South Carolina Airbnb Management Company Directory

South Carolina is a desirable location for investing in short-term rentals, attracting tourists with its stunning beaches, historical landmarks, and rich culture. This guide lists all the Airbnb property management companies in South Carolina, organized by city.

Top South Carolina Airbnb Management Companies

The best Airbnb management companies in South Carolina  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. Chief Vacation Officer: Best For Local Presence
5. Coastline Beach: Best for Coastal Properties
6. RedAwning: Best for Involved Hosts

Top South Carolina  Airbnb Management Companies by City

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How We Researched the Top South Carolina  Airbnb Management Companies

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

How to Choose a South Carolina  Airbnb Management Company

Selecting the right Airbnb management company is just as significant as purchasing a valuable property for the prosperity of your vacation rental business. This decision becomes even more important in South Carolina where numerous cities enforce strict short-term rental laws and regulations.

When considering the options, focus on the same criteria that we utilized in our evaluation of the top South Carolina Airbnb management companies:

• Services: Are you looking to be involved in the management of your property (half-service would be ideal) or are you seeking completely passive income (full-service is a must)? What services do you require the Airbnb manager to provide and what would you like to handle yourself? Is your property furnished and ready for guests or do you require assistance with this?
• Pricing: What is your budget for a fully passive investment experience or additional management help for your vacation rental?
• Value for money: Compare the services provided and fees charged by a few different property management companies, including the monthly fee and additional charges.
• Business model: Would you prefer working with a local or nationwide property manager? Do you desire national accountability or a local personal touch? Does the company appear to be trustworthy and transparent?
• Reviews: Check online reviews from both property owners and guests. If possible, speak with a few local investors who work with each property management company you are considering.
• Number of listings in South Carolina: Choose a company with an established presence in the South Carolina market but not overly busy or understaffed. You want to hire an experienced professional with sufficient local capacity.

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

• Are you a local or a nationwide company?
• How many years 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 local management team or do you work with external vendors?
• What is the average increase in revenue in the local market?
• Do you provide assistance with getting properties ready, such as interior design, furnishings, short-term rental licenses and permits, and taxes?
• Do you collect payment from guests and remit to owners or do booking fees go directly to the property owner?
• 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 property management fee? What does it include? 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?
• How can I cancel your services?
• Will I keep my property reviews if I choose to opt out?

Knowing the answers to these questions will be crucial in choosing the best South Carolina Airbnb property management company 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 South Carolina 

To launch an Airbnb venture in South Carolina, potential investors must:

1. Identify the ideal location for their South Carolina investment property, where Airbnb is permitted and offers a high return on investment.
2. Search for a property with high potential for success as a short-term rental.
3. Ensure the property is located in a zoning district that allows for short-term rentals.
4. Engage a real estate agent to assist with the property purchase.
5. Renovate the property if necessary.
6. Furnish the rental.
7. Decide on a suitable business structure.
8. File tax and employer identification documents.
9. Obtain a vacation rental condo or dwelling license from the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
10. Secure any necessary local short-term rental licenses and permits by city.
11. Choose whether to manage the property independently or hire an Airbnb management company.
12. List the property and begin accepting guests.
13. Continuously provide excellent service and maintain the property.

The choice to manage the South Carolina vacation rental personally or through a property manager will impact whether you receive passive rental income or not.

South Carolina Airbnb Laws and Regulations

South Carolina has statewide regulations for short-term rentals that apply to Airbnb hosts. Here are some key requirements:

• Registration: Airbnb hosts in South Carolina must register with the state and obtain a permit to operate a short-term rental. Hosts must also provide certain information, such as their name and contact information, and proof of insurance.
• Taxes: Airbnb hosts in South Carolina are required to collect and remit state and local occupancy taxes on any short-term rental transactions. Hosts can register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue to obtain a Retail License and file monthly or quarterly tax returns.
• Safety regulations: Airbnb hosts in South Carolina must comply with all applicable safety regulations, including fire safety, building codes, and health regulations.
• Zoning and occupancy limits: South Carolina has set certain zoning and occupancy limits for short-term rentals. Hosts should check with their local government to see if there are any specific requirements or regulations in their area.
• Notification requirements: Airbnb hosts in South Carolina must notify their neighbors that they are operating a short-term rental, and provide a local contact person for any issues that may arise during the rental period.

Takeaway

Starting an Airbnb business in South Carolina is a great way to earn income through real estate. However, there are strict regulations and intense competition to contend with. Hiring a professional Airbnb manager is the best way to ensure the success of your business by optimizing your vacation rental property management strategy.