Transitioning away from bad property management company

[Pam2624]

My unit has been open since march and booked almost the entire time. I hired a management company but have been very disappointed in their actiivities and behaviors. I gave them my notice that I was quiting our contract as of the end of September. Now they've got October forward blocked and are saying that my entire site comes down 9/30 and that I have to start again. Any thoughts on how I can avoid a complete shut down?

[Joan2709]

@Pam2624 

Unfortunately, if you allowed the management company to create the listing showing them as "Owner" then you will have to create a new listing and start over. All the reviews will stay with the management company as well. Management companies do not warn their clients of this possibility and most have a very negative track record.

It is better to hire an experienced Co Host to help you with your new listing, or hire a short term rental consultant (there are a few of us out there 😊) to get your new listing off to a good start. 

You can ask for Co Host recommendations in your local Airbnb Host Club (see Local Host Clubs to the left) or use Airbnb's Co Host Platform. NEVER allow someone to create a listing under their name as owner. YOU must be shown as owner on the listing. Then you can designate a Co Host to take over as primary host for the listing if you like and manage the day to day activities, but you stay as Owner. Guests will see the primary Host as "Host", but you stay as owner.

[Emilie]

Hi @Pam2624, 

I'm sorry to hear that your few months as a host were not smooth sailing. I was wondering if you'd had a chance to read through the advice Joan shared with you?

I hope it helps you plan your next steps, but please do let us know if you need more help or have more questions. 🙂

Thanks, 

Emilie

[Pam2624]

Thanks Emilie. I did and I did confirm that I’m primary. So that’s good. I will have more questions after my houseguests leave. Thanks so much for your support! 

[Emilie]

All kudos to @Joan2709 - once your guests leave and those extra questions come up, you know where to find us for more guidance 😃

[Joan2709]

@Pam2624 

There is a difference between "Primary Host" and "Owner". 

It is important that you are BOTH Primary Host and Owner on the listing.

[Dinesh87]

Hi @Pam2624, @Joan2709, and @Emilie,

I also learned from this — it’s so important to be both Primary Host and Owner to keep control of your listing and reviews. Thanks @Joan2709 for clarifying and @Emilie for the support. This discussion is a great reminder to all of us about protecting our hosting journey.