How to Choose a Vacation Rental Manager in Scottsdale

10 questions to ask any manager before you sign, and what good answers sound like.

Owner guide

Published October 20, 2026 · By Ramin Roudi, Founder and Designated Broker

Most owners compare managers on one number: the fee. The bigger differences are in what the fee covers, who actually does the work, and how easy it is to leave. Ask every manager these 10 questions before you sign.

How is your fee calculated?

Good answer: one clear percentage, and exactly what it's taken from, such as the nightly rate after Airbnb and Vrbo fees.

Watch for: extra charges for supplies, linens, technology or "onboarding."

Am I locked into a long contract?

Good answer: you can leave with about 30 days' notice and no termination fee.

Watch for: 12-month terms, early cancellation penalties, or the manager keeping your future bookings when you leave.

Who actually cleans and maintains my home?

Good answer: the manager's own housekeepers and maintenance staff, with an inspection after every stay.

Watch for: rotating subcontractors you'll never meet, and no clear owner of quality.

Who pays for cleaning and linens?

Good answer: guests pay cleaning and linen fees when they book, so you don't pay for turnovers.

Watch for: linen replacement or restocking billed back to you every month.

How do you set my prices?

Good answer: dynamic pricing software, plus a person who reviews it, with a plan for Barrett-Jackson, the WM Phoenix Open, spring training and the summer slowdown.

Watch for: "the algorithm handles it" with no one watching.

Are you a licensed Arizona real estate brokerage?

Good answer: yes, with a license number you can look up on the Arizona Department of Real Estate website. In Arizona, managing other owners' rentals and holding their rental income generally requires a broker license and a trust account.

Watch for: vague answers, or rental income held in a regular business account.

Who handles licenses and taxes?

Good answer: the manager handles your state, city and county registrations, renewals and transaction privilege tax filings.

Watch for: "that's the owner's responsibility."

How do you protect my home from guests?

Good answer: guest screening with a minimum age, a no-party rule, noise monitoring, damage protection on every booking, and an inspection after each stay.

Watch for: relying only on Airbnb's host protections.

When and how do I get paid?

Good answer: a set monthly payout date, a detailed statement, and an owner portal where you can see every reservation.

Watch for: irregular payouts or statements that don't show each booking.

Can I still use my home?

Good answer: yes, you block your own dates in the owner portal whenever you want.

Watch for: blackout limits or fees for owner stays.

How Sway answers these

One percentage with no upfront fees. No long-term contract, 30 days' notice. In-house housekeeping and maintenance. Guests pay cleaning and linens. A licensed Arizona brokerage that handles your licenses and taxes. Payouts by the 10th of every month. See every answer on our owner FAQ.