Property Management FAQs

Why Should I Hire a Property Manager?

The reasons vary from owner to owner. Some have no interest in hospitality; others no longer have the time to self-manage. A professional team handles:

• Ensuring your rental meets legal and safety standards
• Listing management and regular optimization
• Coordination of housekeeping, maintenance, and third-party vendors
• Collection and remittance of hotel taxes
• Pricing optimization and accounting services
• Professional and timely customer support
• Late-night, weekend, and emergency calls

Beyond freeing up your time, professional management teams are often more efficient, earn better guest reviews, and generate higher income. Designations like Airbnb's Superhost and Guest Favorite badges or VRBO's Premier Partner status boost both guest confidence and your listing's search position.

What Fees Can I Expect with GuestSpaces?

We offer a fully transparent fee structure. Major expenses to consider:

• Management Commission: A reasonable percentage of Gross Nightly Revenue
• VRBO Annual Subscription: $699
• Credit Card Processing Fee (Nightly Rent only): 3.1%
• Linen + Towel Package: Variable based on guest, bed, and bathroom count
• In-House Maintenance Service: $55/hour (2-hour minimum) plus associated costs
• Wear and Tear (Unintentional Damage): Variable

Properties in Dripping Springs do not require our standard linen and towel package as laundry is done onsite. There is no labor charge for simple maintenance done during routine housekeeping or inspections. You are only charged for associated costs.

Cleaning Fees, Taxes, and Platform Service Fees are charged directly to the guest and passed through accordingly. Homeowners are also responsible for standard ownership costs (utilities, mortgage, HOA fees, landscaping, pool care, etc.) and initial property setup.

What Services Does the Management Commission Provide?

Our commission covers full-service property management, including:

• Professional media shoot (HDR photos and a 360 Virtual Tour, a $1,000+ investment per home, scheduled at our cost)
• Listing creation, management, and regular optimization
• A unique digital property guide with FAQs, house rules, local recommendations, and more
• Calendar management
• Standard guest amenities on every turnover: paper towels, toilet paper, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap, laundry detergent, bleach, dish detergent, sponges, all-purpose cleaner, trash bags, coffee, filters, cream, and sugar
• Access to in-house housekeeping and maintenance teams
• Laundry service and regular property inspections
• Pool, hot tub, and lawn service vendor management
• Dynamic pricing with AI-powered software
• Revenue management and accounting, including monthly earning statements
• Marketing and SEO
• 24/7 guest communication via booking platforms, email, text, and phone, with an average response time under one hour

How Does GuestSpaces Handle Damage and Emergencies?

Our Property Inspectors routinely inspect your home for missing or damaged items, and our in-house handymen handle all basic repairs. Homeowners are responsible for the cost of normal wear and tear. You are notified of major repairs and must approve charges over $500, unless there is an emergency or loss of rental revenue due to the repair.

Homeowners are required to maintain a Landlord's Insurance policy that specifically covers the property as a short-term vacation rental. This covers unintentional damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Guests pay both a refundable security deposit and a non-refundable Accidental Damage Waiver fee. The security deposit covers damage up to the dollar value set on the listing. The Accidental Damage Waiver accumulates to cover intentional damage costs that exceed the deposit.

All emergencies, whether guest issues or maintenance, are handled by our team around the clock.

Can GuestSpaces Help Me Set Up My Home as a Short-Term Rental?

Absolutely. Our drafted listings are ready for your review within 48 to 72 hours of your media shoot, which can typically be scheduled the week your home is fully staged and guest-ready.

Our team can assist with assessing the STR potential of your property or a home you are considering purchasing as a rental. While GuestSpaces does not provide in-house design services, we are happy to connect you with local interior designers who have partnered with our homeowners to create successful vacation rental properties.

We will also provide our Preparing Your Home guide to make the initial stocking process as simple as possible, make recommendations for final touches before the media shoot, and apply for your Short-Term Rental License on your behalf if desired.

Which Markets Does GuestSpaces Serve?

GuestSpaces currently manages homes in:

• Austin
• West Austin / Bee Cave
• Dripping Springs
• Georgetown
• Kingsland
• Spicewood
• Surrounding lake communities on Lake Austin, Lake Travis, and Lake LBJ

If you are interested in management services in another nearby market, please reach out. We are open to expanding.