What does STR management actually cost, and what do you get?

The short-term rental management industry has a pricing transparency problem. Companies advertise a management percentage, typically 15% to 35%, without clearly explaining what's included in that percentage and what gets billed on top. Owners sign contracts thinking they understand the math, then get surprised by their first monthly statement.

Here's a plain-language breakdown of how management fees actually work, what to look for, and what questions to ask before you sign anything.

The management fee is a percentage of gross revenue, usually 15% to 30%. Lower-end fees often exclude things like maintenance coordination, photography, or direct-booking channel management. Higher fees should be fully bundled. If a company quotes you 15%, read the contract carefully for add-on fees.

Photography is often billed separately by companies that advertise low management rates. Professional short-term rental photography typically runs $300–$600 for an initial shoot. Some companies amortize this over the first year; others bill it upfront. Ask before you sign.

Maintenance markups are where many companies make their real money. A common model is to bill maintenance at cost plus a 15–20% coordination fee, sometimes without disclosing the markup. Ask specifically: 'Do you charge a coordination fee on maintenance, and if so, how much?'

Cleaning fees should flow through at cost. Some companies take a cut of the cleaning fee, billing the guest $250 for cleaning, paying the crew $180, and pocketing $70 without disclosing it. This is legal in most markets but worth asking about.

At Getaway & Stay, our management fee is fully bundled: listing, photography, dynamic pricing, guest management, housekeeping coordination, maintenance coordination, and monthly reporting. No markup on maintenance. No photography surcharge. What you see on your statement is what it cost.