How to Outsource Vacation Rental Management

Vacation rental management companies handle tasks such as reservations, cleaning, repairs, check-ins, billings and marketing. Look for a company with an excellent reputation, a variety of vacation rental experience and a staff that can provide the coverage needed for rental management.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Determine the services that will be outsourced to a vacation rental management company.
2. Locate a vacation rental management company that can provide the services that are needed to manage the vacation property. Companies can be found on the Internet, telephone business listings or in management company associations' membership directories. One example of such a directory is the Vacation Rental Managers Association.
3. Inquire about the total cost of the vacation rental management services that you need to outsource for the vacation rental.
4. Check to make sure the vacation rental management company does not have any complaints filed against it. Better Business Bureau is one resource to check. You can also check with the Attorney General's office in the state the vacation rental management company does business.
5. Sign a contract with the vacation rental management company. Before you sign the contract, check to make sure that the contracted services and costs are outlined in the contract clearly and that you understand what, if any, recourse if the company fails to deliver the services you pay to receive.
6. Inspect your vacation property on a regular basis to determine if you are satisfied with the quality of services being provided by the vacation rental management company.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware of the requirements to maintain the vacation home in rental condition. Some management firms require periodic updates within the home to continue to receive their services.
• Determine if the vacation rental management company is doing a good job by having a business partner or friend rent the vacation home and share their experience.