Utah is a sought-after location for investing in short-term rentals, with its diverse range of attractions such as stunning national parks, skiing resorts, and a rich cultural and historical heritage, as well as high demand from tourists all year round. This guide lists every Airbnb property management company in Utah by city.
Top Utah Airbnb Management Companies
The best Airbnb management companies in Utah include:
- Awning: Best Overall Airbnb Manager
- RedAwning: Best Half-Service Airbnb Management Solution
- Avantstay: Best Luxury Short-term Rental Management Company
- Park City Lodging: Best For Local Presence
- Family Time Vacation Rentals: Best for Cabin Properties
Top Utah Airbnb Management Companies by City
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How We Researched the Top Utah Airbnb Management Companies
The criteria we used to select and rank the top Airbnb management companies in Utah 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 Utah , connect with an Awning property manager now.
How to Choose a Utah Airbnb Management Company
Selecting the right Airbnb management company is just as significant as acquiring a high-potential rental property for the achievement of your vacation rental business. This is particularly important in a state like Utah, where several cities enforce strict regulations and restrictions on short-term rentals.
When making this decision, take into account the following criteria that we utilized in our ranking of the best Utah Airbnb management companies:
- Services: Do you want to actively participate in managing your property (half-service may be ideal), or do you prefer a completely passive investment experience (full-service is a must)? What services do you expect the Airbnb manager to provide, and what tasks do you prefer to handle yourself? Will your property be fully furnished and ready for guests, or will you need help with preparation?
- Pricing: What is your budget for a full-service, passive investment experience or additional assistance in managing your vacation rental?
- Value for Money: Evaluate the list of services offered by different property management companies, including the fees they charge (such as the monthly fee and any additional charges).
- Business Model: Do you prefer working with a nationwide or local property manager? Do you value nationwide accountability or a local, personalized touch? Is the company transparent and trustworthy?
- Reviews: Look at online reviews by both property owners and guests. If possible, speak to local investors who have worked with the property managers you are considering.
- Number of listings in Utah: Choose a company with a proven presence in the Utah market, but not one that is overworked or understaffed. You want to work with an experienced professional with sufficient local capacity.
When interviewing potential Utah short-term rental property management companies, ask the following questions:
- Are you a local property manager or a nationwide company?
- How many years have you been managing short-term rentals?
- How many properties do you currently manage?
- 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 track record for increasing revenue in the local market?
- Do you provide assistance in preparing properties for rental, such as interior design, furnishing, obtaining short-term rental licenses and permits, and taxes?
- Do you collect payment from guests and remit it to owners, or do booking fees go directly to the property owner?
- 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 and costs? Is there an onboarding fee 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?
Having the answers to these questions will help you choose the best Airbnb property management company in Utah 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 Utah
In order to start an Airbnb venture in Utah, investors must:
- Identify the ideal location for their Utah investment property (where Airbnb is permitted and offers a favorable return on investment)
- Locate a high-potential property
- Verify that the zoning district permits short-term rentals
- Engage a real estate agent to assist with the property purchase
- Undertake any necessary renovations on the property
- Furnish the rental
- Decide on a business structure
- Submit tax and employer identification documents
- Obtain a vacation rental condo or dwelling license from the Utah Department of Business & Professional Regulation
- Acquire necessary local short-term rental licenses and permits by city (many Utah cities mandate local licenses or permits)
- Determine whether to manage the Utah vacation rental independently or with the assistance of an Airbnb management company
- List the property and start renting it out
- Continuously provide guests with exceptional services and maintain the property to a high standard
The choice to manage the Utah vacation rental on your own or to work with a property manager will determine if you experience passive rental income or not.
Utah Airbnb Laws and Regulations
Utah has statewide regulations for short-term rentals that apply to Airbnb hosts. Here are some key requirements:
- Registration: Airbnb hosts in Utah must register with the state and obtain a license 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 Utah are required to collect and remit state and local occupancy taxes on any short-term rental transactions. Hosts can register with the Utah State Tax Commission to obtain a Sales Tax License and file monthly tax returns.
- Safety regulations: Airbnb hosts in Utah must comply with all applicable safety regulations, including fire safety, building codes, and health regulations.
- Zoning and occupancy limits: Utah 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 Utah 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 Utah is a smart way to earn income through real estate. However, investors in short-term rental properties may encounter strict regulations imposed by the state and local governments, as well as intense competition from other investors. To ensure the success of your rental business, it's crucial to have an effective property management strategy, which can be achieved by hiring a professional Airbnb manager.