If you’re a property owner looking to maximize your investment in the vibrant city of Austin, you’ve come to the right place. As specialists in short-term rental management, particularly in the Airbnb sector, we are dedicated to ensuring your property not only meets but exceeds industry standards. Our expertise in local regulations, property management, and market optimization makes us a leading choice for Airbnb hosts.
Whether you’re new to the world of Airbnb hosting or seeking to improve your property’s performance, our FAQ page is designed to provide you with valuable insights into the legality, benefits, and financial aspects of short-term rentals in Austin.
Are Airbnbs legal in Austin, and how can your company ensure compliance with local regulations?
Yes, Airbnbs and other short term rentals are legal in Austin as long as they are properly licensed and operated in compliance with city regulations. The challenge for most owners is that the rules are detailed, the application process can be confusing, and the City of Austin does not refund STR license fees if an application is denied.
Our role is to help you stay fully compliant and avoid expensive mistakes. Before you apply, we recommend starting with our STR License Feasibility Check, which reviews whether your property is likely to qualify for a license and identifies the most realistic path forward. When you are ready to move ahead, our STR License Application Assistance service prepares and submits the application through your Austin Finance Online account and helps resolve any follow up issues with the City.
You can learn more and purchase both services directly in our online store.
What are the benefits of using a professional Airbnb management service in Austin?
Utilizing a professional management service in Austin can save you time and effort by handling tasks such as guest communication, cleaning, maintenance, and pricing optimization. Additionally, our expertise can help maximize your rental income and provide peace of mind knowing your property is in good hands.
What sets STR Management apart from other short-term rental management companies in Austin, and do you cover all aspects of property management?
STR Management stands out through proven performance, transparent data, and a truly full service approach backed by an Austin based team that provides personalized care for every property.
We are recognized as a top 1% vacation rental manager in the United States. You can see our ranking here: Comparent: Top Vacation Rental Management Companies
As a portfolio, we have outperformed other professional Austin vacation rental managers by more than 14% in revenue per available room (RevPAR) this year. That lift comes from local expertise, smart pricing strategy, and consistent property quality.
We cover all major aspects of short term rental management, including:
- Licensing and compliance support with the City of Austin
- Hotel occupancy tax compliance and management
- Property setup and enhancement guidance
- Professional photography coordination
- Dynamic pricing and revenue management
- Marketing on major booking channels and direct booking
- Guest communication and support
- In house cleaning and quality control
- Integrated smart lock automation for secure, code based self check in
- Custom TV landing page that welcomes guests and highlights key information and recommendations
- Weekly trash caddy service included for managed properties
All of this is handled by an Austin based team that knows the local regulations, neighborhoods, and guest expectations.
For owners, this creates a hands off experience while still maximizing returns. If a property is not a good fit for STR in the current environment, we can also manage it as a monthly rental (MTR) or classic long term rental (LTR) so the investment continues to perform until conditions change.
How much do short-term rental property management companies typically charge in Austin?
Short-term rental property management fees in Austin can vary widely, typically ranging from around 10% to 35% of the rental income. The exact percentage depends on various factors such as the level of services provided, property size, location, and market demand. We tailor our pricing to ensure competitive rates while delivering top-notch services to maximize your returns.
How much revenue can my property generate as an Airbnb?
The short answer is that it depends on the property, but a well managed short term rental in Austin can perform very well. Location, bedroom count, amenities, seasonality, and how the property is priced and managed all have a major impact on revenue.
At STR Management we use real short term rental data, not guesses, to answer this question. We combine our performance data with tools like AirDNA, BeyondPricing, and KeyData to build an Estimated Revenue Report for your specific property or target property. The report outlines:
- Estimated monthly and annual revenue
- Expected occupancy and nightly rates
- Seasonality and demand trends in your area
You can purchase an Estimated Revenue Report through our online store.
If you decide to use our management services afterward, the cost of the report is credited back to you.
Can you help with furnishing and decorating my short-term rental property?
Absolutely! We provide expert assistance in furnishing and decorating properties to enhance their appeal to guests. Whether it’s selecting furniture, decor, or staging for photos, our team ensures your rental stands out.
What is our timeline for getting a property ready for guest bookings?
Our process begins on the day our management services start, initiating what we call Onboarding Week. This comprehensive period spans five days, from Monday to Friday, dedicated to efficiently preparing your property for reservations. During this time, our team handles stocking consumable supplies, curating house manuals and platform listings, conducting thorough deep cleanings, and even arranging for staging and professional photography. By the end of Onboarding Week, your property will be fully prepared and ready for weekend bookings!