Colorado Airbnb Management Company Directory

Colorado is a prime destination for short-term rental investments, known for its diverse attractions such as scenic mountains, outdoor recreation opportunities, vibrant cultural and art scene, and booming craft beer industry. This guide provides a comprehensive list of Airbnb property management companies in Colorado by city.

Top Colorado Airbnb Management Companies

The best Airbnb management companies in Colorado  include:

1. Awning: Best Overall Airbnb Manager
2. RedAwning: Best Half-Service Airbnb Management Solution
3. Avantstay: Best Luxury Short-term Rental Management Company
4. SummitCove: Best for Coastal Properties

Top Colorado  Airbnb Management Companies by City

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How We Researched the Top Colorado  Airbnb Management Companies

The criteria we used to select and rank the top Airbnb management companies in Colorado  include:

• Services: We looked at whether a company is a half-service or full-service provider and whether it covers all expected services within each category.
• Pricing: We considered whether an Airbnb property manager has a clear pricing structure covering all services. We also looked at what additional fees hosts will need to pay.
• Value for money: We evaluated whether the provided services and the expected fee offer the best value for money.
• Business model: We investigated whether a company uses the latest real estate technology while retaining human touch, which is crucial in property management.
• Reviews: We took into consideration whether companies have a strong online presence and whether reviews are positive or negative.
• Number of listings: We searched for the Airbnb management companies with the most active listings in the market.

To maximize your vacation rental investments in Colorado , connect with an Awning property manager now.

How to Choose a Colorado  Airbnb Management Company

Choosing the right Airbnb management company is a crucial step in ensuring the success of your short-term rental business in Colorado. With several cities in the state imposing strict regulations, it's important to find a company that understands the local market and can help you navigate it effectively.

When making this decision, consider the following criteria:

• Services: Determine whether you want to be involved in the management of your property or whether you prefer a fully passive income. Consider the services offered by the management company, and what tasks you are willing to handle yourself. Does your property need to be furnished, or does the management company provide this service?
• Pricing: Consider the cost of a fully passive investment experience, or the extra help in managing your rental.
• Value for money: Compare the services and fees of different property management companies, including the monthly fee and any additional charges.
• Business model: Decide whether you prefer working with a local or nationwide property manager, and consider their reputation and level of transparency.
• Reviews: Read online reviews from both property owners and guests, and consider speaking with local investors who have worked with the companies you are considering.
• Number of listings in Colorado: Consider a company that has a strong presence in the Colorado market, but is not overburdened with too many properties. You want to work with an experienced professional who has the capacity to effectively manage your property.

When interviewing potential property management companies, ask the following questions:

• Are you a local property manager or a nationwide company?
• How many years of experience do you have managing short-term rentals?
• How many properties do you currently manage?
• What is the size of your local team?
• Do you have an in-house management team or do you work with vendors?
• What is your track record for increasing revenue in the local market?
• Do you provide assistance with preparation and getting the necessary licenses and permits?
• Do you collect payments from guests, or do booking fees go directly to the property owner?
• Do you offer cleaning, laundry, and restocking services?
• Do you manage property inspections and maintenance work?
• Do you provide management for swimming pools and hot tubs?
• What is your property management fee, and what does it cover? Are there any additional fees or costs?
• May I review a copy of the property management agreement?
• What is the process for canceling your services?
• Will I retain my property reviews if I opt out of your services?

By getting answers to these questions, you'll be well equipped to choose the best Airbnb property management company in Colorado for your specific needs."

How Airbnb Management Works

There are two broad types of Airbnb property management companies: full-service and half-service.

Full-service property managers are those that take care of all the aspects of owning and running a short-term rental business. They help:

The best full-service Airbnb management companies help investors achieve passive income while boosting performance.

Half-service Airbnb property managers usually focus on listings, marketing, revenue management, guest communication and support, and taxes. Some of them offer to connect property owners with vetted local vendors for the services they do not cover.

Vacation rental property management companies can be national (covering most US markets) or local (focusing on a specific city). Both come with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Property management fees range widely in the US market: between 10% and 50% of revenue, with 20-25% of revenue being the average for full-service providers. Some companies charge different rates for different markets and different property types. Property managers frequently charge extra for services outside the core package, like interior design, furnishing, insurance, linen, etc.

The top vacation rental management companies have flexible terms and do not require long-term commitment on behalf of property owners. However, some expect quarterly or annual commitments.

Some Airbnb property managers focus on specific property types, like luxury rentals, group travel rentals, apartments, etc., while others work with most residential properties. Different companies have different eligibility requirements; for example, half-service property managers work with furnished short term rentals, while some full-service companies prefer to be directly involved in design and furnishing.

One thing property owners should keep in mind is that most Airbnb management companies list rentals under their brand name, so hosts lose the reviews and rankings once they leave. A noticeable exception is Awning, which allows properties to keep reviews.

How to Start an Airbnb in Colorado 

To begin an Airbnb business in Colorado, potential investors must:

• Identify the optimal Colorado investment property location (where Airbnb is permitted and return on investment is high)
• Locate a property with high growth potential
• Ensure the zoning district allows for short-term rentals
• Engage a real estate agent to assist with property purchase
• Undertake any necessary renovations to the property
• Furnish the rental unit
• Determine the most suitable business structure
• File all necessary tax and employer identification documents
• Obtain a vacation rental condo or dwelling license from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA)
• Acquire the required local short-term rental licenses and permits from each city
• Choose whether to manage the rental property independently or through an Airbnb management company
• List the property for rental and start accepting guests
• Continuously provide excellent service to guests and maintain the property

The decision of whether to manage the Colorado vacation rental personally or through a property manager will impact the level of passive rental income received.

Colorado Airbnb Laws and Regulations

Short-term rental laws in Colorado are set and enforced at the local level by municipalities and counties. These laws aim to regulate the use of residential properties for short-term rental purposes. While regulations may differ by location, a few key features can be found across the state.

In Colorado, a short-term rental is generally defined as renting out a residential property or a part of a residential property for less than 30 days. The laws and regulations regarding short-term rentals in the state are continually changing, and as such, legal practitioners advise verifying the currency of laws and regulations before advising clients on STRs.

A short-term rental license is required in most Colorado municipalities. For example, in Denver, all short-term rentals must have a license, and the host must live on the property as their primary residence. Additionally, short-term rental hosts must follow rules related to safety, taxes, zoning, and more.

Several fees and requirements apply to STR owners in Colorado, depending on the location. For example, in Denver, short-term rental licenses cost $100 annually, and hosts are required to pay a city sales tax of 4.81% as well as a city lodgers tax of 10.75%. The fees for short-term rental licenses in Boulder County vary, with a $200 initial fee for primary and secondary dwelling short-term rentals and a $300 initial fee for vacation rentals.

In Colorado, short-term rental laws in common interest communities have become a hot-button issue, with case law varying in verdicts. Several examples from the Colorado Court of Appeals have stated that short-term rentals are a commercial use. Legal practitioners can advise STR owners of the regulations in their municipality, and can help them obtain a license if necessary.

Takeaway

Starting an Airbnb business in Colorado can be a lucrative venture in real estate. However, it's important to note that short-term rental properties are subject to strict regulations imposed by the state and local municipalities, as well as intense competition from other investors. To increase your chances of success, it's crucial to have an effective vacation rental property management strategy. Hiring a professional Airbnb manager can help you optimize your strategy.