If you own or have invested in a UK property and want to run it as serviced accommodation, you’ll need to think about how it will be managed. First, you can manage it yourself (if your schedule allows). But if that’s not possible, the best option is to hire an expert.
Serviced accommodation managers are the experts in this case. They look after your property on your behalf. In return, they charge a fee or take a percentage of the rental income, depending on the contract you have with them.
In this blog, we will explain what a serviced accommodation manager does, and then go through the steps to help you pick the right one for your needs.
What Does a Serviced Accommodation Manager Do?
A serviced accommodation manager is responsible for making sure your property is well-run, clean, safe, and attractive to guests. Their role can cover a wide range of tasks depending on the agreement you have. Some of the common responsibilities include:
Handling bookings: Reply to guest enquiries, keep the calendar up to date, and avoid double bookings.
Talking with guests: Answer questions before, during, and after their stay, and address any issues that arise.
Cleaning and laundry: Arrange for the place to be cleaned and for fresh bedding and towels to be put out for each guest.
Maintenance: Check for anything that needs fixing, book tradespeople if needed, and make sure everything works well.
Promoting the property: List the place on booking websites, write simple descriptions, take good photos, and set fair prices.
Following the rules: Meet fire safety, insurance, and any other legal requirements.
As you see, they do a lot of the things you would have to handle yourself. These managers ensure that your serviced accommodation property runs smoothly without your direct involvement.
How to Choose the Perfect Serviced Accommodation Manager?
Now, getting a serviced accommodation manager can be tricky. You won’t always know if the people you hire will be reliable and trustworthy. If your decision goes wrong, it could lead to unhappy guests, financial loss, and extra stress.
Here are some points to help you make a better decision when choosing the right serviced accommodation manager for your property.
1. Check Experience & Track Record
A serviced accommodation manager isn’t just there to collect rent. The responsibilities we mentioned earlier carry real weight. Running a property in the UK it’s no easy task. That’s why you want someone who has done it before, ideally with properties similar to yours.
So whenever someone comes for an interview, or a person is recommended to you, start by asking questions about their experience and track record.
Ask how long they’ve been managing serviced accommodation, how many properties they look after right now, and what kinds of challenges they’ve handled. The more you know about their background and track record, the easier it will be to trust them with your investment.
2. Understand their Services
Whenever you’re looking for a serviced accommodation manager, be clear about what you want from them. Do you want them to manage the entire property, or just handle certain tasks? Serviced accommodation managers can offer different levels of service.
Some focus on bookings and guest check-ins. Others handle everything from marketing and cleaning to maintenance and pricing strategies. Before you hire, find out exactly what’s included and what’s not. That way, you’ll know if what they offer matches what you need for your property.
3. Communication & Marketing Skills
Property management is a people business, and people skills matter. When you chat with potential managers, notice how they communicate. Are they clear? Polite? Easy to understand? Do they listen as much as they talk?
Good communication can mean the difference between a happy guest who leaves a glowing review and an unhappy one who never comes back. If a manager can explain things well to you, they can do the same for your guests.
Also, a serviced accommodation manager needs to have solid marketing skills. They’ll be the ones making your property stand out to potential guests. Without good marketing, even the nicest property can stay empty.
4. Understand their Fee Structure
A good manager is worth paying for, but you should know exactly what you’re paying and what you’re getting in return. Management fees in the UK vary. Some managers take a percentage of your booking income, while others prefer a flat monthly fee. So, whatever you can offer them, it depends on you.
You can also ask about any extra charges, such as fees for emergency call-outs, maintenance, or guest complaints. Make sure you understand the whole picture before signing anything so you’re not caught off guard by hidden costs later.
5. Read Reviews & Ask for References
One of the best ways to judge a potential manager is by hearing from the people who have already worked with them. Reviews and references give you a behind-the-scenes look at how they perform.
Search online for feedback, but also ask them for direct references from property owners they currently manage. When you speak to these owners, ask about reliability, responsiveness, and how well the manager has handled any problems.
6. Check How they Handle Problems
In the property management business, problems aren’t a matter of if but when. That’s why you need a manager who can handle issues quickly and professionally. Ask them directly how they’ve handled specific problems in the past.
You can even give them a few scenarios and see how they’d approach them. The way they answer will show you how calm, practical, and resourceful they really are.
Conclusion
In the end, when you choose the right serviced accommodation manager, it makes all the difference between a profitable operation and a constant headache. Take your time to research, don’t rush the process.
Compare and speak directly with potential managers before making your choice. When you find someone who understands your goals, communicates well, and has the right experience, you can step back knowing your property is in good hands.
