Whether you’re managing Airbnb properties as a full-time business or a side-hustle, once you have more than a few listings, you’re likely hiring employees. Learning to manage cleaners and property managers can be tricky.

This learning curve is especially true for newer hosts, which often find their resources stretched thin. We’ve put together a list of eleven actionable tips to help hosts learn to manage their short-term rental employees.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!

Tips for Managing Airbnb Properties with Employees

Let’s dive into some of the most important tips and tricks for managing Airbnb properties with employees.

1. Clearly define roles and responsibilities for each employee

Each employee or contractor must know what is expected of them. This will help to avoid confusion and overlap in responsibilities. Create a clear job description for each position, and be sure to review it with your employees.

2. Schedule regular check-ins with employees

Don’t wait until there’s a problem to talk to your employees. Schedule regular check-ins, even if it’s just a quick bi-weekly or monthly phone call. This will give you a chance to catch any issues early on and provide feedback.

Secondly, it is important to keep the lines of communication open with your employees and contractors. Let them know about any changes to company policy or procedures, and be sure to ask for their feedback on how things are going.

Additionally, be sure to establish what the lines of communication are, preferred means of communication, and set expectations for response times upon hiring.

3. Set clear expectations for performance

Make sure your employees know what is expected of them in terms of performance. This might include things like response times to guests, quality of cleaning, or managing bookings. Again, it’s essential to be clear about these expectations from the outset.

4. Create a system for tracking employee performance

You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Put together a system for tracking employee performance, whether it’s using a software tool or simply keeping a spreadsheet. This will help you to identify any areas where employees need improvement.

5. Provide training and resources

Make sure your employees have the training and resources they need to do their jobs effectively. This might include things like a manual for your booking system or access to provided cleaning supplies.

When managing your rentals with Host Tools, we offer a multi-user option where you can invite your staff member and set their access permissions. Employees can download the Host Tools app to be alerted to bookings and changes. Cleaners will receive automatic notifications for new or changed reservations, and property managers or assistants will be alerted to respond to guests or block days on the calendar.

6. Be flexible when possible

Remember that your employees are people with their own lives and commitments outside of work. Where possible, try to be flexible with things like hours and vacation days. This will help to build a good relationship with your employees. Additionally, it’s important to have a backup plan in case of an unexpected illness or emergency where your team member can’t take care of your guests.

Integrating your listing with Host Tools is simple way to do this!  For example, if one of your cleaners can’t take Wednesday cleanings, you can use Host Tools to only alert the clever of new bookings with checkout on dates other than Wednesday. This way, you’ll never have a booking assigned to a cleaner who can’t cover a date.

7. Be available to answer questions and address concerns

Make sure your employees know they can come to you with any questions or concerns. This might include things like how to handle a problematic guest or what to do in case of an emergency.

8. Give employees the opportunity to grow

Your employees are more likely to stick around if they feel like they’re growing in their roles. Offer training and development opportunities, and allow employees to take on additional responsibility. Perhaps one of your cleaners would one day make a fantastic property manager!

9. Reward good performance

Recognize and reward employees who are doing a good job. This might include things like a holiday bonus or employee appreciation gift. Not only will this motivate your employees, but it will also show them that you’re paying attention to their work.

10. Address problems quickly and fairly

If there are problems with an employee’s performance, address them quickly and fairly. This might mean having a difficult conversation, but it’s essential to be consistent in your management of employees.

11. Lead by example

Finally, remember that you’re the one in charge. Be the kind of employer you would want to work for. Set a good example in terms of punctuality, attitude, and work ethic. Always be sure to treat your employees with respect.

Final Thoughts

In order to consistently manage Airbnb properties effectively requires clear communication, setting expectations, and providing training and resources. Additionally, it’s important to be flexible and address problems quickly. Finally, and most importantly, remember to lead by example. Following these tips can create a positive working environment for your employees and build a successful vacation rental business.

Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!