Ohio is a great location for short-term rental investments. It offers a variety of attractions, including its rich history, bustling cities, natural beauty, and world-renowned sporting events, which attract tourists all year round. In this guide, you can find a comprehensive list of Airbnb property management companies in Ohio by city.
Top Ohio Airbnb Management Companies
The best Airbnb management companies in Ohio include:
- Awning: Best Overall Airbnb Manager
- RedAwning: Best Half-Service Airbnb Management Solution
- Avantstay: Best Luxury Short-term Rental Management Company
- Plum Tree Rentals: Best For Local Presence
- 1st Choice Cabin Rentals: Best for Cabin Properties
Top Ohio Airbnb Management Companies by City
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How We Researched the Top Ohio Airbnb Management Companies
The criteria we used to select and rank the top Airbnb management companies in Ohio 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 Ohio , connect with an Awning property manager now.
How to Choose a Ohio Airbnb Management Company
Selecting the right Airbnb management company is just as crucial as purchasing a high-potential rental property for the success of your short-term rental business, especially in a market like Ohio where many cities have strict regulations and restrictions.
When making this decision, consider the following criteria:
- Services: Decide if you want to be involved in managing the property (half-service is ideal) or if you prefer a completely passive investment experience (full-service is necessary). Determine the services you expect from the Airbnb manager and what you'd like to handle yourself. Consider if your property is ready for guests or if you need help preparing it.
- Pricing: Determine what you're willing to pay for a passive investment or extra management help.
- Value for money: Compare the services and fees offered by different management companies, including the monthly fee and additional charges.
- Business model: Choose between a nationwide or local property manager. Consider whether you prefer national accountability or a more personal touch. Evaluate the company's honesty and transparency.
- Reviews: Read online reviews from both property owners and guests, and if possible, speak with local investors who have worked with the companies you're considering.
- Number of listings in Ohio: Go with a company that has a strong presence in the Ohio market, but isn't overloaded. Choose an experienced professional with enough local capacity.
When interviewing potential Ohio short-term rental property management companies, ask the following questions:
- Are you a local property manager or a 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 local management team or do you work with vendors?
- What is the average increase in revenue that you're able to achieve in the local market?
- Do you help prepare properties for guests, including interior design, furnishings, licenses and permits, and taxes?
- Who handles collecting money from guests and remitting payments to owners?
- Do you offer cleaning, laundry, and restocking services?
- Do you conduct property inspections and maintenance work?
- 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?
- What about an onboarding 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 end the agreement?
Getting answers to these questions is essential in choosing the best Ohio 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 Ohio
Starting an Airbnb business in Ohio requires the following steps:
- Choose a location in Ohio where Airbnb is legal and offers high return on investment
- Find a high-potential property
- Verify that the zoning district allows short-term rentals
- Hire a real estate agent to assist with purchasing the property
- Renovate the property (if necessary)
- Furnish the rental
- Select a business structure
- File tax and employer identification documents
- Obtain a vacation rental license from the Ohio Department of Commerce
- Acquire necessary local short-term rental licenses and permits by city
- Decide whether to manage the property independently or hire an Airbnb management company
- List the property and start renting
- Provide ongoing maintenance and services to guests.
The decision to self-manage the Ohio vacation rental or to work with a property manager will impact the level of passive income received.
Ohio Airbnb Laws and Regulations
There are no statewide regulations for Airbnb hosts in Ohio. However, some cities and counties in Ohio may have their own regulations regarding short-term rentals.
For example, the city of Columbus requires hosts to obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit and comply with certain safety and building regulations. The city of Cincinnati also requires hosts to obtain a Short-Term Rental License and comply with specific requirements regarding occupancy limits, parking, and noise.
Additionally, some Ohio cities and counties may require hosts to collect and remit local occupancy taxes on short-term rental transactions.
Airbnb hosts in Ohio are also encouraged to obtain liability insurance to protect themselves and their property in case of any accidents or damages. Hosts should also ensure that their rental property complies with all applicable building and zoning codes and safety regulations.
Takeaway
Starting an Airbnb business in Ohio can be a lucrative way to invest in real estate. However, it is important to be aware of the regulations imposed by the state and individual cities, as well as the competition from other rental property investors. To ensure the success of your rental business, it is essential to have a well-optimized property management strategy. This can be achieved by hiring a professional Airbnb manager.