How You Can Automate Your Short-Term Rental In Just a Few Steps

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You signed up for short-term rentals (STRs) to make extra cash and get a little passive income. But fast-forward to today, and you’re practically glued to your phone, toggling between guest messages, cleaning schedules, and last-minute booking updates. 

Is this really passive? Nope! Luckily, with STR automation tools like Hospitable, it can be—and, dare I say, even easier than long-term rentals (LTRs).

Automating your STR tasks means eliminating late-night guest inquiries, cleaning logistics, and double-booking headaches. In other words, you’re getting your life back. Here’s how automation can revolutionize your rental game with the right property management software (PMS).

Why Use Automation?

Guest messaging on autopilot

Imagine replying to every guest with a personalized message without lifting a finger. Hospitable’s automated messaging does just that—handling pre-check-in instructions, Wi-Fi password requests, and even a friendly post-checkout follow-up. 

Almost every step can be automated, and the guest will think they interact with you in real-time. You just need to make the messaging as welcoming and natural as possible so they feel like talking to a human being, not a robot. 

Five-star feedback 

The first year an STR is launched usually has lower revenue than years two to five, for a few reasons. Not only do most online travel agencies (OTAs) need some time to push your property higher in the algorithm, but the main reason is the need for reviews.

With automation, you can also set up timed review requests post-stay. Hospitable sends these on schedule, securing more five-star reviews without the awkward “pretty please review us” message. If they believe they had a fantastic experience, we simply ask the guests to leave us five stars. If not, and we could do something better, please let us know in a message so we can correct it. 

Dynamic Pricing and Profit Maximization

Price adjustments, minus the overthinking 

Dynamic pricing tools like PriceLabs and Beyond Pricing integrate with Hospitable, constantly analyzing market trends so you never undercut yourself on rates. This software will use the same technology hotels use to maximize their room rates according to the market each day. 

If you are not automating pricing, you are missing out on money and wasting time. These tools always pay for themselves, averaging around $20 per property monthly. 

A big holiday coming up? Dynamic pricing will adjust for it. Is there a big concert nearby? Yep, it will also adjust based on the demand in the area. 

Prices automatically adjust based on peak season, local events, or orphan days between bookings. Automation isn’t just a time saver—it’s a revenue booster. Learn the inner workings of each dynamic pricing tool and adjust accordingly.

Beyond pricing tweaks  

Not only can you set minimum-stay requirements, but these PMS-integrated tools can also adapt pricing based on seasonal and occupancy trends. It’s all about maximizing every night your property could earn. 

Hassle-Free Check-In and Security

Keyless entry made easy  

Setting up a keyless entry system lets your guests check in any time they like, freeing you from the “What time will you arrive?” text. Hospitable syncs with digital locks, assigning unique codes to each guest that expire upon checkout, boosting security and saving you coordination headaches. 

I always recommend at least keeping one physical lockbox near the door with a key inside in case the digital lock fails. You can include these codes in your automatic messaging and never have to handle a check-in issue again. 

Guest verification? Done  

With Hospitable’s Ad Hoc Guest Verification feature, you can confirm identities for direct bookings or whenever you need extra reassurance. This added security layer helps prevent rowdy or sketchy guests from slipping through while keeping the booking process smooth.

Syncing Platforms and Managing Bookings

Avoid the double-booking disaster 

Picture this: You’re watching TV on a relaxing Friday night. Your guests are checking in soon, and you get a call. 

Guest: Hi, we booked your place, and a guest is already inside! We want a refund right now!

You then realize that VRBO and Airbnb both booked your place on the same weekend. The calendars did not sync up, and now you have to deal with not one but two sets of angry guests. 

Hospitable’s channel manager ensures your calendar is synced everywhere, dodging embarrassing “Oops, we double-booked” messages. Plus, it means all your messages stay in one inbox, so you’re not constantly bouncing between apps.

Streamline direct bookings  

A direct booking website is a great way to increase profits. Hospitable makes building a website easy and integrates with guest communication, guest verification, and payment processing—giving you a one-stop-shop for bookings and brand building. Less time spent on logistics means more bookings with fewer fees. There is no threat of an OTA to shut down your listing because of a terrible guest. 

Cleaning and Maintenance on Autopilot

Cleanings without the guesswork  

Nothing will damage your reviews quicker than a poorly cleaned rental or, worse, a never-cleaned rental. Enter Turno or Breezeway, which integrates with Hospitable. You can set up cleaning tasks that trigger after every checkout, sync them to your cleaners, and even send reminders—no more eleventh-hour panic or arriving guests finding yesterday’s laundry. 

Real-time team alerts 

These software systems will also ensure that important messages, like last-minute changes or check-out delays, reach your cleaning team in real-time. Centralizing communication prevents missed updates and guarantees your property’s always guest-ready.

Financial Reporting and Owner Statements

Automated owner statements  

Managing financial transparency for property owners doesn’t have to be a weekly chore. Hospitable’s Owner Statements feature automates monthly financial reporting, detailing profits, expenses, and occupancy rates. This keeps owners happy and up-to-date, and you from playing the messenger.

Making Money While You Sleep (Literally)

AI messaging features  

Guests love feeling cared for, but that doesn’t mean you must handcraft every message. Hospitable’s AI messaging flow sets up a seamless journey for your guests. You can respond to any guest message instantly based on prior conversations, property details, and any other details you may have added. This means less time thinking about how to answer the guest and more time to catch some ZZZs. 

Cleaning inventory reminders  

You can track cleaning supplies and set an alert for when you’re running low. Imagine never scrambling at the last minute for toilet paper or dish soap again! Amazon can get it there fast, but probably not fast enough when guests need it most. Establishing a cleaning inventory checklist with your cleaners will pay off majorly in the long run.

Less LTR Hassle, More STR Freedom

Automating an STR makes it simpler and even more profitable than managing an LTR. Instead of waiting on monthly checks, doing maintenance checks every six months, or dealing with the occasional late rent, you’ve got reliable revenue from high-occupancy short stays. Plus, with tools like Hospitable, it’s practically hands-free. 

In short, STR automation saves you time, maximizes profits, and keeps your rental running like a dream so you can get back to living yours.

Note By BiggerPockets: These are opinions written by the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of BiggerPockets.