Is AirKeeper affiliated with AirBnB?
No we are a separate company that was started by enthusiastic Airbnb hosts to help others achieve more success with their short term rental properties.
Why should I use a management company AirKeeper and not do it myself?
Key Exchange
Because you know you engage someone trustworthy that makes time at the time your guests arrive. You do not need to rely on friends/neighbours or family and can rest assured your guests have a port of call within the country the entire time you are away.
Full Service Management
Because we are the experts and not only will we take all the work away from you, we will also ensure higher occupancy, better reviews and therefore make your property work harder and create more revenue for you.
We also use a sophisticated data driven dynamic pricing system that helps us manage your property better and more effective than you ever could.
Can I engage AirKeeper if I only rent my apartment/house?
Yes, you can! AirBnB invites anyone to list his or her property with them. However, it is probably a good idea that you check your rental agreement first or contact your landlord directly so you can confirm it is okay to host guests in the property.
Can I use your services if I only want to rent out a room within a property?
You can use our Key Exchange Service. Full Management however is only available for properties that are rented out as a whole.
What do I have to consider if my property is strata titled?
Each strata agreement has its own laws. However, The NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the Adequacy of the regulation of short-term holiday letting in New South Wales handed down its report on 19 October 2016. It recommended; Strata owners corporations be given the right to prosecute unruly behaviour and damage, and recover compensation, but not the right to ban short-term lettings. Strata By-laws cannot bar an owner from using their apartment for short-term lettings, because the Strata Law voids any By-laws which prohibit renting out an apartment.
What areas do you service?
Right now we service most popular areas in Sydney. Please refer to our service map on our home page for exact locations.
Soon however you will be able to engage us all around Australia.
What is included in your key exchange service?
In the Key Exchange the following services are included and available.
- Personalised advise.
- Meet & Greet at which stage we also collect the keys from you.
- Interactive home preparation check list, that helps you prepare your home for your guests.
- Interactive house manual that you can fill in and forward to your guest.
- Meeting and Greeting of your guests and showing them around your home.
- Guest support.
- Lock out service (at additional charge to your guests).
- Guest Checkout (if selected).
- Cleaning if you have more than one set of guests booked in whilst you are away. (At additional charge to you. You can pass this on to your guests as a cleaning charge).
- Provision of Sheets/Towels and Essentials if desired (at additional charge).
- Reduced rate for additional Key Exchanges.
What information do you need if I engage your Key Exchange service?
- We need your guests name.
- Arrival time.
- Contact Details (So we can communicate with your guests).
What is included in the Full Service Package?
- Personalised advise.
- Meet & Greet at which stage we get to know each other and your property.
- Interactive home manual templates. One that helps you prepare your home for your guests and one that you will fill in with info about your house. This will be interactive and we will forward it via email to your guest.
- Set up on AirBnB and other platforms with photos and description.
- Management of all booking requests and guest enquiries.
- Use of professional management software.
- 24/7 Guest Support
- Review of your home upon departure of guests to check for damages.
- Property maintenance.
- Dispute management.
- Managing and writing of guest reviews.
- Cleaning of your property in between guests.
- Laundering and provision of sheets and towels. Included in the Prestige Management. Optional with Flexi Management.
- Provision of essentials such as toilet paper, soap, dishwashing detergent. Extra in the Prestige Management. Optional with Flexi Management.
What is the process if I want to engage you for the Full Management of my property?
- We come and meet you at your home, discuss your property and the best strategy for your home.
- We sign an agreement.
- We come and take professional photos of your home if you do not have any.
- We write a beautiful description of your home.
- We list your home online and wait for the first bookings to come in.
Who creates my listing?
Key Exchange
If you engage us for the key exchange service then you create and manage your own listing. However, if you like us to write up your profile for you we can at an additional charge.
Full Service Management
Under the Full Management we create your listing under our profile and write up a beautiful guest enticing profile for your property. This service forms part of our set up package.
Can you take photos for my property?
Key Exchange
If you engaged us for the key exchange only we usually do not handle your profile at all. However, if you like us to take professional pictures of your home for you we can at an additional charge.
Full Service Management
Under the Full Management we take the photos for you. We work with a highly experienced interior photographer that will make sure your property is showcase in its best possible light. This service forms part of our set up package and comes in an additional charge.
How do you know what to charge for my property?
We have extensive knowledge in all areas we service. We also do extensive research into comparable properties in your specific area so that we are competitively priced. We also use highly sophisticated software that helps us offer your property at the ideal price in any situation. It takes into account supply & demand data, historic seasonal trends, data driven special events & holidays predictions, and number of days left to book.
How long does the process take for my property to be listed and be ready for guests?
Once we have sign contracts and you have engaged us we usually arrange for the photographer to come within the week. We usually have your property up and running to receive bookings within 3 business days from that date.
Can my guests contact you if they have questions?
Key Exchange
Yes, they can. We will always do our best to answer all questions. Please remember tho that if we only handle your Key Exchange for you we will not know very much about your property and guests might be better of to get in touch with you directly.
Full Service Management
Yes, we do. We have a 24 hour emergency helpline and during office hours (8am to 10pm) we are also available for general enquiries from your guests.
How will I get paid?
All earnings will be paid directly into your nominated bank account.
This will either happen at the end of your guests stay or on the day of the month if we manage your property permanently.
How do I pay for your services?
Key Exchange
- For the Key Exchange you pay upfront into our bank account.
- If you also have hired us to create your profile and take your photos for you, you will have to pay upfront into our bank account too.
Full Service Management
- If we fully manage your property, we deduct our service charges from your guest payments. These deduction will be made form your first rental income. These charge will clearly show on your statement.
Do I need to remove all personal belongings from my home?
Once you engage our services we will send you a detailed home preparation brochure that will guide you though your home, room after room and help you prepare for your guests.
Can you guide me on how to best prepare my property for guests?
Yes, this is a step we take very seriously and we have prepared extensive, easy to follow checklists and brochures for you to follow when you first get your property ready for the short term market. No matter if you are renting your place permanently or ‘just’ while you are away they will provide you with great hints and tips to prepare your place for guests.
How many sets of keys do I need to provide to you?
For a 1 bedroom property we require 2 full sets of keys.
For a 2 bedroom property 3 full sets and for more than 3 bedrooms we require 4 full key sets.
This allows us to hand keys to your guests and retain one set for lock out services/emergencies and access after your guests depar
What happens if my guests lock themselves out of the property?
If your guests lock themselves out they can ring us and we can go and let them in.
This will incur an additional $99 charge during office hours (8am-10pm) or $175 during after hours (10pm-8am). These extra charges are payable by guests directly. They can either pay in cash or we deduct it from the deposit.
Is cleaning included in your fee?
Cleaning is not included in our fees. However apart from the initial clean (if you require it) guests will pay for this service and be separately charged for this upon booking your property.
Who are your cleaners?
We work closely with a team of cleaners that look after all properties we manage. They have been checked and vetted by us personally and all have experience in the service industry.
Do you provide linen and towels?
Yes we do. In the Prestige Full Service Management they are included in the service fee.
For Key Exchange and Flexi Management customers we offer them at an extra charge.
Can I only engage your cleaning service by itself?
At this stage not but keep your eyes open it is something we are working on to offer in the future.
What if a guest steals or breaks something during their stay?
Key Exchange
Once you return home your should do a thorough walkthrough though your apartment and if anything is missing you will need to raise the issue with your guests. Unfortunately we will not be able to assist you in the process. If you have booked multiple key exchanges with us we will keep our eyes open for any damage. However, you will need handle the issues with the guests yourself because we have no access to your bond.
Full Management
Upon guests departing we do a thorough walkthrough though your apartment and look for any damage. If we find any , we raise the issue with the guests for you, and deduct the costs from their bond.
However we do advise you to take out a separate insurance to cover you for damage that can not be recuperated from the guests.
ShareCover is a good insurance option. We find the policy comprehensive and price effective. For more information on their insurance policy please click here.
Should I insure my property?
Yes we strongly suggest you invest in short term rental insurance. Share Cover is an insurance option that you might want to consider. Go to their website for an obligation free quote.
Are Airkeepers service tax deductible?
Yes they are, but you should check with your accountant to assess your individual situation.
Do I need to declare rental income to the Tax Department?
In general yes. However everyone’s situation is different and we can not provide advise on taxation matters. Its best you check with your accountant.
How do I cancel your service?
Key Exchange
If you engage us for key exchanges only than our contract is only valid for the specific dates arranged and expires automatically after the last Check in or Check out. Cancellations made 48 hours before a scheduled service are free of charge. If a cancellation is made within 48 hours, 50% of the booking fee will be refunded. Please see our Terms of Service for more information.
Full Management
You can cancel your agreement with us at anytime after you have made the property available for the minimum term outlined in the contract, however, if you have a confirmed reservation for your property on any of the booking pages (Airbnb/Stayz/Booking.com) you must honour it. As your property will be listed under a our (Airkeepers) account, we cannot cancel any reservations once they have been confirmed as this directly effects the standing of our account.
Who sets the House Rules for my property and what should they be?
It is totally up to you to decide what you make the house rules. Questions you should consider are:
- Noise restrictions
- Pet policy
- Smoking policy
- Number of guests and if guests of guests are allowed in the house
- Functions
- Parking
- Pool Rules
- Usage of equipment such as surfboards and bikes
- Usage of electronics such as washing machines/dryers and speakers
- Can guests hang washing on balconies
- Handling of garbage
We have a very nice house manual template where we will make you aware of the above again and where you can leave clear instructions to your guests. This will be forwarded electronically to your guests upon booking so they can familiarize themselves with them even prior to arriving. This manual also contains information for Key and Entry procedures, access codes for internet, public transport, emergency contact numbers and so much more.
Who pays the Airbnb commissions?
Airbnb commissions are deducted from your rental income so actual rental revenue is; rent received minus Airbnb commissions. This means that our commission is calculated from the amount that is left after Airbnb takes out their commission from the total income received.
Whats included in full service package
- Laundering and provision of sheets and towels. Included in the Ultimate Management. Optional with Prestige Management.
- Provision of essentials such as toilet paper, soap, dishwashing detergent. Included in the Ultimate Management. Extra with Prestige Management.
Do you provide linen and towels?
- Yes we do. Under the Ultimate and Prestige Management they are included in the service fee.
- For Key Exchange customers we offer them at an extra charge.