Getting Started
What is Airbnb and short let management?
Quick answer
Short let management is where a company like us runs your property as an Airbnb on your behalf. We handle the listing, pricing, guests, cleaning and maintenance, and take a percentage of what it earns. You keep the property, you keep most of the income, and you don't deal with any of the day to day.
Written by Guy, Director at Renzo · Published · Last updated · 4 min read
How it actually works
A short let is anything from one night to a few months, booked through Airbnb, Booking.com or directly. When you hand it to a management company, we take over the whole operation. The property is still yours, the bookings still come in under it, and every month you get paid what it earned minus our fee and the running costs.
Think of it like owning a small hotel without having to work the front desk.
What we actually do
Honestly, more than most landlords expect. The obvious part is the listing: photos, description, and getting it live on Airbnb, Booking.com and our own site. Then there's pricing, which changes nightly depending on demand, local events and the time of year. Get that wrong and you either sit empty or leave money on the table.
After that it's the people side. Every guest message, seven days a week. Vetting who books. Check ins, check outs, cleaning and fresh linen between every stay, and sorting maintenance when the boiler packs up or a guest breaks a lamp.
You get a monthly statement showing what came in and what went out. That's your involvement.
How fees work
Most companies charge a percentage of booking revenue. We charge 14% plus VAT. I like this model because we only earn more when you do, so we're properly motivated to keep your calendar full.
One bit of advice: be wary of anyone charging a lot less than the going rate. Something's getting cut, usually cleaning or guest communication, and you'll find out through bad reviews.
Isn't this just a letting agent?
Not really. A letting agent finds you a tenant, collects the rent and mostly steps back. We're running a small hotel on your behalf, every single week. It's more work for us, but usually a lot more income for you, and you can still use the place yourself whenever you want.
Who it's right for (and who it isn't)
It works best for landlords who want better returns than a long let, like the flexibility of staying in their own property, or are just tired of problem tenants and empty months between them. Investors who want income without the admin tend to love it.
But if you want the exact same amount landing in your account every month and never want to think about your property again, short lets probably aren't for you. That's fine. Long lets exist for a reason, and we'd rather tell you that now.
Find out what your property could earn
Get a free income projection with local comparables before you commit to anything.
FAQs
Do I need to be involved day to day?
No. We handle everything. You'll get a monthly statement and your payout, and that's it.
Can I still use my property?
Yes. Just block out the dates you want and we'll work around you.
What if a guest damages something?
We vet guests before they book, and damage is covered through deposits, damage waivers and platform protection. It's rarer than most landlords fear.
Which areas do you cover?
Lincoln, Nottingham, Derby, Northampton, Milton Keynes, Bedford and Newark on Trent.