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Airbnb management fees typically range from 10% to 30% of gross rental revenue. But the percentage alone doesn't tell you what you'll actually pay or earn. Hidden fees, cleaning markups, and limited service scopes can make a 15% manager more expensive than a 25% one once you do the full math. For a primer on what management companies actually do, see Awning's vacation rental property management guide.
Average Airbnb Management Fees by Service Level
Hidden Fees to Watch For
The management percentage is just the starting point. Many companies add:
- Onboarding / setup fees ($200–$500)
- Photography fees ($150–$500, sometimes required)
- Cleaning fee markups (10–20% above actual cleaner cost)
- Maintenance coordination fees ($25–$75 per call)
- Additional platform listing fees — charging extra to add VRBO, Booking.com
- Early termination fees if you cancel the contract
Awning's Airbnb cleaning service and supplies restocking are coordinated as part of management — no hidden markup on cleaner cost.
Always request a full fee schedule in writing before signing. Ask specifically: 'What am I charged for that isn't in the base management fee?'
How Cleaning Fees Factor In
Most management companies pass cleaning fees to guests as a separate line item at booking — guests pay it, you don't. But some managers markup the actual cleaning cost by 10–20%. See Awning's Airbnb cleaning service page for how cleaning is handled and priced transparently.
Calculating Your Real Net Income
To accurately compare managers, calculate projected net owner income:
- Projected annual gross revenue (ask for market comps)
- Minus: management commission
- Minus: any additional fees
- = Net owner income
Use Awning's Airbnb income estimator for a free revenue projection based on your property and market. Cross-reference with Airbnb market data to validate the assumptions.
Airbnb Cap Rates: What's a Good Return on an STR Investment?
If you're evaluating whether the management fee makes sense relative to your return on the property overall, cap rate analysis is the right lens. See Awning's guide to Airbnb cap rates for how to calculate and benchmark STR returns in your market.
Financing and Insurance: Two Costs Most Owners Overlook
Beyond management fees, two other cost categories materially affect your net return: financing and insurance. See Airbnb loan options for property owners and the best insurance companies for Airbnb hosts to make sure your total cost structure makes sense.
📎 Related Reading
→ Top Airbnb Management Companies Reviewed
→ Airbnb Cap Rates: How to Calculate Your STR Return
→ Airbnb Loans: Financing Options for STR Investors
→ Best Insurance for Airbnb Hosts
→ RedAwning Full-Service Property Management
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