Running a Rental Business

How to Make Your Rental a Profitable Business

Whether you own one property or ten, running your vacation rental as a business is an important decision. In this blog, we will go over tips on how to make your rental a profitable business. Decide Whether Partnering is the Right Decision for You There are both positives as well as drawbacks in partnering with […]

By The Turno Team

Last updated: January 10, 2024

Whether you own one property or ten, running your vacation rental as a business is an important decision. In this blog, we will go over tips on how to make your rental a profitable business.

How to make your rental a profitable business

Decide Whether Partnering is the Right Decision for You

There are both positives as well as drawbacks in partnering with others for your vacation rental. By partnering you are able to save on the costs of buying the property as well as split the time and effort of managing a property. This choice is entirely dependent on your financial situation as well as how much time you wish to devote to your Airbnb.

Partnering in managing a vacation rental is beneficial for saving on upfront costs and saving time, without having to hire a property manager. Unfortunately, partnering can often result in differences of opinion. These differences in opinion include deciding on house rules, decorating, and pricing. One of the main financial drawbacks in partnering in a vacation rental is having to split the profits

Soley running and owning your own vacation rental can be expensive but financially rewarding in total profits. By running a vacation rental on your own, you are responsible for all of the costs that are put into buying the home and maintaining the home. If you are able to handle the upfront costs of purchasing a home as well as paying for repairs and a vacation rental cleaner, sole ownership may be for you. In the long run, receiving total profits when guests stay with you results in higher profits as opposed to partnering and splitting the profit. In terms of time management of running the vacation rental on your own, hiring a property manager is a great option.

Pricing Properly

The number one thing to remember when pricing your VR is to price competitively. To price your rental, look at what VR exists in your area and how they are pricing. Examine what your rental has to offer compared to rentals in your area. Note how they are pricing in terms of location, amenities, and remodels. To price competitively, you should price slightly lower than what direct competitors in your area are pricing their vacation rentals. This way, when it comes down to the customer’s final decision, they will be more likely to choose your slightly less expensive rental. Seasonal pricing is something to keep in mind when setting your prices. For example, if your property is in an area that gets busy during the summer, it would make sense for your rates to rise for summer rates.

Buy Insurance

Insurance is a necessary expense when running a vacation rental. Insurance for your home protects and benefits you and your rental. If you are not properly insured, you may be held liable for any claims against the property. Having insurance for any damages to your property is especially wise for a vacation rental due to the possibility of strangers coming into your home and causing damage.

Establish Checking Account

Treating your vacation rental as it’s own business starts with setting up a checking account  specifically for your vacation rental. Setting up a checking account for your property allows you to record income and expenses properly.

Professional Photos

The quality of the photos in your listing for your property is crucial in booking your vacation rental. Photos are where you advertise your property, therefore you want your home to look as beautiful as possible. Professional photographers know how to properly show off your property while not making photos deceiving in terms of the size of the property that the guest expects.

If you wish to save money by taking pictures of your own home, here are tips for professional quality rental photos.

Review Listing Regularly

It is important to maintain and review your listing. Look out for changes in rates, new reviews and any errors that may occur. Your listing should always look its best and have no errors that may dissuade potential guests from booking your rental.  

Use Rental Agreements

Rental agreements are a hosts best friend for ensuring an understanding of expectations for guests. These agreements include: Dates, Rates, House Rules, Cancellation Policy, Maximum Occupancy, Check In/Out Procedures and Damage Policy.

These agreements also protect your rights as a host to remove guests from your property if they are violating rental agreement. The agreements also include your cancellation policy. This protects you from a guest attempting to cancel and receive a full refund right before their trip dates.

Improve Rankings

Once your vacation rental logistics and listing is set, the most significant task as a host is keeping guests happy. Happy guests means great reviews for your property. Good reviews come from factors such as high response rate and accuracy of the listing.

The Turno Team Avatar
The Turno Team , The Turno Team researches and publishes articles designed to provide short-term rental Hosts, Property Managers, and Airbnb Cleaners with insightful, useful resources. Articles written by the Turno Team cover a wide range of STR interests, from the latest industry data and best practices to real-world, practical advice on running efficient, revenue-generating vacation rental businesses in an ever-changing market. Here at Turno, we’re always looking for original ideas and hot new topics. Have something you’re curious to learn more about? Interested in authoring a guest blog? Drop us a line at [email protected].