Des Moines, IowaDes Moines, Iowa

Vacation Rental Management in Des Moines, Iowa

Discover the best vacation rental management companies in Des Moines, Iowa to maximize your revenue and create incredible guest experiences

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Des Moines, Iowa Airbnb Management Overview

Des Moines, Iowa, presents a vibrant and growing Airbnb market, characterized by its unique blend of urban charm and rural tranquility. As the state's capital and largest city, Des Moines offers a diverse range of attractions, from the bustling Downtown Farmers' Market to the serene Pappajohn Sculpture Park, which draws a wide array of visitors and potential Airbnb guests. The city's robust economy, anchored by industries such as insurance, finance, and agribusiness, also brings in a steady stream of business travelers. Additionally, Des Moines' reputation as a political hotspot during election seasons further boosts its Airbnb market. However, hosts should be aware of the city's strict short-term rental regulations and the competitive nature of the market, particularly in popular neighborhoods like East Village and Sherman Hill.

In Des Moines, Iowa, the Airbnb market experiences significant fluctuations due to the city's distinct seasons and annual events. The summer months, particularly June through August, typically see a surge in bookings due to the Iowa State Fair, 80/35 Music Festival, and other outdoor activities that attract tourists. Conversely, the winter months, especially January and February, tend to be slower due to the harsh weather conditions, with fewer tourists visiting the city. However, there is a slight uptick in bookings around the holiday season and during the Iowa Caucuses, which occur every four years in February. Understanding these seasonal trends can help hosts in Des Moines optimize their pricing and availability strategies to maximize their revenue.

In Des Moines, Iowa, Airbnb hosts must be aware of and comply with a variety of local regulations. The city requires that all short-term rental properties be registered and inspected for safety. Additionally, hosts must obtain a rental certificate and pay an annual fee. There are also zoning laws to consider, as some residential areas may have restrictions on short-term rentals. Furthermore, hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting a 7% hotel/motel tax on all bookings. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in fines and penalties, so it's crucial to stay informed and up-to-date on all local laws and ordinances.

Managing Airbnb properties in Des Moines, Iowa, requires a keen understanding of the local market dynamics. The city's fluctuating tourism patterns, largely influenced by events such as the Iowa State Fair and Drake Relays, can pose a challenge in terms of maintaining consistent occupancy rates. To navigate this, hosts should strategically adjust their pricing and marketing efforts to attract both event-goers and off-peak travelers. Additionally, the city's harsh winters can lead to increased maintenance needs; therefore, it's crucial to have a reliable network of local service providers to ensure the property remains in top condition. Lastly, fostering a strong relationship with the local community can help in resolving any potential disputes and maintaining a positive reputation.

In Des Moines, Iowa, the Airbnb market thrives on the city's unique blend of urban sophistication and rural charm. Properties that highlight amenities such as spacious outdoor areas, barbecue facilities, and views of the city's skyline or the surrounding countryside tend to be popular among guests. Additionally, proximity to local attractions like the Des Moines Art Center, the State Capitol, or the Downtown Farmers' Market can significantly enhance a property's appeal. Given the city's growing reputation as a foodie destination, properties that offer fully equipped kitchens or are located near popular restaurants and breweries also have a competitive edge. Lastly, with Des Moines' increasing prominence as an insurance and financial hub, amenities catering to business travelers, such as high-speed internet and dedicated workspaces, can also be a significant draw.

Market Overview

Des Moines, Iowa, presents a vibrant and growing Airbnb market, characterized by its unique blend of urban charm and rural tranquility. As the state's capital and largest city, Des Moines offers a diverse range of attractions, from the bustling Downtown Farmers' Market to the serene Pappajohn Sculpture Park, which draws a wide array of visitors and potential Airbnb guests. The city's robust economy, anchored by industries such as insurance, finance, and agribusiness, also brings in a steady stream of business travelers. Additionally, Des Moines' reputation as a political hotspot during election seasons further boosts its Airbnb market. However, hosts should be aware of the city's strict short-term rental regulations and the competitive nature of the market, particularly in popular neighborhoods like East Village and Sherman Hill.

Airbnb Seasonality

In Des Moines, Iowa, the Airbnb market experiences significant fluctuations due to the city's distinct seasons and annual events. The summer months, particularly June through August, typically see a surge in bookings due to the Iowa State Fair, 80/35 Music Festival, and other outdoor activities that attract tourists. Conversely, the winter months, especially January and February, tend to be slower due to the harsh weather conditions, with fewer tourists visiting the city. However, there is a slight uptick in bookings around the holiday season and during the Iowa Caucuses, which occur every four years in February. Understanding these seasonal trends can help hosts in Des Moines optimize their pricing and availability strategies to maximize their revenue.

Short Term Rental Regulations

In Des Moines, Iowa, Airbnb hosts must be aware of and comply with a variety of local regulations. The city requires that all short-term rental properties be registered and inspected for safety. Additionally, hosts must obtain a rental certificate and pay an annual fee. There are also zoning laws to consider, as some residential areas may have restrictions on short-term rentals. Furthermore, hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting a 7% hotel/motel tax on all bookings. Non-compliance with these regulations can result in fines and penalties, so it's crucial to stay informed and up-to-date on all local laws and ordinances.

Best Practices for Management

Managing Airbnb properties in Des Moines, Iowa, requires a keen understanding of the local market dynamics. The city's fluctuating tourism patterns, largely influenced by events such as the Iowa State Fair and Drake Relays, can pose a challenge in terms of maintaining consistent occupancy rates. To navigate this, hosts should strategically adjust their pricing and marketing efforts to attract both event-goers and off-peak travelers. Additionally, the city's harsh winters can lead to increased maintenance needs; therefore, it's crucial to have a reliable network of local service providers to ensure the property remains in top condition. Lastly, fostering a strong relationship with the local community can help in resolving any potential disputes and maintaining a positive reputation.

Locations and Amenities

In Des Moines, Iowa, the Airbnb market thrives on the city's unique blend of urban sophistication and rural charm. Properties that highlight amenities such as spacious outdoor areas, barbecue facilities, and views of the city's skyline or the surrounding countryside tend to be popular among guests. Additionally, proximity to local attractions like the Des Moines Art Center, the State Capitol, or the Downtown Farmers' Market can significantly enhance a property's appeal. Given the city's growing reputation as a foodie destination, properties that offer fully equipped kitchens or are located near popular restaurants and breweries also have a competitive edge. Lastly, with Des Moines' increasing prominence as an insurance and financial hub, amenities catering to business travelers, such as high-speed internet and dedicated workspaces, can also be a significant draw.

How It Works

Meet with membership

Connect With Local Pros

Summer matches you with top vacation rental managers who know the Des Moines, Iowa market and can help you maximize your revenue and improve guest experiences. 

We'll make sure to introduce you to Airbnb managers who offer the right services for your needs.

Get Onboarded

Seamless Onboarding

Your manager can handle everything—from listing setup and pricing optimization to guest communication and maintenance.

They’ll take care of professional photography, lockbox installation, profile setup, and everything you need to get your Des Moines, Iowa property guest-ready.

Collect Revenue

Sit Back And Earn

With the right vacation rental property manager, your home is in good hands.

They'll handle the bookings, guests, pricing updates, and day-to-day operations while you enjoy stress-free earnings and more time for what matters most.

Who We Trust

What makes our partners stand out from other short-term rental property managers in Des Moines, Iowa

Access to the Summer Network

Personalized Support

Each home and host is different. The best property managers work with you to find the services and support that make sense.

Best in class revenue Optimization

Demonstrated Earnings

Your investment is important. Our partners have proven they can substantially increase revenue on properties over market averages.

Accuracy with our technology

Tech-Forward Focus

The best property managers use data to make smart decisions, and technology to create seamless guest experiences.

Trusted brand reputation

Trusted Brand Reputation

We partner with property managers with Superhost status and high guest ratings, so guests always know what to expect.

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Who’s a good fit for a professional manager?

You think your short-term rental can make more money

Your property is not beating market averages, getting enough bookings, or does not have visibility across the major rental platforms.

You want a partner where you are valued

Our preferred managers build personal relationships with all of their owners and care about each property like it's their own.

You want hassle-free hosting

Whether you're down the street or a flight away, dealing with guest inquiries, cleaning, and everything in between is too time consuming and challenging.

Ready To Get Started Form

Get connected

We'd love to hear about what you're looking for, and we’ll connect you with top vacation property managers in your area!

FAQ

Answers to common questions

What is vacation rental property management?

Vacation rental property management is a service provider that maintains and improves a vacation rental on behalf of owners. They manage the ongoing operation, marketing, maintenance, and promotion of a vacation rental, short-term rental, or Airbnb property.

What services does a vacation rental manager offer?

Most managers offer partial or complete end-to-end management of vacation rental properties. Complete management includes all aspects of home maintenance, cleaning, guest and host communications, and marketing, pricing, and promotion of your property. In addition to these services, Summer connects owners and hosts with professional design and investing services for their vacation home.

Can they help me convert an existing home into a vacation rental?

Absolutely! Many property managers do onboard homes that were recently purchased or are being converted into vacation rentals. The best teams will provide advice, guidance, and services to help your home prepare for its short-term rental launch.

How long does the onboarding process take?

The onboarding process usually takes 2-4 weeks. This gives the manager and owner ample time to inspect the property, get it ready for guests, and get the listing live. In the event that owners need additional time to furnish or otherwise improve the property, the onboarding process can be extended.

Will I get a smart lock?

Yes, most managers provide a smart lock. This helps them operate the home and seamlessly let guests in. While there is some upfront expense associated with the lock and some additional time to set it up, there’s nothing worse than a guest not being able to access the property when they arrive.

Will they take updated photos of the property?

In most cases, your manager will hire a professional photographer to do a shoot at the home. This happens after the home is both cleaned and staged for photography. This helps the home stand out on vacation rental booking sites and results in better bookings overall. If you have really high-quality photos already, you can skip this step in the onboarding process.

How do I know my property will be safe with guests?

Professional managers put a number of security measures in place at the home to monitor noise and avoid unwanted guests in the property. Most also have built-in procedures for resolving any immediate guest issues involving parties, extra guests, and anything else in violation of the booking and local laws and requirements.