amended by adding a new section that defines and adds the term "short-term rental" to the Code as a residential use of property that is permitted in all residential zoning districts.
Some restrictive covenants used to prevent extensive and disruptive short-term rentals exist in Michigan. However, HB 4722 might nullify those restrictions if they are not incorporated into zoning ordinances. The bill would not prohibit local regulations on noise, advertising, traffic, or other conditions that apply to rental and owner-occupied residential residences.
Some communities have restrictions on short-term rentals in their governing documents. However, HB 4722 defines short-term rentals as a permitted residential use of property, which some people think may impact these restrictions.
Ann Arbor has a separate licensing process for short-term rentals, with a separate license needed for each unit. The fee for each license is $500 to be paid.
Takeaway
Starting an Airbnb business in Michigan can be a lucrative way to invest in real estate. However, as with any short-term rental property, it is important to be aware of the regulations imposed by both the state and local municipalities, as well as the competitive market. To increase your chances of success, it is recommended to work with a professional Airbnb manager.
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