When you own a short-term rental, the biggest question isn’t just how much it can make—it’s also how much of that profit will actually stay in your pocket. The choice between self-managing your property or hiring a professional property manager plays a huge role in that answer.
Let’s break it down.
The Case for Self-Managing
Many owners are tempted to manage their rentals themselves. On the surface, it makes sense:
- No management fees: You keep 100% of the booking revenue (after platform fees).
- Direct control: You get to set prices, respond to guests, and make all the decisions.
- Personal connection: Some owners love hosting and enjoy interacting with guests.
But here’s the catch: self-management comes with hidden costs.
- Time drain: Guest inquiries, check-ins, cleanings, maintenance calls, and emergencies don’t run on a 9–5 schedule.
- Pricing guesswork: Without smart tools, many owners underprice their listings.
- Stress factor: Dealing with guest complaints or a 2 AM plumbing issue isn’t exactly passive income.
In short: yes, you save on fees, but you pay in time, energy, and missed revenue opportunities.
The Case for Hiring a Property Manager
Professional property managers charge a percentage (usually 15–30%) of your rental income. At first glance, this feels like a cut into your profits. But let’s look at what you get:
- Optimized pricing: Managers use dynamic pricing tools to maximize your nightly rates and occupancy.
- Hands-off hosting: From guest communication to cleanings and repairs, it’s all handled.
- Higher guest satisfaction: Professional systems = better reviews = more bookings.
- Local expertise: Managers know the market trends, regulations, and what travellers are looking for.
For many owners, the bump in occupancy and nightly rates more than covers the management fee. In fact, studies show that professionally managed listings can earn 20–40% more annually than self-managed ones.
Which Puts More Money in Your Pocket?
- If you love hospitality, have lots of free time, and live near your rental, self-managing could work.
- But if you value your time, want higher returns, and prefer a stress-free experience, hiring a property manager often leads to more net profit—not less.
Think of it this way: Would you rather spend your Saturday unclogging a toilet, or let a professional handle it while you enjoy the actual benefits of owning a rental?
Final Takeaway
At UrbanHaven Suites, we specialize in helping owners like you unlock the full earning potential of their short-term rentals—without the headaches of self-management.
If you’ve been wondering whether professional management is worth it, the real question is: what’s your time and peace of mind worth?
Ready to see how much more your property could earn with professional management? Contact UrbanHaven Suites today for a free income projection.
