Taking over existing listing as a host

[Alexey108]

Hello everyone! We started our STR journey by hiring a management company to host our property. It's currently being listed under their name. Now, after we got a little smarter, we want to take over the hosting process. My question is how to handle this transition properly without impacting existing reservations. Thank you.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Alexey108 The only proper way to do this is for you to start a new listing and the existing management company to snooze theirs. You will need to block dates where there are already bookings and work with the management company to get paid for 'their' reservations.

[Alicia753]

Hi @Alexey108 

Transitioning from a management company to hosting your property independently requires careful coordination to ensure no impact on existing reservations.

Start by reviewing your agreement with the management company to understand the terms of ending their services. Communicate your intention to take over hosting and request detailed information about upcoming reservations, including guest contact details.

Create your own Airbnb profile if you don’t already have one, ensuring it reflects the personality and appeal of your property. Duplicate the current listing on your account, using the same photos, descriptions, and settings for consistency. Work with the management company to transfer guest communication and ensure a smooth handover for check-ins and support.

Inform guests of the transition where possible, reassuring them that their experience will remain seamless or even improve. Set up operations like cleaning, maintenance, and guest support to run smoothly under your management. Implement tools like smart locks, automated messaging, or pricing software to streamline the hosting process.

Once the existing reservations under the management company are completed, focus on building your new listing’s reviews and reputation. Use the transition as an opportunity to enhance your offering and attract bookings with features that stand out in your market. Clear communication and proactive planning are key to making this process smooth and successful.

I hope this helps.

All the best,

Upfish Management