Alaska Airbnb Management Company Directory

Alaska is the largest state in terms of area and has a diverse geography, ranging from the icy glaciers of the south to the treeless tundra of the north. The state is known for its abundant natural resources, including oil, fish, and forests, and is a major contributor to the U.S. economy. Alaska is also home to a rich cultural heritage, with indigenous communities that have lived in the region for thousands of years.

Top Alaska  Airbnb Management Companies

The best Airbnb management companies in Alaska include:

1. Awning: Best Overall Airbnb Manager
2. RedAwning: Best Half-Service Airbnb Management Solution
3. Avantstay: Best Luxury Short-term Rental Management Company

Top Alaska  Airbnb Management Companies by City

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How We Researched the Top Alaska  Airbnb Management Companies

The criteria we used to select and rank the top Airbnb management companies in Alaska  include:

• Services: We looked at whether a company is a half-service or full-service provider and whether it covers all expected services within each category.
• Pricing: We considered whether an Airbnb property manager has a clear pricing structure covering all services. We also looked at what additional fees hosts will need to pay.
• Value for money: We evaluated whether the provided services and the expected fee offer the best value for money in Alaska.
• Business model: We investigated whether a company uses the latest real estate technology while retaining human touch, which is crucial in property management.
• Reviews: We took into consideration whether companies have a strong online presence and whether reviews are positive or negative.
• Number of listings in Alaska: We searched for the Airbnb management companies with the most active listings in the Alaska market.

To maximize your vacation rental investments in Alaska , connect with an Awning property manager now.

How to Choose an Alaska Airbnb Management Company

When it comes to building a successful Airbnb rental empire, choosing the right property management firm is just as crucial as selecting the right property, especially in a state like Alaska with complex regulations and restrictions on short-term rentals.

As you compare different property management companies, focus on the following essential factors that we used to rank the top Alaska Airbnb management companies:

• Services: Consider the level of involvement you want in the management of your property, whether it's minimal or hands-off. Think about the services you require from the Airbnb manager and what you're comfortable handling yourself. Pay attention to the preparation needed for your property to be ready for guests.
• Pricing: Determine how much you're willing to pay for a passive investment experience or additional management help for your vacation rental.
• Value for money: Analyze the services offered by several property management firms and their fees, including the monthly fee and additional charges.
• Business model: Decide between a local or nationwide property manager, considering factors like transparency, accountability, and honesty.
• Reviews: Read online reviews from property owners and guests and speak with local investors who have worked with each company you're evaluating.
• Number of listings in Alaska: Look for a company with a strong presence in the Alaska market, but not one that's overburdened or understaffed. You want a professional with adequate local capacity.

When you're ready to interview a few top choices for an Alaska short-term rental property management firm, ask the following questions:

• Are you a local or nationwide property manager?
• How many years of experience do you have managing short-term rentals?
• How many properties are you currently managing?
• What is the size of your local team?
• Do you have an in-house local management team or do you work with contractors?
• What increase in revenue have you achieved in the local market?
• Do you offer property preparation services such as interior design, furnishings, short-term rental licenses and permits, and tax assistance?
• Do you collect payment from guests and remit to owners or do booking fees go directly to the property owner?
• Do you provide cleaning, laundry, and restocking services?
• Do you manage property inspections and maintenance work?
• Do you handle swimming pools and hot tubs?
• What is your Airbnb property management fee? What does it cover? Are there any additional fees or costs? Is there an onboarding or early-termination fee?
• May I review a copy of the property management agreement?
• How do I cancel your services?
• Will I be able to keep my property reviews if I opt out?

By getting answers to these questions, you'll be able to find the best Airbnb property management company in Alaska for your specific needs and goals.

How Airbnb Management Works

There are two broad types of Airbnb property management companies: full-service and half-service.

Full-service property managers are those that take care of all the aspects of owning and running a short-term rental business. They help:

The best full-service Airbnb management companies help investors achieve passive income while boosting performance.

Half-service Airbnb property managers usually focus on listings, marketing, revenue management, guest communication and support, and taxes. Some of them offer to connect property owners with vetted local vendors for the services they do not cover.

Vacation rental property management companies can be national (covering most US markets) or local (focusing on a specific city). Both come with their own advantages and disadvantages.

Property management fees range widely in the US market: between 10% and 50% of revenue, with 20-25% of revenue being the average for full-service providers. Some companies charge different rates for different markets and different property types. Property managers frequently charge extra for services outside the core package, like interior design, furnishing, insurance, linen, etc.

The top vacation rental management companies have flexible terms and do not require long-term commitment on behalf of property owners. However, some expect quarterly or annual commitments.

Some Airbnb property managers focus on specific property types, like luxury rentals, group travel rentals, apartments, etc., while others work with most residential properties. Different companies have different eligibility requirements; for example, half-service property managers work with furnished short term rentals, while some full-service companies prefer to be directly involved in design and furnishing.

One thing property owners should keep in mind is that most Airbnb management companies list rentals under their brand name, so hosts lose the reviews and rankings once they leave. A noticeable exception is Awning, which allows properties to keep reviews.

How to Start an Airbnb in Alaska 

Investors looking to start an Airbnb business in Alaska should keep the following steps in mind:

1. Select the best investment location in Alaska where Airbnb is legal and offers high returns.
2. Identify a high-potential property with great rental potential.
3. Ensure the property's zoning district permits short-term rentals.
4. Partner with a real estate agent to help with the property purchase process.
5. Undergo any necessary renovations or remodeling.
6. Furnish the rental to make it inviting to guests.
7. Establish a business structure that works best for you.
8. File all necessary tax and employer identification documents.
9. Obtain a vacation rental condo or dwelling license from the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED).
10. Get the local short-term rental licenses and permits required by each Alaska city.
11. Decide whether you want to handle the property management yourself or hire an Airbnb management company.
12. List the property on Airbnb and start accepting guests.
13. Provide ongoing maintenance and support to guests and property.

The choice to manage the Alaska vacation rental on your own or with the help of a property management company will determine if you enjoy a passive rental income or not. 

Alaska Airbnb Laws and Regulations

Alaska has regulations in place for short-term rentals that can vary depending on the location. Short-term rental regulations may include zoning laws, occupancy and safety standards, taxation, licensing, and insurance requirements. However, it is important to note that the Alaska Landlord Tenant Act ONLY covers apartments, mobile homes, and houses, and specifically does NOT cover rooming houses, B&Bs, Airbnb, and short-term rentals (under 60 days). Vacation rentals are NOT covered by this Act.

In Anchorage, short-term rental operators who rent their properties for 30 days or less are subject to regulation, and hosting platforms like Airbnb are required to collect and remit the city's 12% room tax. Additionally, if someone is collecting rental income by renting a room, they are engaged in business activity and an Alaska Business License is required.

If you are a short-term rental host in Alaska, it is recommended to stay up to date on any specific laws and regulations within your local community, as Alaska is continually reinventing outdated rental rules and making legislation specifically for short-term rentals. Clear laws defining what constitutes a legal rental agreement are found in section 34.03.020 of the Alaska Uniform Residential Landlord Tenant Act, including the identifying information required for the renters, the property, and fees associated with renting, such as the cost of rent, in addition to the name and address of the owner.

Takeaway

Starting an Airbnb business in Alaska can be a profitable investment for real estate investors. However, it's important to understand the regulations and competition in the area. To maximize the success of your rental business, it's crucial to have a well-planned management strategy, which can include hiring a professional Airbnb manager.