Holiday let management for owners

Owners of holiday homes, investment units and spare properties.

A commission on booking income, often plus fees for cleaning, linen and set-up. More properties in the same area means more income per hour.

• Organising and scheduling
• Clear communication with owners and guests
• Problem-solving when things go wrong

• Some states treat managing rentals for others as real estate agent work, which needs a licence, so check with your state's regulator
• Professional indemnity and public liability insurance
• Handling owners' money may bring trust account rules
• Owners' own council approvals and insurance must be in place
• Being on call for guest problems can cut into your evenings and weekends

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your software, insurance, cleaning supplies and how you find owners. Your own costs may differ depending on how many properties you take on.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many properties you manage, the share you charge and how often they are booked. The estimate assumes at least about 10 hours a week.

Check with your state's regulator, as some states treat managing rentals for others as real estate agent work that needs a licence. Also check professional indemnity and public liability insurance, and whether handling owners' money brings trust account rules.