Lake Tahoe Vacation Rental Management: Owner FAQ

It begins with a conversation. Reach out via our List Your Home form or call us at (530) 562-4242. We'll schedule a free consultation, then do a property walkthrough, and have you listed within 14–21 days of signing.

Most properties are live on Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and our direct channel within 14–21 days of signing. This includes professional photography, 3D tour, and listing optimization on each platform.

We currently manage properties in Tahoe Donner, Downtown Truckee, Truckee, Donner Lake, Schaffer's Mill, Northstar, Olympic Valley, Kings Beach, Tahoe Vista, and Carnelian Bay. We do not manage properties outside this corridor.

We look for properties in good structural condition with strong location attributes and basic amenities in place. Visit our What We Look For page for full criteria.

Yes, and we help make the transition smooth. We'll review your existing management agreement and advise on timing. Many owners join us mid-season without missing bookings.

Our management fee is a percentage of gross rental revenue, typically in the range of 20 to 30% depending on property type, location, and the services included. We're happy to provide a personalized quote. It's transparent and all-inclusive with no hidden line items.

None. We cover the professional photography, 3D virtual tour, listing setup, and onboarding at no cost. We only earn when you earn.

No surprise fees. Our management percentage covers photography (updated seasonally), listing management, guest communication, housekeeping coordination, maintenance dispatch, and owner reporting. We do not charge booking, platform, or administrative fees on top.

No. Our management agreements are flexible. We believe strong results earn loyalty, not contractual lock-in. You may exit with appropriate notice (typically 30 to 60 days) without penalty.

No. Cleaning fees collected from guests go toward paying the housekeeping team. We do not take a margin on housekeeping costs.

We adjust your nightly rate daily based on real-time demand, local events, competitor rates, seasonal patterns, and platform algorithm signals. Rates go up during peak periods and Tahoe events, and down (strategically) during shoulder season to maintain occupancy.

Our estimator draws on comparable properties in our active portfolio, not generic national data. Results reflect realistic gross revenue ranges. Actual earnings vary by property condition, location specifics, owner calendar usage, and seasonal booking trends. We provide a more detailed, property-specific projection after your free consultation.

Owner payouts are processed monthly, typically within 10–15 business days after month-end. Funds are sent via direct deposit (ACH). Your first payout will be 30–45 days after your first guest checks out.

In our experience, well-prepared homes in our portfolio tend to see strong occupancy, though it varies by location, season, and property type. Premium resort locations (Northstar, Olympic Valley, Donner Lake) tend to see stronger year-round occupancy, thanks to both winter ski and summer lake demand.

Yes. We provide a detailed, property-specific revenue projection as part of the free consultation, before you commit to anything.

We coordinate all maintenance through our vetted local vendor network. For minor repairs (typically under $250), we handle them proactively without waiting for owner approval. For larger expenses, we contact you first. Emergency repairs are handled immediately to protect the property and guest experience.

Our professional housekeeping teams handle all guest turnovers. Cleaning is paid for by guests via the cleaning fee collected at booking. We do not mark up housekeeping costs.

Yes. We conduct a thorough, photo-documented inspection before every guest arrival and after every departure. Inspection records are available in your owner portal and any issues are flagged and addressed immediately.

We collect a security deposit on every booking. We document all damage with time-stamped photos and coordinate claims through platform damage protection programs (Airbnb AirCover, Vrbo's damage program). For damage exceeding the deposit, we assist with homeowner's insurance claims.

All bookings are reviewed by our team. We require verified profiles, review booking history, and apply platform trust signals. We can set minimum stay requirements, guest count limits, and decline bookings that don't meet our standards, including on instant-book listings.

Yes. All Tahoe-area jurisdictions require an STR permit. Nevada County, Placer County, and the Town of Truckee each have their own process. Permits require annual renewal and some jurisdictions have quota caps. We strongly recommend applying as early as possible.

We can guide you through the process and help you understand the requirements for your specific jurisdiction. We do not submit applications on your behalf, but we can help ensure your property meets inspection criteria and prepare your application materials.

TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) is a local tax collected from guests on each booking, typically 8–12% depending on jurisdiction. We collect TOT from guests on your behalf and remit it to the appropriate county or municipality. You'll receive a record of all TOT collected and remitted in your monthly statement.

Yes. Rental income is reportable to the IRS. We provide detailed monthly and annual statements that simplify your tax preparation. We recommend working with a CPA familiar with short-term rental taxation. The 14-day rule and various expense deductions can significantly affect your tax position.

Absolutely. Your property is still your home. You can block any dates for personal use through your owner portal at any time. There are no fees or restrictions on personal use.

You can block dates at any time. For peak periods (ski weekends, holidays, summer), we recommend blocking your personal dates at least 60–90 days in advance so we can keep surrounding nights available for guests.

Yes. You can comp stays for friends and family by blocking the dates. We ask that you notify us in advance so we can prepare and inspect the home before their arrival, at the standard guest-ready level.

Yes. Time blocked for personal use cannot be rented. We factor in realistic owner usage when preparing revenue projections. Many owners find that strategic personal use, avoiding peak nights, has a minimal impact on their annual earnings.

California law requires functional smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. We also require a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and recommend a first aid kit. STR permits often require posted emergency exit plans. We verify all safety equipment during the pre-launch walkthrough.

Guests have access to our 24/7 emergency line. Our local operations team can be on-site within a short timeframe for urgent situations. For medical or safety emergencies, guests are instructed to call 911 first.

We work with each owner to determine their pet policy. Pet-friendly listings can command a meaningful premium and attract a loyal repeat guest segment. If you allow pets, we add a pet deposit/fee and include additional inspection protocols.

Our house rules, noise policies, and occupancy limits are clearly stated in every listing and confirmed by guests at booking. We respond to any complaints promptly, and in serious cases we have the authority to terminate a stay. Repeat violators are reported to platforms.