Should You Co-Host or Fully Outsource Your Short-Term Rental? Pros and Cons

Managing a short-term rental can be incredibly rewarding — but it can also be demanding. As a property owner, one of the most important decisions you'll make is whether to co-host your property with someone else or fully outsource it to a professional management company. Each option has its pros and cons, depending on your goals, availability, and level of involvement.

Here's what you need to know to make the right choice.

What Is Co-Hosting a Short-Term Rental?

Co-hosting means partnering with another individual (often a fellow host or local expert) who helps manage your property. You stay actively involved, but you share the responsibilities.

Pros of Co-Hosting:

• Lower Management Fees: Co-hosts typically charge a lower fee compared to full-service property managers.

• More Control: You retain decision-making power over pricing, guest selection, and property rules.

• Local Support: A co-host can handle on-the-ground tasks you can't easily manage remotely.

• Personal Touch: You can maintain a personal connection with your guests if desired.

Cons of Co-Hosting:

• Shared Responsibilities Can Get Messy: Miscommunication about roles can cause issues.

• Still Time-Consuming: You’ll still handle much of the guest communication, pricing strategies, maintenance decisions, etc.

• Limited Resources: Individual co-hosts may not offer the same tech, marketing, or professional services that a management company can.

What Does Fully Outsourcing Your Rental Mean?

Fully outsourcing means hiring a professional short-term rental management company to handle everything — from listing optimization to guest communication, cleanings, maintenance, and beyond. You step back and let the experts run the show.

Pros of Fully Outsourcing:

• True Hands-Off Experience: Professional managers take care of every detail, freeing up your time.

• Higher Booking Rates: Companies often have access to pricing algorithms, broader marketing networks, and optimization tools.

• Professional Maintenance and Housekeeping: Property standards remain consistently high.

• Guest Experience Management: From rapid responses to concierge services, your guests get a polished experience.

• Scalability: It's much easier to expand your portfolio with full management support.

Cons of Fully Outsourcing:

• Higher Fees: Many management companies typically charge 20-30% of your revenue. However, at TruStay, our management fees are often lower than the industry standard, helping you keep more of your hard-earned income while still enjoying full-service support.

• Less Direct Control: You’ll have less say in daily operations, although you can usually set high-level preferences.

• Finding the Right Fit Takes Time: Not all management companies offer the same quality or level of transparency.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Co-Hosting and Fully Outsourcing

When deciding between co-hosting and full outsourcing, ask yourself:

• How much time do you have? If you’re balancing a full-time job or living far away, full outsourcing might be the better option.

• How involved do you want to be? Co-hosting gives you more involvement; outsourcing offers more freedom.

• What's your budget? Co-hosting often costs less upfront, but full management can bring in higher revenue long-term.

• How important is guest experience? Professional management teams often deliver a consistently higher-end guest experience.

• Are you planning to scale? If you want to grow your rental portfolio, full-service management can handle multiple properties more efficiently.

Final Thoughts: Which Option Is Best for You?

Both co-hosting and fully outsourcing can be great paths, depending on your needs. If you love being hands-on and have the time to invest, co-hosting might be a good fit. If you value your time, want expert support, and aim to maximize your property's earning potential, fully outsourcing could be the smarter move.

TruStay offers the best of both worlds. Our management fees are lower than the industry standard, giving you greater profitability. We take on the hard work and the risks associated with short-term rental management, while still allowing you to retain control over important aspects like your property’s reviews and reputation. It’s the perfect balance of full-service support and property owner empowerment.

Contact TruStay to get your free quote and find out how we can help you make the most of your property today.