Should your PM or You own the Airbnb listing?

[Clara Cheng]

Switched PMs recently and the former PM decided to remove our entire listing. Understood that some of the stuff on the listing is their proprietary information but this results in us losing all the reviews. 

When setting up a new PM relationship, is it typical for them to own the entirety of the airbnb listing? Thanks!

[Mark Miles]

Quote from @Clara Cheng:

Switched PMs recently and the former PM decided to remove our entire listing. Understood that some of the stuff on the listing is their proprietary information but this results in us losing all the reviews. 

When setting up a new PM relationship, is it typical for them to own the entirety of the airbnb listing? Thanks!

YOU MUST OWN THE LISTING!
YOU MUST OWN THE LISTING!
YOU MUST OWN THE LISTING!

YOU MUST OWN THE LISTING!

[John Underwood]

Yes, this was the PM's listing.

You can create your own.

[Clara Cheng]

@John Underwood So I create my own and there are two listings? Or I let each PM modify the listing I own?

[John Underwood]

I'm a perfect world, let your PM modify your listing.  They would have access to modify

your bank account info. They could get bad reviews that are on you.

I would just let them have their own listing that they are responsible for. You can't have 2 listings for same property on same platform.

You could have a seperate houfy (or similar) account for direct bookings.

[Sarah Kensinger]

It's very very difficult for a PM to manage a listing and do what they need to do without owning the listing. Many of the software just flat won't work otherwise! You would need to choose between what is more important.... owning the listing or owning a STR that is dominating the market it's located in, by maximizing the tools available to manage the property.

[Michael Baum]

Hey @Clara Cheng, I agree that you should own the listing. Otherwise you do lose all your reviews when/if you change PM's.

Now @Sarah Kensinger might have a point so I would check with any potential PMs that there wouldn't be an issue. I would have to guess that there should be a way to setup the account for a PM or co-host.

[Sarah Kensinger]

Quote from @Michael Baum:

Hey @Clara Cheng, I agree that you should own the listing. Otherwise you do lose all your reviews when/if you change PM's.

Now @Sarah Kensinger might have a point so I would check with any potential PMs that there wouldn't be an issue. I would have to guess that there should be a way to setup the account for a PM or co-host.

Even the co-host option locks the co-host out of certain functions, and we can't drag the listing into our software. It's a really pain to say the least!

[V.G Jason]

I only work with PMs that let us own the listing. If it's too hard for them, tell them next. Find one's that work for you, not that you have to work around.

It's paramount you own the listing. 

[Chai Xiong]

Me running a PM company currently.. yes own your listing it will help you if you need to switch later ;)

[Ran Fridman]

As a property manager, I always recommend that the property owner maintains ownership of the listing. While some property management companies may prefer to control the listing for operational convenience, it’s crucial that you, as the owner, retain ownership to safeguard your reviews, booking history, and overall control of the property. Reviews are a significant asset, and losing them can hurt future bookings.

If a PM needs access to manage bookings, update pricing, or handle guest communication, they can still do so without owning the listing. Sharing access through co-hosting is a common approach that allows the PM to perform their duties while you maintain control over the listing and its reviews. This way, you’re not at risk of losing all your hard-earned feedback and visibility, which could set you back in the competitive short-term rental market.

It's essential to find a PM who can work with you in this setup, as it's a balance between functionality and maintaining your property’s reputation online.

[Andrew Steffens]

As a PM Company owner - we need to own the listing especially when full service.  We are now offering a limited service option where you would own the Airbnb listing, we would have to own the other platforms we list on listings, however.