Austin and short term rentals just go together. Whether it’s the city’s live music festivals, tech conferences, or food scenes that attract guests, hosting here can be incredibly rewarding. But let’s be real: managing an Airbnb is no walk in the park.
From marketing your listing to handling guest communication, it takes a lot of effort to keep things running smoothly. That’s why many property owners turn to management companies to handle the heavy lifting, and Surge is the perfect partner to help you thrive. Reach out to them today, or keep reading to scope out your options.
Here are the five top Airbnb management companies in Austin:
- Best overall: Surge
- Best for affordable services: MasterHost
- Best for luxury properties: AvantStay
- Best for large portfolios: Kasa
- Best for first-time hosts: HostStarter
How we chose the best Airbnb management companies in Austin
Sorting through Austin’s bustling rental market to find the top Airbnb management companies was not easy. With each company bringing its own strengths to the table, we looked for those that truly stood out.
Here’s what we focused on:
- Market expertise: We looked for companies with a solid understanding of Austin’s neighborhoods, trends, and regulations.
- Comprehensive services: We prioritized companies offering full-service management to simplify hosting for owners.
- Technology: Companies leveraging smart tools for pricing and communication were given plus points.
- Cost transparency: Fair pricing without hidden fees was a top consideration.
- Client satisfaction: Glowing reviews and testimonials from other hosts were key indicators of a company’s reliability.
Finding the best management partner can make or break your rental success, and in Austin’s competitive market, Surge proves to be a standout choice. Their exceptional service, local expertise, and hands-on support can elevate any Airbnb business. Discover what Surge can do for your Austin rental today!
Surge: Best overall
Surge has made a name for itself in Texas as a property management company that prioritizes quality over quantity.
Founded by Humberto Marquez, a real estate professional with extensive local expertise, Surge focuses on providing tailored support to every property owner. By keeping their portfolio intentionally small, they make sure that each rental receives the attention needed to stand out in Austin’s competitive short term rental market.
Their pricing model is straightforward, with a 15% management fee and no annual contracts–perfect for hosts who can't commit to this business model just yet.
Despite having a lower-than-usual fee, Surge offers an impressive range of services, including around-the-clock guest communication with response times under ten minutes, cleaning and laundry coordination, listing optimization, and lock automation. From dynamic pricing strategies to restocking and maintenance, they take care of every detail.
Surge’s reputation for responsive service and spotless rentals has earned them rave reviews from guests and hosts alike. Getting started is simple: schedule a consultation on their website, reach out via call or text at (281) 612-4152, or email hello@gowithsurge.com.
MasterHost: Best for affordable services
MasterHost has been helping Airbnb hosts succeed since 2014, when they started in Canada. Fast forward to today, and they’ve expanded to 23 countries, including the U.S., with operations in 15 states and districts.
Here in Texas, they’re making a big impact, especially in Austin, where they’ve built a reputation for offering great service at an affordable price point.
With management fees starting at just 10% and contracts that renew monthly, MasterHost gives you flexibility without locking you into anything long term. They also have two other plans at 12% and 15%.
They handle all the heavy lifting, from guest communication and cleaning to pricing strategies and listing optimization. With the priciest option, they’ll even set your property up with interior design and professional photography to make sure it stands out.
Their approach works well, and Austin hosts often praise MasterHost for their professionalism and ability to keep calendars consistently booked. Their team is described as knowledgeable, proactive, and always focused on boosting revenue. With their reliable support, many hosts feel confident that their properties are in excellent hands.
Want to see what they can do for you? Head to their website for a free estimate and schedule a call to get started.
AvantStay: Best for luxury properties
Managing a luxury property comes with a host of other considerations and issues, but AvantStay can make it simple. Founded in 2017 by Sean Breuner, AvantStay specializes in turning high-end homes into unforgettable destinations for guests.
Their approach is a blend of cutting-edge technology, personalized service, and thoughtful design, so if you're seeking stress-free management with top-notch results, go check their website out.
In fact, partnered hosts rave about the difference AvantStay makes. From increased rental income to beautifully upgraded interiors, their hands-on approach and attention to detail have won over both property owners and guests alike.
While their pricing isn’t listed online, AvantStay offers a robust suite of services tailored to meet the needs of luxury property owners. They manage everything from booking and guest communication to concierge services, all while maintaining your home with a dedicated team and 24/7 smart tech monitoring.
Their no-party policy, built-in damage protection, and meticulous housekeeping ensure your property stays in top condition, giving you peace of mind without having to be physically present.
To see how AvantStay can transform your property, call (213) 577-2325 today.
Kasa: Best for large portfolios
If you’re managing a large portfolio of rental properties, having the right technology is a must. Kasa, founded by Roman Pedan, is one such company that specializes in scaling operations for owners with multiple rentals through technology and tools.
With their combination of tech-driven solutions and hospitality expertise, Kasa is built to handle the unique challenges of managing large portfolios while maximizing revenue and guest satisfaction.
Kasa’s pricing isn’t listed online, but their results do the talking. Their data-driven approach to pricing can boost RevPAR (revenue per available room) by 5-15% on average, without needing to ramp up marketing expenses.
They list properties on over 40 booking platforms, expanding your reach beyond just Airbn, and their centralized tech systems streamline guest experiences and accounting. With 24/7 remote hospitality and selective on-site support, they keep things running smoothly without unnecessary overhead costs.
Kasa is trusted by big names like Starwood Capital, Ribbit Capital, and RET Ventures, thanks to their proven expertise in hospitality transactions worth over $40 billion. Whether you’re managing one or multiple single-family homes, or larger complexes, their system is designed to scale with you.
Visit their website to learn more about partnering with Kasa.
HostStarter: Best for first-time hosts
Starting your journey as an Airbnb host can feel overwhelming, but HostStarter makes it simple. This Texas-based company is dedicated to helping first-time hosts in Texas launch their vacation rental businesses with confidence.
They walk you through the process: from finding a promising investment property to setting up a fully functional listing, they provide everything you need to get started without the guesswork.
With a flat 12.5% management fee, HostStarter covers essential services like listing setup, booking approval and denial, guest communication, dynamic pricing, and cleaning automation.
For hosts who want extra support, they offer an optional add-on at $399 per month that includes scheduling and managing cleaners, coordinating maintenance and repairs, and restocking supplies. Their flexible structure allows new hosts to choose the level of service that best fits their needs, all while letting them retain ownership of their listings with direct payments from Airbnb.
HostStarter-managed properties are consistently praised by guests for their cleanliness and prompt service, and their services are designed to make the hosting process as smooth as possible.
Just starting out on Airbnb? Reach out to HostStarter via their website, call (469) 324-0864, or email hoststarterhelp@gmail.com.
Bottom Line
Austin’s vibrant culture and growing tourism scene create endless opportunities for short-term rental success, but it’s not something you want to tackle alone. Partnering with the right Airbnb management company can transform hosting from a stressful endeavor into a seamless and very profitable experience.
While there are a lot of Airbnb management companies in the city, from budget-friendly options like MasterHost to luxury-focused AvantStay, if you’re ready to take your rental to the next level, Surge stands out as the best partner.
Visit Surge today and see how they can help you maximize your rental's potential.