Hiring a short-term rental property management company in Miami feels like a smart move. You hand over the keys and watch the passive income roll in, right?
Not always.
The truth is, many property management companies, especially the large, national ones, have a few secrets they’d rather you didn’t know.
As local Miami hosts, we believe in transparency. That’s why we’re pulling back the curtain to reveal eight things your property manager probably isn’t telling you.
What to Know Before Hiring a Property Manager
1. Guest Vetting Is Often Minimal
Your property management company has the tools to screen guests, but will they use them? To maximize occupancy, many companies prioritize booking volume over guest quality. They may not invest the time to vet potential guests thoroughly, which exposes your property to individuals with a history of complaints or damages.
2. Hidden Fees Are Eating Your Profits
Does your monthly statement feel lighter than expected? Many large STR management companies are notorious for burying hidden fees in the fine print. From marking up maintenance costs to adding “administrative” charges, these surprise fees can significantly reduce your net income.We operate on a foundation of transparent fees. With FunStay Miami, you get clear, honest statements with no hidden costs, so you always know where your money is going.
3. They Prioritize Occupancy Over Quality Stays
High occupancy rates look impressive on paper, but they don’t tell the whole story. A manager focused solely on filling the calendar may accept back-to-back, one-night stays that lead to excessive wear and tear, rushed cleanings, and ultimately, poor guest reviews. Chasing volume often comes at the expense of a quality guest experience and your long-term ROI.
4. Cleaning Standards Can Vary… a Lot
Your management company promised “hotel-grade” cleaning, but guest complaints about dust and dirt keep rolling in. This happens when companies outsource cleaning to the lowest bidder. The result is inconsistent service that can tarnish your property’s reputation and lead to negative reviews.
5. Revenue Reports Can Be Overly Optimistic
Did your initial revenue projection seem too good to be true? It might have been. Some companies present best-case-scenario forecasts that don’t account for Miami’s seasonality, unexpected cancellations, or shifts in platform algorithms. These overly optimistic reports can set unrealistic expectations and mask underperformance.
6. They Rely Heavily on Automation
Automation is efficient, but it can also be impersonal. When bots handle all guest messaging, pricing, and even review responses, your property loses its human touch. This lack of personal connection can lead to missed opportunities for service recovery and upselling, leaving guests feeling like just another number. This is one of the biggest factors that lead to the types of guest issues we fix most in Miami.
7. Your Property Isn’t Always Their Priority
If a company manages hundreds of listings, where does your property fall on their priority list? Often, units that generate higher commissions or are part of larger portfolios get the most attention. Your property might get lost in the shuffle, receiving generic management instead of tailored strategies.
As a family-owned business, we offer a personalized experience. We treat your home with the same care and attention as our own, ensuring it gets the focus it deserves to thrive.
8. They May Lack True Local Market Knowledge
Some national firms employ a generic, one-size-fits-all approach across all markets. But what works in Orlando doesn’t necessarily work in Miami. Without deep local knowledge of the neighborhoods in Miami for Airbnb investment or the nuances of tourist demand in Hollywood versus Sunny Isles, they miss critical opportunities to optimize your listing and maximize revenue.
The Miami Short-Term Rental Property Management Team You Can Trust
The reality is that the actual cost of self-managing your Miami vacation rental is often higher in both time and money than hiring a professional. However, choosing the right professional manager is key.
FunStay Miami is different.
We’re a local, family-owned Airbnb property management company in Miami run by experienced Superhosts. We treat your home with the same care and attention we give our own. We manage every detail, from proactive maintenance and guest communication to navigating complex Miami-Dade tourist tax laws.
If you’re ready for a transparent partnership that prioritizes your success, let’s talk.
