Wisconsin is a prime destination for investing in short-term rentals, with its various attractions such as lakes, parks, skiing, and cheese factories, as well as its strong demand from tourists. This guide highlights all the Airbnb property management companies in Wisconsin by city.
Top Wisconsin Airbnb Management Companies
The best Airbnb management companies in Wisconsin include:
- Awning: Best Overall Airbnb Manager
- RedAwning: Best Half-Service Airbnb Management Solution
- Avantstay: Best Luxury Short-term Rental Management Company
- Spring Brook Resort: Best For Local Presence
- RedAwning: Best for Involved Hosts
Top Wisconsin Airbnb Management Companies by City
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How We Researched the Top Wisconsin Airbnb Management Companies
The criteria we used to select and rank the top Airbnb management companies in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin , connect with an Awning property manager now.
How to Choose a Wisconsin Airbnb Management Company
The choice of a top-notch Airbnb management company is equally important to purchasing a promising rental property to ensure the success of your rental business. This is particularly crucial in Wisconsin, where various cities enforce strict regulations and restrictions on short-term rentals.
When making this decision, consider the following criteria:
- Services: Determine the level of involvement you wish to have in property management (half-service or full-service). Consider what services you expect from the Airbnb manager and what you'd like to handle yourself. Assess if your property is ready for guests or if you need help preparing it.
- Pricing: Decide on the amount you're willing to pay for a passive investment experience or additional management help for your vacation rental.
- Value for money: Compare services offered by different property management companies and their fees, including monthly fees and additional charges.
- Business model: Consider whether you prefer working with a local or nationwide property manager, and assess the company's honesty and transparency.
- Reviews: Read reviews from property owners and guests, and if possible, speak to local investors who work with the property management companies you're considering.
- Number of listings in Wisconsin: Choose a company that has established presence in the Wisconsin market but is not overwhelmed or understaffed. Opt for an experienced professional with adequate local capacity.
When considering top Wisconsin short-term rental property management companies, 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 local management team or work with vendors?
- What is your success rate in increasing revenue in the local market?
- Do you provide property preparation services, such as interior design, furnishings, licenses, and taxes?
- Do you collect payments from guests and remit to owners or do booking fees go directly to the property owner?
- Do you provide cleaning, laundry, and restocking services?
- Do you handle 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?
- Can I review the property management agreement?
- How can I cancel your services?
- Will I retain my property reviews if I opt out of your services?
Knowing the answers to these questions is crucial in choosing the best Wisconsin Airbnb property management company 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 Wisconsin
To launch an Airbnb business in Wisconsin, aspiring entrepreneurs must:
- Select a suitable location in Wisconsin that is both legal for Airbnb and boasts a favorable return on investment
- Identify a property with strong growth potential
- Confirm that the zoning district permits short-term rentals
- Partner with a real estate agent to purchase the property
- Undergo property renovation (if necessary)
- Furnish the rental unit
- Determine the preferred business structure
- File necessary tax and identification documents
- Acquire a vacation rental license from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
- Obtain the necessary local short-term rental licenses and permits from the city
- Make a decision on whether to manage the property independently or with the help of an Airbnb management company
- List the property for rent
- Continuously provide exceptional service to guests and maintain the property
The choice to manage the Wisconsin vacation rental independently or with the assistance of a property manager will have a significant impact on the amount of passive rental income earned.
Wisconsin Airbnb Laws and Regulations
Wisconsin does not have any statewide regulations specifically addressing Airbnb or short-term rentals. However, some cities and counties in Wisconsin may have their own regulations regarding short-term rentals.
For example, Milwaukee requires hosts to obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit and comply with certain safety and building regulations. Additionally, some Wisconsin cities and counties may require hosts to collect and remit local occupancy taxes on short-term rental transactions.
Airbnb hosts in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin can be a lucrative investment opportunity in real estate. However, it is important to be aware of the regulations imposed by both the state and individual cities, as well as the competition from other investors. To increase your chances of success, consider hiring a professional Airbnb manager to optimize your vacation rental property management strategy.