How to choose a holiday rental management company in Marbella: 8 key questions

There are dozens of companies managing holiday homes in Marbella, and from the outside they all look the same: beautiful photos, promises of high occupancy and a commission. The real difference is in the details, and those details show up in your income, in the condition of your home and in your peace of mind.

Here are the 8 questions we recommend asking before signing with anyone (including us).

1. What exactly does the commission include?

Ask for a written list. Some agencies charge separately for cleaning, laundry, small repairs, check-in or even photos. Compare what you actually take home each month, not just the percentage.

2. How will I see what's happening in my home?

This is the most important question. Do you just get a spreadsheet at the end of the month, or can you check bookings, expenses with receipts and invoices at any time? Transparency shouldn't depend on you calling to ask.

3. Who cleans, and how is it checked?

Ask whether the team is in-house or subcontracted, whether hotel-quality linen is used and whether the home is inspected with photos after every check-out. Cleaning is what weighs most in reviews.

4. How are prices set?

A fixed seasonal price leaves money on the table. In Marbella demand changes a lot with events, holidays, golf and weekends. Ask whether they use dynamic pricing that adjusts every day.

5. How are guests vetted?

Especially if you own a villa: do they verify bookings? Do they take a deposit? What happens if someone throws a party? A good agency has clear rules and can be reached 24 hours a day.

6. Do they handle the licence and guest registration?

The VFT number, the national registration number and SES Hospedajes are all mandatory. Make sure the agency manages and keeps them up to date, because ultimate responsibility lies with the owner.

7. Can I use my home whenever I want?

Blocking dates for your own use should be easy, not a favour. Ask how it works and how much notice is needed.

8. Is there a lock-in period or exit fee?

Be wary of long contracts with exit penalties. If an agency does a good job, it doesn't need to tie you in.

How we work

At ERA Holiday Rentals we've built the service we would have wanted as owners:

• An owner portal with bookings, payouts, expenses with receipts, invoices and photo reports. And if you'd like to see another figure, we'll add it.
• Our own team in Marbella and across the Costa del Sol, with hotel-standard cleaning.
• Dynamic pricing, home staging and professional photography.
• No lock-in, and a free revenue estimate before we start.

Get your free estimate or discover our owner portal.