With a demand for rental properties throughout the year, North Dakota is one of the best short-term rental investment locations in the US. Its diverse range of attractions such as scenic landscapes, outdoor recreational opportunities, and unique cultural experiences make North Dakota a perfect place to start an Airbnb. Many cities in North Dakota have strict short-term rental laws and regulations that may make operating an Airbnb legally difficult. However, hiring an expert Airbnb property management company in North Dakota can help ensure you are compliant with all local laws. This guide can help you find the best Airbnb property management company in cities across North Dakota to help you make your short-term rental a success!
Top North Dakota Airbnb Management Companies
The best Airbnb management companies in North Dakota include:
- Awning: Best Overall Airbnb Manager
- RedAwning: Best Half-Service Airbnb Management Solution
- Avantstay: Best Luxury Short-term Rental Management Company
- Leavetown: Best For Local Presence
Top North Dakota Airbnb Management Companies by City
Using the tool below, you can find a complete list of Airbnb management companies in North Dakota by city. We analyzed the companies in each city and ranked the best short-term rental management companies by the number of listings in each city in North Dakota, the type of property management services they offer and how they price their services.
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How We Researched the Top North Dakota Airbnb Management Companies
Our ranking system is a product of the robust analysis we undertook to provide you with a comprehensive review of the top Airbnb management companies in North Dakota. Here is the criteria we used to not only select but also rank the best short-term rental companies in North Dakota:
- Services: We examined the services each company offered, how robust the offerings (partial service vs full service management company) and whether it fulfills all the needs owners expect within each category.
- Pricing: We analyzed the pricing structures of Airbnb property managers in North Dakota and determined how clear the pricing structure is, if it covers all necessary services and if hosts incur additional fees.
- Value for money: We weighed if the fees each short-term rental management company in North Dakota aligns with the level services offered by each short-term rental management company and the fee the company charges to determine if hosts are getting the most bang for their buck.
- Business model: We investigated whether a company uses the latest real estate technology while retaining human touch, which is crucial in property management.
- Reviews: We took into consideration whether companies have a strong online presence and whether reviews are positive or negative.
- Number of listings: We searched for the Airbnb management companies with the most active listings in the market.
To maximize your vacation rental investments in North Dakota , connect with an Awning property manager now.
How to Choose a North Dakota Airbnb Management Company
Choosing the right Airbnb management company is crucial for the success of your rental business, especially in a market like North Dakota where many cities have strict short-term rental regulations.
When making this decision, consider the following criteria:
- Services: Decide whether you want to be involved in the management of your property (half-service option) or have a completely passive income (full-service option). Consider the services offered by the Airbnb manager and what you would like to handle yourself. Determine if your property is ready for guests or if you need help with preparation.
- Pricing: Consider how much you are willing to pay for a fully passive investment experience or for extra help with managing your vacation rental.
- Value for money: Compare the services offered and the fees charged by different property management companies, including monthly fees and additional charges.
- Business model: Decide whether you prefer a nationwide or local property manager and consider their accountability, honesty, and transparency.
- Reviews: Check online reviews from both property owners and guests. If possible, speak with local investors who have experience with the property management companies you are considering.
- Number of listings in North Dakota: Look for a company with a strong presence in the North Dakota market but not one that is understaffed or overwhelmed. Choose an experienced professional with enough local capacity.
When interviewing potential North Dakota short-term rental property management companies, ask the following questions:
- Are you a local property manager or a nationwide company?
- How many years of experience do you have managing short-term rentals?
- How many properties are you currently managing?
- What is the size of your local team?
- Do you have an in-house local management team or do you work with vendors?
- What is your track record for increasing revenue in the local market?
- Do you offer support for preparing properties for guests, such as interior design, furnishings, short-term rental licenses, and taxes?
- Do you collect money from guests or does the booking fee go directly to the property owner?
- Do you provide cleaning, laundry, and restocking services?
- Do you conduct property inspections and maintenance work?
- Do you manage swimming pools and hot tubs?
- What is your Airbnb property management fee and what does it cover? Are there any additional fees or costs? Is there an onboarding or early-termination fee?
- Can I review a copy of the property management agreement?
- How can I cancel your services?
- Will I keep my property reviews if I opt out?
Having answers to these questions will help you select the best Airbnb property management company in North Dakota that meets your specific needs.
How Airbnb Management Works
There are two broad types of Airbnb property management companies: full-service and half-service.
Full-service property managers are those that take care of all the aspects of owning and running a short-term rental business.
The best full-service Airbnb management companies help investors achieve passive income while boosting performance.
Half-service Airbnb property managers usually focus on listings, marketing, revenue management, guest communication and support, and taxes. Some of them offer to connect property owners with vetted local vendors for the services they do not cover.
Vacation rental property management companies can be national (covering most US markets) or local (focusing on a specific city). Both come with their own advantages and disadvantages.
Property management fees range widely in the US market: between 10% and 50% of revenue, with 20-25% of revenue being the average for full-service providers. Some companies charge different rates for different markets and different property types. Property managers frequently charge extra for services outside the core package, like interior design, furnishing, insurance, linen, etc.
The top vacation rental management companies have flexible terms and do not require long-term commitment on behalf of property owners. However, some expect quarterly or annual commitments.
Some Airbnb property managers focus on specific property types, like luxury rentals, group travel rentals, apartments, etc., while others work with most residential properties. Different companies have different eligibility requirements; for example, half-service property managers work with furnished short term rentals, while some full-service companies prefer to be directly involved in design and furnishing.
One thing property owners should keep in mind is that most Airbnb management companies list rentals under their brand name, so hosts lose the reviews and rankings once they leave. A noticeable exception is Awning, which allows properties to keep reviews.
How to Start an Airbnb in North Dakota
In order to start an Airbnb venture in North Dakota, entrepreneurs need to:
- Pick a prime location for their North Dakota investment property (where Airbnb is permissible and returns are promising)
- Identify a high-yield property
- Ensure the zoning regulations permit short-term rentals
- Engage a real estate agent to assist in acquiring the property
- Remodel the property (as required)
- Outfit the rental
- Select an appropriate business model
- File tax and employer identification papers
- Obtain a vacation rental condo or dwelling license from the North Dakota Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR)
- Acquire local short-term rental licenses and permits by city (most North Dakota cities mandate local licenses or permits)
- Make a decision whether to manage the property personally or engage an Airbnb management company
- Put the property up for rent and start hosting guests
- Provide continuous services to guests and maintain the property
The choice to manage the North Dakota vacation rental personally or delegate it to a property manager will determine if the owner can attain passive rental income or not.
North Dakota Airbnb Laws and Regulations
North Dakota does not have any state laws specifically addressing Airbnb or short-term rentals. However, some cities and counties in North Dakota may have their own regulations regarding short-term rentals.
For example, Fargo, North Dakota requires hosts to obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit and comply with certain safety and building regulations. Additionally, some North Dakota cities and counties may require hosts to collect and remit local occupancy taxes on short-term rental transactions.
Airbnb hosts in North Dakota are also encouraged to obtain liability insurance to protect themselves and their property in case of any accidents or damages. Hosts should also ensure that their rental property complies with all applicable building and zoning codes and safety regulations.
Takeaway
Starting an Airbnb business in North Dakota is a lucrative opportunity in the real estate industry. However, North Dakota has strict regulations for short-term rental properties, imposed by the state and cities, and strong competition from other investors. To succeed in this business, it's crucial to have a well-optimized vacation rental property management strategy. Hiring a professional Airbnb manager is the best way to achieve this.