FAQs
Your questions, answered.
Everything you might want to know about how Select Stays manages your short-let — pricing, payouts, compliance, onboarding and more.
What does Select Stays actually do?+
We manage short-let and Airbnb properties on behalf of owners across London and the Home Counties. We handle listings, pricing, guest communication, cleaning, maintenance coordination and compliance — you keep ownership and the income, we run the day-to-day.
How does your pricing model work?+
We work on a commission of the revenue your property generates. There's no lease and no guaranteed-rent arrangement — you remain the owner and receive the income, and we earn a percentage for managing everything. This keeps our goals aligned with yours: the better your property performs, the better we do.
Do you offer guaranteed rent or rent-to-rent?+
No. We're a management company, not a tenant. We don't take a lease on your property or guarantee a fixed rent. You keep control and ownership; we manage the property as a short-let on your behalf.
What areas do you cover?+
London first, plus Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire, Berkshire and Hertfordshire. If you're unsure whether we cover your property, get in touch and we'll let you know.
What's the difference between Airbnb management and holiday let management?+
They're closely related. Airbnb management usually refers to short stays in towns and cities aimed at travellers, business guests and weekenders. Holiday let management tends to describe stays in more leisure-focused or rural locations. We handle both to the same standard — the principles of great hosting don't change.
How do payouts work?+
Your property earns income from bookings across the platforms we list on. We deduct our management fee and any agreed costs, and you receive your payout with a clear statement showing exactly what came in and what went out.
How do you decide what to charge per night?+
We use dynamic pricing informed by live market data — comparable local properties, seasonality and demand — rather than a fixed rate. The aim is to keep your calendar well booked at the strongest rate the market supports.
Will I be able to use my own property?+
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of short-letting over a long tenancy is flexibility. You can block out dates for your own use whenever you need — just let us know and we'll keep them clear.
Who looks after guest communication?+
We do, from enquiry to checkout. Guests get fast, professional responses and clear check-in instructions, so you're never the one fielding messages.
How is cleaning managed?+
We coordinate professional turnover cleans between every stay, including fresh linens and replenished essentials, so the property is always guest-ready and held to a consistent standard.
What about maintenance and repairs?+
We coordinate maintenance through trusted local contacts. For minor issues we keep things moving and keep you informed; for anything larger we'll always agree the approach with you first.
What are direct bookings, and why do they matter?+
Direct bookings come through our own channels rather than a third-party platform, which can reduce platform fees on those stays. As we grow our direct booking channel, this becomes an extra way to improve what your property earns.
Is there a contract, and how long am I tied in?+
Yes, there's a straightforward management agreement so both sides are clear on what's included. We'll talk you through the terms before you sign — no surprises.
Are you insured?+
Appropriate insurance is part of operating professionally, and we'll confirm our cover with you directly during onboarding. (Owners should also check their own buildings/contents cover is suitable for short-letting.)
How do you handle compliance?+
Short-letting carries real compliance responsibilities — things like fire safety, gas and electrical certificates and the right alarms. We help make sure the essentials are in place as part of onboarding so your property is let safely and correctly.
What's involved in getting my property onboarded?+
After you sign, we gather the key details, arrange professional photography, prepare the listing, sort access (such as lockboxes), confirm cleaning and check compliance — then list across the platforms. We'll guide you through each step.
Do I need to live near my property or be hands-on?+
No. The whole point of management is that it's hands-off for you. We run everything remotely and on the ground through our local teams.
When can you take my property on?+
We're onboarding now and taking on a limited number of properties so each gets full attention. Request a free income projection and we'll talk you through next steps.