South Dakota is a beautiful state with many opportunities for short-term rental investments. From its stunning natural attractions like Badlands National Park and Mount Rushmore, to its vibrant cultural and artistic scene, there's something for everyone in South Dakota.
Top South Dakota Airbnb Management Companies
The best Airbnb management companies in South Dakota include:
- Awning: Best Overall Airbnb Manager
- RedAwning: Best Half-Service Airbnb Management Solution
- Avantstay: Best Luxury Short-term Rental Management Company
- Rushmore Vacation Rentals: Best For Local Presence
Top South Dakota Airbnb Management Companies by City
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How We Researched the Top South Dakota Airbnb Management Companies
The criteria we used to select and rank the top Airbnb management companies in South Dakota 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 Dakota , connect with an Awning property manager now.
How to Choose a South Dakota Airbnb Management Company
Selecting the right Airbnb management company is critical for the success of your short-term rental business, particularly in South Dakota where regulations for such properties may be strict. Consider these factors when making your decision:
- Services: Consider whether you want a hands-on or hands-off approach to property management. What services do you expect from your manager and what would you like to handle yourself? Does your property need to be furnished or set up for guests?
- Pricing: Determine what you're willing to pay for full-service or partial management.
- Value for Money: Evaluate the services provided by different companies and compare their fees, including monthly fees and additional charges.
- Business Model: Consider if you prefer a local or nationwide property manager and if you value accountability and a personal touch. Look for a company that is transparent and has a good reputation.
- Reviews: Read online reviews from both property owners and guests, and talk to local investors who have worked with the companies you're considering.
- Number of Listings in South Dakota: Look for a company that has a strong presence in the South Dakota market but is not overburdened with too many properties.
When interviewing potential managers, 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 team or do you work with outside vendors?
- What is your track record for increasing revenue in the local market?
- Do you provide setup and preparation services for properties?
- Who collects payment from guests and handles remitting payments to owners?
- Do you offer cleaning, laundry, and restocking services?
- Do you handle property inspections and maintenance work?
- Do you manage swimming pools and hot tubs?
- What is your management fee, and what does it cover? Are there any additional fees?
- Can I review a copy of the property management agreement?
- How can I cancel your services?
- Will I retain my property reviews if I decide to cancel your services?
Asking these questions will help you determine the best Airbnb property management company in South Dakota 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 Dakota
To begin an Airbnb business in South Dakota, investors should:
- Locate the best investment property location in South Dakota where Airbnb is permitted and offers a high return on investment
- Identify a property with high potential
- Verify that the zoning district allows for short-term rentals
- Engage a real estate agent to assist with purchasing the property
- Conduct renovations, if necessary
- Furnish the rental unit
- Choose a business structure
- File tax and employer identification documents
- Apply for a short-term rental license from the South Dakota Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR)
- Obtain local short-term rental licenses and permits by city (most South Dakota cities require local licenses or permits)
- Make the decision to either manage the property yourself or hire an Airbnb management company
- List your property and begin renting it out
- Provide ongoing guest services, property maintenance, and upkeep.
The choice between self-management and hiring a property manager will determine whether you enjoy passive rental income or not.
South Dakota Airbnb Laws and Regulations
South Dakota does not have any statewide regulations specifically addressing Airbnb or short-term rentals. However, some cities and counties in South Dakota may have their own regulations regarding short-term rentals.
For example, Rapid City requires hosts to obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit and comply with certain safety and building regulations. Additionally, some South Dakota cities and counties may require hosts to collect and remit local occupancy taxes on short-term rental transactions.
Airbnb hosts in South Dakota 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 South Dakota is a great way to make money in real estate. However, short-term rental property investors should be aware of strict regulations imposed by the state and individual cities, as well as strong competition from other investors. To succeed in this market, it's essential to have a well-optimized vacation rental property management strategy, which can be achieved by hiring a professional Airbnb manager.