Maine Airbnb Management Company Directory

Maine is a desirable destination for investing in short-term rentals due to its unique attractions such as its scenic coastline, lush forests, and charming towns. Tourists are drawn to Maine throughout the year for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Top Maine Airbnb Management Companies

The best Airbnb management companies in Maine include:

1. Awning: Best Overall Airbnb Manager
2. RedAwning: Best Half-Service Airbnb Management Solution
3. Avantstay: Best Luxury Short-term Rental Management Company
4. Morton and Furbish Vacation Rentals: Best For Local Presence
5. Maine Ski Lodging Co.: Best for Ski Properties

Top Maine  Airbnb Management Companies by City

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How We Researched the Top Maine Airbnb Management Companies

The criteria we used to select and rank the top Airbnb management companies in Maine  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.
• 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: We searched for the Airbnb management companies with the most active listings in the market.

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

How to Choose a Maine  Airbnb Management Company

Selecting the right Airbnb management company is essential for the success of your rental business, just like choosing a high-potential property. This is particularly important in Maine where several cities have strict regulations and restrictions on short-term rentals.

When making your decision, consider the following factors, similar to what we used in ranking the top Maine Airbnb management companies:

• Services: Do you want to actively manage your property (half-service is preferable) or opt for a fully passive income (full-service is necessary)? What services do you expect from your Airbnb manager and what tasks do you want to handle yourself? Is your property ready for guests or do you need assistance with preparation?
• Pricing: How much are you willing to pay for a completely passive investment or additional management help for your vacation rental?
• Value for money: Compare the services offered by different property management companies and the fees they charge, including monthly fees and additional charges.
• Business model: Do you prefer working with a local or national property manager? Do you value national accountability or a personal touch from a local company? Does the company appear trustworthy and transparent?
• Reviews: Look at online reviews from both property owners and guests. If possible, speak to local investors who work with each company you're considering.
• Number of listings in Maine: Choose a company with a strong presence in the Maine market but not overburdened with too many properties. Look for an experienced professional with adequate local capacity.

When interviewing potential Maine short-term rental property management companies, ask the following questions:

• Are you a local or national company?
• 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 work with vendors?
• What is your success rate in increasing revenue in the local market?
• Do you assist with preparation, such as interior design, furnishing, short-term rental licenses and permits, and taxes?
• Do you collect payments from guests or do booking fees go directly to the property owner?
• Do you offer cleaning, laundry, and restocking services?
• Do you conduct property inspections and maintenance work?
• Do you manage swimming pools and hot tubs?
• What is your Airbnb property management fee and what does it cover? Are there any additional fees and costs? Is there an onboarding or early-termination fee?
• May I review a copy of the property management agreement?
• How can I cancel your services?
• Will I keep my property reviews if I discontinue your services?

Knowing the answers to these questions will help you find the best Maine Airbnb property management company that meets your specific needs.

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.

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 Maine 

Starting an Airbnb business in Maine requires investors to:

1. Choose a prime location for investment property in Maine, where Airbnb is allowed and returns are high
2. Locate a high-yield property
3. Verify that the zoning district permits short-term rentals
4. Engage a real estate agent to aid in property acquisition
5. Conduct renovations (if necessary)
6. Furnish the rental space
7. Select an appropriate business structure
8. Submit tax and employer identification documents
9. Obtain a vacation rental condo or dwelling license from the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (DPFR)
10. Acquire local short-term rental licenses and permits from the relevant cities (most cities in Maine require them)
11. Choose whether to hire an Airbnb management company or manage the property independently
12. List the property and start accepting bookings
13. Provide continuous guest services and property maintenance

The decision to manage the Maine vacation rental independently or through a property manager will determine if you experience passive rental income.

Maine Airbnb Laws and Regulations

Short-term rental laws in Maine include the following:

• Short-term rentals are not regulated by the state, and the issue is a matter of local concern. Cities and towns have filled the void, taking varying approaches to the issue.
• All short-term rental owners or operators must register with the Maine Revenue Service and collect and remit Maine State Sales Tax. This amounts to 9% of the listing pricing, including cleaning and guest fees, and applies to casual rentals (fewer than 14 days).
• In Maine, rental agreements can be either written or oral. Rental agreements give tenants rights, including the right to a safe and habitable dwelling unit and the right to take some forms of alternative action. Landlords also have rights, including the right to be reimbursed for certain damages.
• The City of Portland has passed an ordinance requiring short-term rental units to be registered with the city.
• Kennebunkport has its own set of Airbnb laws, which are intended to ensure that neighborhoods are not overly impacted by vacation rental operations. These laws include the requirement for short-term rental properties to be registered and for owners to assume responsibility for the rental.
• There is a proposed idea to require municipalities to have an STR registry in Maine.

It is important to note that the laws and regulations regarding short-term rentals can vary depending on the specific city or town in Maine. Therefore, it is recommended to check with the local government for any specific laws and regulations regarding short-term rentals.

Takeaway

Starting an Airbnb business in Maine can be a lucrative investment in real estate. However, there may be strict regulations imposed by the state and cities, as well as strong competition from other investors. To ensure success, it's important to have an effective property management strategy, which can be achieved by hiring a professional Airbnb manager.