4: Is Short-Term Rental Income Really Passive? Here's the Truth

Hey there, it’s Brittany, and welcome back to The Airbnb Roadmap! Today, we’re diving into a topic that gets a lot of buzz: Are short-term rentals (STRs) truly passive income? Spoiler alert—it’s not as simple as “set it and forget it.” In this episode, I’ll unpack what passive income really means and explore three different management styles for STRs: highly active, partially passive, and fully passive. If you’ve ever wondered how much work goes into running an Airbnb—or how to reduce your workload—this episode is for you.

1. What is Passive Income?

   • True passive income involves little to no ongoing effort after the initial setup.
   • STRs often require more involvement compared to traditional long-term rentals.

2. Highly Active Management

   • Self-managing every aspect of your property saves money but can feel like a second job.
   • Ideal for those with properties nearby and the flexibility to handle day-to-day tasks.

3. Partially Passive Management

   • Utilize tools and automation like property management software to streamline operations.
   • Examples include automating guest communication, booking coordination, and task scheduling.

4. Fully Passive Management

   • Hiring a property manager lets you be hands-off, but you’ll pay higher fees and have less control.
   • This approach works best for those who value time over direct involvement.

5. The Importance of Systems

   • Building strong systems is the key to reducing workload and making your STR business more efficient.
   • My husband, Clay, and I transitioned from fully active management to a more systemized, partially passive model—and it’s been a game-changer.

Managing an STR is rarely as passive as it’s made out to be, but with the right strategies, you can reduce the workload significantly. Whether you’re just starting or looking to scale, this episode will help you choose the right approach to balance your time, energy, and investment goals.

• Hospitable: Save $30 when you sign up here. Automate your guest communication and tasks today!
• Evolve Property Management: Want to be hands-off and still make money? Start exploring Evolve here.
• Connect with Me on Instagram: Follow me @theairbnbroadmap for behind-the-scenes content, tips, and updates.

What approach resonates with you—highly active, partially passive, or fully passive? I’d love to hear your thoughts and strategies! DM me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap, and let’s chat about how you manage your STR.

Are you a real estate agent looking to specialize in short-term rentals? Let’s make it happen! This niche is wide open, and with the right approach, you can dominate your market. Message me on Instagram, and let’s get started.

00:00 Are Short-Term Rentals Truly Passive? 03:00 Understanding Passive Income in Rentals 06:02 Self-Management: The Highly Active Approach 12:05 Partially Active: Automation and Tools 18:01 Fully Passive: Hiring Property Managers 23:53 Choosing the Right Avenue for You

Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to subscribe to The Airbnb Roadmap and share it with other hosts or agents looking to streamline their short-term rental businesses. Together, we can build smarter, more efficient STR operations!