Airbnb Management Fees in 2025: What You Really Pay (and Why It’s Worth It)

If you’re an Airbnb host, chances are you’ve at least considered hiring a property manager—but then paused when you saw that 20%–40% fee. Is it really worth giving up that much of your income? What exactly are you paying for?

That hesitation is understandable. Airbnb management fees can seem vague or even excessive if you don’t know what’s included—or what’s not. But getting the right property manager can actually boost your rental income, save your time, and take the stress out of hosting altogether.

In this guide, we’re breaking down exactly what Airbnb management fees cover, how they’re calculated, and what factors influence the cost. No fluff—just real numbers and real value.

If you’re ready to hand off the hard stuff and keep more of your profits, check out Awning’s full-service Airbnb management—designed to maximize earnings and minimize hassle.

What Is an Airbnb Management Fee?

An Airbnb management fee is what you pay a property manager to handle the day-to-day operations of your short-term rental—things like guest messaging, pricing, cleaning, restocking, and maintenance. In other words, they take care of the moving parts so you don’t have to.

For a lot of hosts, the trade-off is simple: less hands-on work in exchange for a cut of the revenue. That fee usually falls somewhere between 10% and 40%, depending on the level of service.

But here’s the part that’s often overlooked—good Airbnb managers don’t just save you time, they can actually make you more money. With smart pricing tools, marketing expertise, and better guest experiences, many hosts see a 20% increase in revenue after going pro.

So while the fee might look steep upfront, it often pays for itself—and then some.

How Much Do Airbnb Management Companies Charge?

If you're considering hiring a property manager for your Airbnb, understanding the associated fees is crucial. In 2025, management fees vary based on the level of service provided. 

Full-service companies handle everything from guest communication to cleaning and maintenance.

• Awning: Starts at 10% of monthly revenue for comprehensive services.
• Vacasa: Fees range from 25% to 35%, depending on the property and location.
• SkyRun: Rates start at 15%, varying by market.

Half-service providers focus on marketing, booking, and guest communication, leaving tasks like cleaning to the host.

• Evolve: Offers a flat 10% fee for the Core Plan and 15% for the Plus Plan.
• RedAwning: Charges a 10% management fee plus a 3% credit card processing fee.

Comparison Table

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Choosing the right management company depends on your specific needs and how much control you're willing to relinquish. Full-service options like Awning offer a hands-off experience, while half-service providers like Evolve and RedAwning require more involvement from the host.

What’s Included in Airbnb Management Services?

Hiring an Airbnb property manager means handing off the day-to-day work of running your short-term rental—but what exactly do you get for the fee? Let’s break it down into the standard services most companies include, and the extras that may cost you more.

Included in Most Fees

Most full-service Airbnb management companies handle the core responsibilities that keep your property running smoothly and guests happy. These typically include:

• Marketing and listing optimization – Professional photos, compelling descriptions, and placement on multiple platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com.
• Dynamic pricing – Adjusting nightly rates based on demand, seasonality, and local events to maximize revenue.
• Guest communication – Messaging before, during, and after each stay, including check-in instructions and quick responses to questions or issues.
• Cleaning and restocking – Coordinating professional cleanings and making sure essentials (like toilet paper and soap) are always stocked.
• Booking management – Handling reservations, cancellations, and calendar syncing across platforms.
• Basic maintenance – Scheduling and handling minor repairs or maintenance issues that pop up between stays.

These services are the backbone of full-service management and are generally included in fees that start around 20%.

Additional (or Optional) Services

Beyond the basics, many companies offer premium services to make your property more profitable—or just easier to manage. These may or may not be included in the standard fee, so it’s important to ask:

• Interior design and furnishing – From full setups to refreshes that increase booking appeal.
• Permit and license assistance – Especially useful in cities with strict short-term rental regulations.
• Tax collection and remittance – Handling local lodging taxes so you don’t have to worry about compliance.
• Vacation rental insurance – Protecting your property and guests beyond what Airbnb’s Host Guarantee covers.
• Linen rental and restocking – Providing and laundering towels, sheets, and other essentials.
• Amenity upkeep – Lawn care, pool service, hot tub maintenance—these often come with an added charge.

These extras can seriously level up your listing, but they may affect your bottom line. Always review what’s included in your management agreement and what comes as an add-on.

Additional Fees You Might Pay (Watch These!)

Management fees are just the start—many Airbnb property managers tack on extra charges that can eat into your profits if you’re not paying attention. These costs aren’t always obvious upfront, so it’s smart to know what to look for before signing any contract.

Here are some common extras that might show up on your statement:

• Setup or Onboarding Fee – One-time charge to get your listing up and running (e.g., $300+).
• Vacancy Fee – Charged when your property sits empty, even if no guests stay.
• Cleaning Fee – Usually passed to guests, but you’ll pay it when using the home yourself (typically $75–$150 per turnover).
• Pet Fee – Covers extra cleaning after furry guests ($10–$50 per night).
• Amenity Maintenance – Monthly charges for things like lawn care or hot tub upkeep ($100–$200+).
• Early Termination Fee – Cancel your contract early and you could owe thousands.
• Restocking & Supply Fees – For replenishing essentials like toiletries and linens.
• Design & Furnishing Packages – Optional but pricey; can range from $1,000 to $15,000+ depending on scope.

These charges vary by company, so always ask for a full fee schedule before committing. Transparency now saves surprises later.

How Airbnb Management Fees Are Calculated

Airbnb management fees aren’t just a flat rate—they’re usually calculated as a percentage of your rental’s gross monthly revenue. But to understand what you actually take home, you need to look at the full picture, not just the headline rate.

Let’s walk through it step-by-step.

Step 1: Start with Your Gross Revenue

This is your total income from bookings—nightly rates, cleaning fees paid by guests, extra guest charges, etc.
Example: You made $5,000 in total bookings this month.

Step 2: Subtract the Management Fee

If your manager charges 20%, that’s:
$5,000 x 20% = $1,000

Step 3: Subtract Additional Costs

Think cleaning between stays, supply restocking, maintenance, or pool care.
Let’s say these add up to $600 this month.

Step 4: Your Final Payout

$5,000 - $1,000 - $600 = $3,400
This is what actually hits your bank account.

Quick Definitions:

• Gross Revenue: Total money earned from bookings
• Net Revenue: Earnings after subtracting the management fee
• Final Payout: What you pocket after all fees (management + maintenance, etc.)

Some companies bundle most costs into one rate; others itemize everything. Always check how they calculate fees—what seems cheaper upfront could cost more in the end.

Want full transparency and no surprise markups? Awning keeps it simple: straightforward pricing and real-time expense tracking.

How Airbnb Companies Charge Fees

Most Airbnb management companies follow a simple system: they collect your rental income, deduct their fees and expenses at the end of the month, and then send you what’s left. So if you made $4,000 and your manager charges a 20% fee plus $500 in expenses, you’ll end up with $2,700. Easy enough—but not always transparent.

That’s because some companies lump everything together, mark up vendor costs, or bury extra charges in your monthly statement. You might not realize how much you’re actually paying until it starts cutting into your profits.

That’s why companies like Awning stand out. Instead of taking a chunk out of your income, they charge hosts separately for expenses as they happen—so you always know what you're paying for, when, and why. No surprises, no markups, and no need to guess where your money went.

What Affects the Price You’ll Pay

Airbnb management fees aren’t one-size-fits-all. The rate you’ll pay depends on a mix of factors—and knowing what those are can help you negotiate smarter.

First up, property type and size matter. A luxury beach house usually costs more to manage than a one-bedroom condo downtown, but larger homes sometimes get discounted rates if they’re easier to fill or maintain.

Location plays a big role too. High-demand markets like Miami or San Diego often come with higher fees, while rural or secondary markets might be cheaper (but not always).

Then there’s contract length—some companies offer better pricing if you commit to a longer term. And don’t forget revenue volume: if your property earns more, you may be able to negotiate a lower percentage.

Pro tip: Always ask if the company offers discounts for multiple properties or long-term commitments. You won’t get what you don’t ask for.

How to Get the Best Airbnb Management Rate

Getting a fair rate on Airbnb property management isn’t just about picking the first company you find. Start by comparing quotes from several managers—what they charge can vary a lot depending on the services they include.

Don’t overlook local companies either. While big national brands offer scale, smaller local teams often give you more flexibility and personal attention (and sometimes better pricing).

If you’re managing more than one property, be upfront about it—many companies offer bulk discounts if you bring them multiple listings. And yes, you can negotiate. Even if rates seem fixed, showing quotes from competitors can give you leverage.

A little research goes a long way—and the savings can seriously add up.

Are Airbnb Management Fees Worth It?

The real question isn’t how much a property manager costs—it’s what you get in return. When done right, Airbnb management can turn your rental into a true source of passive income, free up your time, and even grow your long-term ROI.

Think of it as an investment in performance, not just an expense. A good manager more than pays for themselves by keeping your calendar full, your guests happy, and your property in top shape.

Here’s a quick gut check:

• Are they helping increase your revenue?
• Are you spending less time managing the property?
• Is their pricing and reporting clear and upfront?

If you’re checking those boxes, the fees are probably worth every penny.

Top Airbnb Property Management Companies in 2025

Choosing the right property management company can significantly impact your Airbnb's success. Here's a snapshot of some leading companies in 2025:

1. Awning

• Service Model: Full-service
• Fee: Starts at 10% of revenue
• Coverage: All 50 U.S. states
• Highlights: Awning offers comprehensive services, including listing optimization, dynamic pricing, guest communication, cleaning, and maintenance. Their transparent pricing model and nationwide coverage make them a top choice for hosts seeking a hands-off experience.

2. Vacasa

• Service Model: Full-service
• Fee: Typically ranges from 25% to 35% of monthly revenue
• Coverage: Operates in over 35 U.S. states
• Highlights: Vacasa provides end-to-end management, from marketing to maintenance. They tailor their fees based on property specifics and market conditions, aiming to maximize homeowner revenue.

3. RedAwning

• Service Model: Half-service
• Fee: Flat 10% of booking revenue
• Coverage: Over 10,000 destinations across the U.S.
• Highlights: RedAwning focuses on marketing and reservation management, making it ideal for hosts who prefer to handle on-the-ground operations themselves. Their extensive distribution network ensures broad visibility for listings.

4. Evolve

• Service Model: Half-service
• Fee: 10% of booking revenue
• Coverage: Available in multiple markets across the U.S.
• Highlights: Evolve offers marketing, booking management, and guest communication. While they don't handle cleaning or maintenance, they provide resources to help hosts manage these aspects independently.

Takeaway

Airbnb management fees typically range from 10% to 40%, depending on whether you’re getting half-service or full-service support—and what extras you’re adding on. What you pay will depend on your property type, location, rental frequency, and how hands-off you want to be.

Instead of focusing solely on cost, think about value. A great manager can increase your earnings, reduce stress, and give you back your time.

Not sure what it’ll cost you? Call or text Awning at 415-941-5206 to find out or schedule a time using this link. You’ll get a no-obligation quote to see exactly what you’d pay—and what you’d get in return. It’s the first step to smarter, more profitable hosting.