10 questions to ask before handing your property to a manager

Handing the day-to-day operation of your property to an operator saves time, but it requires a relationship of trust. That is why asking the right questions before you decide matters. Here are ten questions to put to the operator in front of you.

1. Which services do you cover?

Make clear which of listing creation, pricing, reservations, guest communication, cleaning, maintenance, check-in and reporting are included and which are charged separately.

2. Who runs operations?

Does their own team deliver the service, or are subcontractors used? Ask who will look after your property and what the backup plan is.

3. In which channels and how will you present my property?

Find out which platforms it will appear on, who will prepare the listing photos and text, and how the pricing strategy will be set.

4. How do the pricing and fee structure work?

Get in writing how the service fee is calculated, which expenses are passed on separately and when payments are made. Ask for everything to be in the contract, to guard against unexpected items.

5. How do you report?

Ask how often and with which indicators you will receive reports, and whether you will have transparent visibility of reservations, revenue and expenses.

6. Who is responsible for regulation and permits?

Clarify who does what in tracking the permit certificate and legal obligations, and which documents you will need to provide.

7. How are damage, insurance and liability handled?

Learn the process in case of guest-caused damage, the scope of insurance and how liability is divided.

8. When and how can I use my property?

Can you block the calendar for your own use, and what are the conditions?

9. What are the contract term and exit conditions?

Ask about the term of the contract, termination conditions, notice periods and how reservations and data are handed over on exit.

10. Can you show references and past performance?

Ask them to describe their experience with similar properties, feedback from current owners and their operating standards.

Extra tips for the decision

• Ask for a written offer and contract; do not rely on verbal promises.
• Treat offers that give a firm guarantee on income with care; market conditions change.
• Ask how operating standards are monitored.
• Ask them to see the property in person and present an assessment.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important criterion when choosing an operator? Transparency, communication, experience and a service scope that fits your property's needs should be weighed together.

Do I have to hand over everything? No. Some owners get only marketing and reservation support, while others hand over the entire operation.

Should I show the contract to a lawyer? For important contracts, getting an opinion from a legal adviser is good practice.

At Houseng we want to build a working model around your property's needs. You can explore our solutions or get in touch.