Missouri is a great state for investing in short-term rentals due to its many attractions, including beautiful parks, bustling cities, and rich history. This guide lists every Airbnb property management company in Missouri by city.
Top Missouri Airbnb Management Companies
The best Airbnb management companies in Missouri include:
- Awning: Best Overall Airbnb Manager
- RedAwning: Best Half-Service Airbnb Management Solution
- Avantstay: Best Luxury Short-term Rental Management Company
- Freedom Vacation Rentals: Best For Local Presence
Top Missouri Airbnb Management Companies by City
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How We Researched the Top Missouri Airbnb Management Companies
The criteria we used to select and rank the top Airbnb management companies in Missouri 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 Missouri , connect with an Awning property manager now.
How to Choose a Missouri Airbnb Management Company
Picking the ideal Airbnb management company is critical to the success of your rental venture, especially in a market like Missouri where several cities enforce strict short-term rental regulations. To make the right choice, consider the following criteria, similar to what was used in our ranking of the top Missouri Airbnb management companies:
- Services: Decide how much involvement you want in managing your property, such as half-service or full-service for a completely passive experience. Determine the services you expect from the Airbnb manager and what you want to handle yourself. Check if your property is ready for guests or if help is needed with preparation.
- Pricing: Determine your budget for either a passive investment experience or additional management assistance.
- Value for money: Compare the services and fees offered by different management companies, including monthly fees and any additional charges.
- Business model: Consider if you prefer working with a nationwide or local property manager and weigh the trade-off between national accountability and local personal touch. Look for a company with a transparent and trustworthy business model.
- Reviews: Read online reviews by both property owners and guests, and reach out to local investors working with each management company you consider.
- Number of listings in Missouri: Choose a company with a strong presence in the Missouri market but not overworked/understaffed. Look for an experienced professional with sufficient local capacity.
When interviewing top choices for a Missouri short-term rental property management company, ask these questions:
- Is your company local or nationwide?
- How many years of experience do you have in 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 local management team or do you work with third-party vendors?
- What is the potential for revenue growth in the local market?
- Do you offer preparation services such as interior design, furnishing, licenses and permits, and tax management?
- Who collects money from guests and remits it to owners?
- 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 management fee and what does it cover? Are there any additional fees and costs? Is there an onboarding and/or early-termination fee?
- Can 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 choose to end your services?
Knowing the answers to these questions will help you select the best Missouri Airbnb 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 Missouri
In order to start an Airbnb business in Missouri, investors need to:
- Select a suitable investment property location (where Airbnb is permitted and ROI is high)
- Find a high-potential property
- Ensure the zoning district allows short-term rentals
- Consult with an agent to help with the property purchase
- Undergo renovations (if necessary)
- Furnish the rental unit
- Choose a business structure
- File tax and employer identification documents
- Obtain a vacation rental license from the Missouri Department of Business & Professional Regulation
- Acquire local short-term rental licenses and permits required by city
- Make a decision on whether to manage the property independently or hire an Airbnb management company
- List the property for rental and start accepting guests
- Provide ongoing guest services, property maintenance, and upkeep
The choice between self-management or hiring a property manager will affect the level of passive rental income received in Missouri.
Missouri Airbnb Laws and Regulations
Short-term rental regulations in Missouri vary depending on location and may include zoning laws, occupancy and safety standards, taxation, licensing, and insurance requirements. It is important for hosts renting property in Missouri to be aware of state laws for short-term property rentals, including the Short Term Rental Freedom Act, which did not pass in the 2016 legislative session but may be introduced again in the future.
Missouri requires short-term rental marketplaces such as Airbnb and Vrbo that have sales exceeding $1,000 per year in Missouri to register with the state Department of Revenue and collect taxes on lodging booked through them. Other regulations and application requirements include an owner's affidavit, city inspection of the property, and payment of all property taxes.
Local requirements may also include an escape map, liability insurance policy, and designation of a local property manager. In St. Charles, new regulations for short-term rentals were established in 2022. For landlords, Missouri security deposit laws include a maximum amount of 2 months of rent and a time limit for return of 30 days.
It is recommended for those considering becoming a short-term rental host in Missouri to research other short-term rental properties, local regulations, and listing rates. Overall, it is important for hosts and renters to comply with Missouri short-term rental laws and regulations to avoid potential legal issues.
Takeaway
Starting an Airbnb business in Missouri is a great opportunity to earn money through real estate. However, it's important to keep in mind that regulations for short-term rental properties can be strict and competition is high, so having a strong property management strategy is crucial for success. One option to optimize your strategy is by hiring a professional Airbnb manager.