Full-service short-let agency

Property investors, landlords and owners of several flats, who pay for a hands-off service.

Commission on bookings across the portfolio, plus charges for cleaning, linen, setup or extra services. More properties spread the fixed costs.

• Managing people and rotas
• Pricing and sales to win owners
• Handling complaints calmly
• Basic bookkeeping

• Check planning rules and any short-let registration or limits in your area with the council
• Employer's liability insurance once you hire, plus public liability and professional indemnity cover
• Check cleaners' employment status carefully, as self-employed or employed depends on how they work
• Fire safety, gas and electrical checks and guest safety duties, check what applies to each property
• Hold owner and guest money correctly, and check whether client money protection or other rules apply
• Reliance on a few big booking platforms and a few owners can make income uneven

Startup costs are typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on team size, storage for linen and supplies, and how large a portfolio you take on. These are estimates. Also check employer's liability, public liability and professional indemnity cover.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on how many flats you manage and how you price your service. This is an estimate, and it usually means at least about 35 hours a week. Reliance on a few platforms or owners can make income uneven.

Check planning rules and any short-let registration or limits with the council. Check cleaners' employment status, fire, gas and electrical safety duties for each property, and whether client money protection or other rules apply to how you hold owner and guest money.