Virginia is a great location for investing in short-term rentals with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultural scene. This guide highlights every Airbnb property management company in Virginia by city.
Top Virginia Airbnb Management Companies
The best Airbnb management companies in Virginia include:
- Awning: Best Overall Airbnb Manager
- RedAwning: Best Half-Service Airbnb Management Solution
- Avantstay: Best Luxury Short-term Rental Management Company
Top Virginia Airbnb Management Companies by City
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How We Researched the Top Virginia Airbnb Management Companies
The criteria we used to select and rank the top Airbnb management companies in Virginia 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 Virginia , connect with an Awning property manager now.
How to Choose a Virginia Airbnb Management Company
When it comes to ensuring the success of your rental business in Virginia, choosing the right Airbnb management company is just as critical as investing in a high-potential property. This is especially true in light of the strict short-term rental regulations and restrictions that are enforced in many cities across the state.
When making this important decision, consider the following key criteria, similar to the ones used in ranking the top Virginia Airbnb management companies:
- Services: Determine your desired level of involvement in the management of your property, whether it's partial (half-service) or completely passive (full-service). Consider what services you expect the Airbnb manager to provide, what you're willing to handle yourself, and if your property is fully furnished and ready for guests or if additional help is needed.
- Pricing: Decide on a budget for a fully passive investment experience or for additional management support for your vacation rental.
- Value for money: Compare the list of services and fees charged by various property management companies, including monthly fees and any additional charges.
- Business model: Decide between a nationwide or local property manager, considering factors such as national accountability, local personal touch, and transparency.
- Reviews: Read online reviews from both property owners and guests, and reach out to local investors for their opinions on each company you're considering.
- Number of listings in Virginia: Choose a company with a strong presence in the Virginia market but not too many properties to manage, ensuring they have enough local capacity and experience.
When interviewing your top choices, be sure to ask the following questions:
- Are you a local or nationwide property manager?
- 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 management team or do you work with vendors?
- What is your success rate in increasing revenue in the local market?
- Do you provide services such as property preparation, interior design, furnishings, short-term rental licenses and permits, and taxes?
- Who is responsible for collecting payment from guests and remitting it to the owners?
- Do you offer cleaning, laundry, and restocking services?
- Are property inspections and maintenance work managed by your team?
- 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, such as an onboarding or early-termination fee?
- May 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 opt out?
By knowing the answers to these questions, you'll be well equipped to choose the best Airbnb property management company in Virginia 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 Virginia
Starting an Airbnb business in Virginia requires investors to:
- Find the ideal location for investment property that is suitable for Airbnb and offers high return on investment (ROI)
- Identify a property with great potential
- Ensure that short-term rentals are permitted in the area's zoning district
- Consult with a real estate agent to assist with purchasing the property
- Conduct renovations (if necessary)
- Furnish the rental space
- Establish a business structure
- File necessary tax and identification documents
- Obtain a vacation rental or dwelling license from the Virginia Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR)
- Get any required local licenses or permits for short-term rentals from the city
- Determine if you would like to manage the property yourself or hire an Airbnb management company
- List the property and start accepting bookings
- Continuously provide exceptional services to guests and maintain the property
The decision to self-manage the Airbnb rental property or hire a property manager in Virginia will impact the level of passive rental income received.
Virginia Airbnb Laws and Regulations
Virginia has statewide regulations for short-term rentals that apply to Airbnb hosts. Here are some key requirements:
- Registration: Airbnb hosts in Virginia 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 Virginia are required to collect and remit state and local occupancy taxes on any short-term rental transactions. Hosts can register with the Virginia Department of Taxation to obtain a Sales Tax Certificate and file monthly tax returns.
- Safety regulations: Airbnb hosts in Virginia must comply with all applicable safety regulations, including fire safety, building codes, and health regulations.
- Zoning and occupancy limits: Virginia 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 Virginia 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.
- Guest information: Airbnb hosts in Virginia are required to collect and keep certain information about their guests, such as their name, address, and contact information.
Takeaway
Starting an Airbnb business in Virginia is a great way to make money with real estate. However, as with any short-term rental property, investors can expect to encounter strict regulations and intense competition. In order to ensure the success of your rental business, it's crucial to have an effective vacation rental property management strategy in place. A professional Airbnb manager is one of the best ways to achieve this.