The complete guide to starting a short-term rental management company

The short-term rental market continues to become more professional. More and more property owners prefer to delegate the management of their properties to specialized concierge services.

Here are the essential steps to launch your concierge business.

1. Define your concierge business model

Before getting started, it is important to define the services you want to offer.

Concierge services can provide different levels of management:

• full property management (check-in, cleaning, guest communication)
• partial management (check-in and guest assistance only)
• à la carte services for property owners

Most concierge companies charge between 15% and 30% of rental revenue depending on the level of service.

You can also offer additional services to travelers to generate extra income.

2. Study your local market

Every city has its own characteristics when it comes to short-term rentals.

Before launching your concierge service, analyze:

• the number of Airbnb listings in your area
• the level of competition from other concierge services
• the prices being charged
• the most tourist-friendly neighborhoods
• the seasonality of bookings

This analysis will help you define your positioning and pricing strategy.

3. Create your legal structure

To operate a concierge business, you must create a legal structure.

The most commonly used structures in France are:

• micro-enterprise
• SASU
• SARL

Your choice will depend on the expected business volume and your growth strategy.

You should also consider taking out professional liability insurance.

4. Define your concierge services

A concierge service usually offers several types of services.

Guest management

• communication before and during the stay
• organizing check-in and check-out
• assistance during the stay

Property management

• professional cleaning
• linen management
• maintenance and repairs

Listing optimization

• creation and optimization of Airbnb listings
• calendar and pricing management
• guest review management

These services form the foundation of your offer for property owners.

5. Build a network of partners

To operate efficiently, a concierge service relies on several service providers:

• cleaning teams
• laundry services
• maintenance and repair professionals
• real estate photographers
• drivers or airport transfer services

A strong network of partners ensures reliable and professional service.

6. Find your first property owners

At launch, the main objective is to build your portfolio of properties.

The most effective methods include:

• using Facebook groups dedicated to short-term rentals
• working with real estate agencies
• offering your services to property investors

Your first clients are often obtained through word of mouth.

7. Set up tools to automate management

An efficient concierge business relies on digital tools that simplify daily operations.

For example:

• booking management tools
• automated guest messaging
• cleaning management tools
• a digital welcome book to centralize information

A digital welcome book like Sunver allows you to:

• share all stay information with guests
• offer additional services to travelers
• centralize local recommendations
• reduce repetitive guest questions

This improves the guest experience while simplifying management.

8. Offer additional services to travelers

A concierge service can also generate additional revenue through services offered to guests.

The most popular services include:

• early check-in or late check-out
• airport transfers
• breakfast or gourmet baskets
• bike rentals
• guided tours
• wellness experiences

With a digital welcome book, these services can be booked and paid for directly by travelers.

9. Structure the guest experience

The guest experience is a key factor in the success of a concierge business.

It should be smooth at every stage.

Before arrival

• access information
• arrival instructions
• local recommendations

During the stay

• access to services
• quick assistance

After the stay

• thank-you message
• invitation to leave a review

A strong guest experience helps generate more positive reviews and attract new property owners.

Conclusion

Starting a short-term rental concierge business can become a profitable activity when it is well structured.

The keys to success are:

• a clear positioning
• reliable services
• a strong network of partners
• digital tools to automate management

By centralizing information and services in a digital welcome book like Sunver, it becomes easier to provide a professional guest experience while growing your concierge business.