Pennsylvania Airbnb Management Company Directory

Pennsylvania is a fantastic location for short-term rental investment, offering a rich mix of natural beauty, history, and culture. With bustling cities, rolling hills, and picturesque countryside, Pennsylvania attracts tourists throughout the year. This guide highlights the best Airbnb property management companies in Pennsylvania, organized by city.

Top Pennsylvania Airbnb Management Companies

The best Airbnb management companies in Pennsylvania  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. SoSuite: Best For Local Presence
5. Sonder: Best for Apartment Properties

Top Pennsylvania  Airbnb Management Companies by City

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How We Researched the Top Pennsylvania  Airbnb Management Companies

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

How to Choose a Pennsylvania  Airbnb Management Company

Selecting a reliable Airbnb management company is critical to the success of your vacation rental business, especially in Pennsylvania where regulations and restrictions on short-term rentals can be strict. To make an informed decision, consider the following factors:

• Services: Determine whether you want to be hands-on in the management of your property (half-service is ideal) or if you prefer a passive income approach (full-service is necessary). Consider the services you need from the Airbnb manager and what you would like to handle yourself. Do you need assistance with furnishings and getting your property ready for guests?
• Pricing: Decide how much you are willing to pay for a hassle-free investment experience or additional help in managing your vacation rental.
• Value for money: Compare the services offered by different property management companies and their fees, including the monthly fee and additional charges.
• Business model: Consider whether you prefer working with a local or nationwide property manager, and whether you value national accountability or a personal touch. Check if the company appears honest and transparent.
• Reviews: Read reviews by property owners and guests online, and if possible, speak to local investors who have experience working with each property management company you are considering.
• Number of listings in Pennsylvania: Go for a company that has a strong presence in the Pennsylvania market, but not one that is overburdened or understaffed. Choose a professional with sufficient local capacity and experience.

When interviewing potential Pennsylvania short-term rental property management companies, ask the following questions:

• Are you a local or nationwide property management 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 your success rate in increasing revenue in the local market?
• Do you offer assistance with getting properties ready, such as interior design, furnishings, short-term rental licenses and permits, and taxes?
• Who collects money from guests and remits payments to owners or does the property owner receive the booking fees directly?
• 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? Is there an onboarding or early-termination fee?
• Can I review a copy of the property management agreement?
• How can I cancel your services?
• Do I retain my property reviews if I choose to end your services?

Having the answers to these questions is crucial in choosing the best Pennsylvania Airbnb property management company 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 Pennsylvania 

To establish an Airbnb business in Pennsylvania, investors must:

1. Determine the ideal location for their investment property in the state, where Airbnb is allowed and generates high returns on investment.
2. Identify a high-potential property.
3. Ensure the property's zoning district permits short-term rentals.
4. Engage a real estate agent to assist in purchasing the property.
5. Perform any necessary renovations on the property.
6. Furnish the rental space.
7. Choose a suitable business structure.
8. File tax and employer identification documents.
9. Acquire a vacation rental condo or dwelling license from the Pennsylvania Department of Business & Professional Regulation.
10. Obtain any necessary local short-term rental licenses and permits from individual cities.
11. Determine whether to manage the property on their own or to hire an Airbnb management company.
12. List the property and start accepting guests.
13. Maintain ongoing services for guests and keep the property in good condition.

The choice of self-management or professional management will impact whether the investor can expect passive rental income. 

Pennsylvania Airbnb Laws and Regulations

Pennsylvania does not have any statewide regulations specifically addressing Airbnb or short-term rentals. However, some cities and counties in Pennsylvania may have their own regulations regarding short-term rentals.

For example, Philadelphia requires hosts to obtain a Short-Term Rental License and comply with specific requirements regarding occupancy limits, noise, and parking. Pittsburgh also requires hosts to obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit and comply with certain safety and building regulations.

Additionally, some Pennsylvania cities and counties may require hosts to collect and remit local occupancy taxes on short-term rental transactions.

Airbnb hosts in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania can be a lucrative opportunity in real estate. However, property investors should be aware of the regulations imposed by the state and cities, as well as the competition from other investors. To increase the chances of success, it's important to have a well-optimized property management strategy, which can be achieved by hiring a professional Airbnb manager.