This list looks at short term rental property management companies that serve San Diego, California and are a realistic fit for remote owners. These are providers focused on short term vacation rental property management, not long-term leases, and they work with a range of residential properties like condos, townhomes, and single-family homes. You will see a mix of boutique local firms and larger multi-market operators, including One Fine Bnb, which appears first and is highlighted as a strong option for hands-off owners.
The goal is to help you compare property management for short term rentals based on services, communication, and how well each company supports busy owners who are not nearby.
Why busy remote owners in San Diego turn to short-term rental property management
Common pain points of managing an STR from a distance
Running a short term rental from another city or state sounds appealing in theory, but the reality can be demanding. Common challenges include:
- Coordinating cleaning and inspections between every booking and dealing with last-minute schedule changes.
- Handling guest messages at odd hours, including late-night check-in issues or unexpected problems during a stay.
- Managing maintenance and repairs when something breaks, especially if you do not have trusted local vendors on call.
- Adjusting prices regularly to keep pace with high and low seasons, citywide events, and neighborhood trends.
- Staying on top of local regulations, licenses, and taxes while juggling everything else.
For a remote owner with a full-time job or family responsibilities, this can quickly exceed what is realistic to handle on their own. That is where short-term property management comes in: a team on the ground to keep your property guest-ready and compliant while you stay in control of the overall strategy.
What “hands-off” really means in practice
When owners say they want a “hands-off” arrangement, they usually mean:
- The manager handles all guest communication before, during, and after stays.
- Cleaning, linen service, basic restocking, and routine maintenance are fully coordinated.
- The manager uses dynamic pricing tools or market data to set nightly rates.
- The company keeps track of local requirements like licensing and occupancy taxes and can guide you through setup.
- You receive clear owner statements, payout reports, and a single point of contact for questions.
In a good partnership, you still make the big decisions—such as how often you want to use the property yourself, which upgrades to invest in, and which booking channels to prioritize—while the property management short term rental team handles the execution.
How short-term rental property management works in San Diego
What a short-term rental property manager actually does
Short term rental property management companies in San Diego generally offer a version of the following services:
- Listing creation and optimization on platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo.
- Professional photography and description writing to showcase the home.
- Pricing and revenue management, adjusting rates based on demand and local events.
- Guest communication from inquiry to review, including screening and support.
- Housekeeping coordination and quality checks.
- Basic maintenance coordination and vendor management.
- Owner reporting, accounting, and payout processing.
Some short term rental property management companies also support interior design, furnishing, and renovations to bring a property up to guest-ready standards. Others focus strictly on operations once the home is already set up.
Key local rules remote owners need to know
San Diego regulates short-term rentals through a licensing system known as Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO). While details and caps can evolve, the key ideas that remote owners should understand are:
- Most short-term rentals require a license if they are rented for less than one month at a time.
- Different license types apply to home sharing and whole-home rentals, and there are limits on how many whole-home licenses can be issued in popular areas.
- Owners typically need to register for local transient occupancy tax and may have other city business obligations.
- Certain property types cannot be used as short-term rentals under the ordinance.
You can review the city’s official guidance on short-term rentals on the City of San Diego STRO page, and learn more about lodging tax requirements on the city’s Transient Occupancy Tax page. Airbnb also provides a summary of local requirements for hosts in its San Diego help article, though it is still important to rely on official city sources for final decisions.
A knowledgeable short term property manager cannot replace your own legal or tax advice, but they can offer practical guidance on how other owners in San Diego approach licensing, inspections, and day-to-day compliance.
Property types and neighborhoods that often work well
San Diego’s short-term rental demand varies by neighborhood and property type. Remote owners commonly focus on:
- Coastal neighborhoods such as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, and La Jolla.
- Walkable urban areas near downtown, Little Italy, and the Gaslamp Quarter.
- Family-friendly residential neighborhoods near attractions, parks, or the bay.
Condos, townhomes, and single-family homes can all perform well when presented and managed correctly. The right property management short term rentals partner will understand which amenities matter most to guests in each area, such as parking, outdoor spaces, beach gear, or workspace setups.
How these San Diego short term rental property management companies were selected
To keep this list useful for busy, remote owners, several filters were applied. The companies included:
- Offer dedicated short-term rental or vacation rental services rather than focusing primarily on long-term leases.
- Serve San Diego neighborhoods where guests regularly book short stays.
- Provide meaningful support for owners who do not live nearby, including communication, operations, and local coordination.
- Demonstrate experience through their portfolio, track record, or public reviews.
Within that group, the focus is on companies that clearly explain what they offer, provide some level of transparency around fees or processes, and emphasize guest experience and property care.
One Fine Bnb is featured first and positioned as a strong option for remote owners who want an end-to-end solution. Other companies are presented in a balanced way so that you can compare them according to property type, service style, and your own goals.
Because pricing structures and specific terms can change, it is always worth asking each provider for up-to-date information on fees, contract length, and what is included before making a decision. For additional questions to ask, you can review One Fine Bnb’s own vacation rental management FAQ as a reference checklist when speaking with different managers.
Quick picks – best short term rental property management companies in San Diego at a glance
- Best for remote, hands-off owners who want full-service support: One Fine Bnb
- Best for data-driven, Airbnb-focused strategy with strong local knowledge: NXT Vacation
- Best for high-end coastal homes with a premium guest experience: Bluewater Vacation Homes
- Best for owners who want an Airbnb-first approach and strong review history: Haustay Vacation Rentals
- Best for a locally rooted, boutique management style: Coast Vacation Homes or Cardo Vacation Rentals
- Best for a coastal-focused local team: San Diego Vacation Rental Management (SDVR)
- Best for a regional Southern California specialist: Vacation Rentals by Kimberly
- Best for owners drawn to a scaled, systemized national platform: Vacasa (San Diego), with Air Concierge as another multi-market alternative
Use these quick picks as a starting point, then dive into the in-depth reviews below to see which short term vacation rental property management option lines up with your property, budget, and expectations.
In-depth reviews of the best short term rental property management companies in San Diego
One Fine Bnb – remote-owner friendly, full-service STR management
One Fine Bnb specializes in short term rental property management for hosts who want a professional, fully managed experience. The company focuses on maximizing income through strong listing optimization, thoughtful guest experience, and data-informed pricing, while keeping the owner’s workload as light as possible.
For remote owners, One Fine Bnb can be particularly appealing because of its emphasis on clear communication and streamlined operations. The team handles listings, guest messages, cleaning schedules, and day-to-day coordination, so you do not have to be on call for every question or minor issue.
One Fine Bnb is also a fit if you want guidance on how to position your property within the San Diego market—what amenities to highlight, which photos matter most, and how to structure house rules that keep guests comfortable and protect your investment. It is a good match for owners with one or a few properties who want to feel like they have a professional partner rather than a set of disconnected vendors. If you want to explore other locations they serve, the Airbnb management locations page provides a helpful overview.
NXT Vacation – data-driven San Diego Airbnb management
NXT Vacation focuses on vacation rentals and Airbnb management in San Diego with an emphasis on performance and market data. The company leans on analytics and short-term rental tools to adjust pricing, anticipate high-demand periods, and keep occupancy healthy.
For remote owners, this approach means you get a partner that is not only handling operations but also paying attention to the numbers behind your property’s performance. NXT Vacation typically supports full-service management, including guest communication and housekeeping coordination, and it is well positioned for owners who want a clear strategy and regular reporting.
It can be a strong choice if you appreciate the idea of a data-backed plan for your short term property management but still want a local team that understands San Diego’s neighborhoods and guest expectations.
Bluewater Vacation Homes – premium, high-touch management for coastal homes
Bluewater Vacation Homes is a San Diego vacation rental manager known for working with higher-end properties, especially in coastal neighborhoods. The company tends to attract owners of well-appointed beach houses and upscale homes who want guests to enjoy a premium experience.
For busy remote owners, the value lies in Bluewater’s high-touch service and local team. They focus on hospitality, not just logistics, which can help protect the reputation of your home in a competitive market. This can be especially important for properties where nightly rates and guest expectations are higher than average.
Bluewater Vacation Homes makes sense if your home is on the higher end of the market, you care deeply about consistent guest reviews, and you want a manager who pays attention to the small details that create memorable stays.
Haustay Vacation Rentals – Airbnb-focused management with strong review history
Haustay Vacation Rentals operates vacation rentals and Airbnb listings across the region and has built a track record of positive guest feedback. Reviews commonly mention responsiveness and cleanliness, two critical factors for short-term success.
For remote owners, this emphasis on guest satisfaction can translate into fewer escalations and more repeat bookings. Haustay typically offers full-service short-term property management, handling listings, guest communication, and operational coordination.
This company is a good fit for owners who plan to rely heavily on Airbnb and similar platforms, and who want a property management short term rentals partner that understands how to maintain a strong rating over time. It is also appealing if you like the idea of a company that is large enough to have systems and processes, but still focused specifically on vacation rentals.
Coast Vacation Homes – locally owned San Diego vacation rental management
Coast Vacation Homes is a locally owned vacation rental management company focused on San Diego. That local ownership often translates into a more personal style of service and a close understanding of coastal neighborhoods and guest expectations.
Remote owners who value personal communication and a boutique feel may find this approach especially comfortable. Coast Vacation Homes manages core tasks such as bookings, guest communication, coordination with cleaners, and day-to-day issues that arise between stays.
This option makes sense if you want a true local partner, potentially with more flexibility to tailor the service to your preferences, while still benefiting from a team that lives and works in the same market as your property.
Cardo Vacation Rentals – full-service management for upscale vacation homes
Cardo Vacation Rentals leans toward upscale vacation rentals and short-term stays in desirable parts of San Diego. The company tends to emphasize design-forward properties and strong guest experiences, which can appeal to owners who have invested heavily in the look and feel of their homes.
From an owner’s perspective, Cardo Vacation Rentals aims to deliver full-service support, taking care of listing optimization, guest messaging, and local logistics. For remote owners in particular, this can reduce the stress of managing a higher-end property, where the stakes and expectations are often higher.
Cardo Vacation Rentals is a logical candidate if you have a well-furnished home in a popular area and you want a management partner that understands how to market and care for that kind of property.
San Diego Vacation Rental Management (SDVR) – hands-on coastal specialist
San Diego Vacation Rental Management, often known as SDVR, is a local vacation rental manager with a focus on San Diego’s coastal and tourist-friendly neighborhoods. The company positions itself as a hands-on team that knows the market and supports both guests and homeowners.
For remote owners, SDVR offers the reassurance of a team based in the same city as the property, able to respond quickly when something needs attention. They generally provide core services like bookings, guest support, cleaning coordination, and basic maintenance oversight.
SDVR is a solid option if you want a coastal-focused partner that is neither a tiny solo operator nor a large national platform, and you value having a recognizable local team watching over your asset.
Vacation Rentals by Kimberly – regional Southern California specialist
Vacation Rentals by Kimberly is a regional vacation rental management company that focuses on Southern California, including San Diego. This regional focus can be useful if you own or plan to own multiple properties across nearby coastal towns or city neighborhoods.
Remote owners benefit from a team that has systems for managing multiple homes while still staying close enough to the market to understand local preferences and regulations. The company generally offers full-service short term vacation rental property management, including guest communication and operations, which can be attractive if you prefer to delegate most of the day-to-day responsibilities.
Vacation Rentals by Kimberly is worth considering if you want a blend of local expertise and a slightly broader regional perspective, especially if you are building a small portfolio in Southern California.
Vacasa (San Diego) – scaled, systemized national platform
Vacasa is one of the best-known national short-term rental management companies and operates in many markets, including San Diego. Its scale means that the company has standardized processes, technology for dynamic pricing, and centralized support systems.
For remote owners, the appeal is a plug-and-play solution: Vacasa can set up and manage listings, coordinate cleanings, respond to guests, and provide owner reporting through its platform. This can be particularly attractive if you want a familiar brand and consistent processes across multiple properties in different locations.
At the same time, some owners prefer the personal touch of a smaller local firm. Vacasa can be a strong choice if you value technology, broad experience, and a well-developed platform, and are comfortable with a more standardized experience. Owners interested in multi-market management may also want to look at other multi-market providers such as Air Concierge, which offer a similar systemized approach with a different footprint.
How to compare short term rental property management companies in San Diego
Service scope: full-service vs. partial management vs. co-hosting
One of the first things to clarify is whether a company offers full-service short term rental property management or only part of the puzzle. Full-service usually includes listing creation, guest communication, revenue management, cleaning coordination, and basic maintenance oversight. Partial management might focus only on marketing and bookings, leaving you to handle operations. Co-hosts often support guest communication and cleanings but may not provide in-depth reporting or strategic guidance.
For remote owners, full-service management is often the most practical choice, as it reduces the need to coordinate multiple vendors or step in from afar.
Fees, contracts, and owner transparency
Every short term property management company structures fees differently. Some charge a percentage of booking revenue, others combine a base fee with additional charges, and many pass cleaning fees on to guests. Instead of focusing only on the headline percentage, pay attention to:
- What is included in the management fee and what costs extra.
- Whether there are onboarding, photography, or setup fees.
- The length of the management agreement and any cancellation terms.
- How and when payouts are sent to owners.
Ask each company to walk you through a sample owner statement so you can see how revenue, fees, and taxes are presented. Clear communication around money is a good sign that the partnership will be straightforward.
Licensing and compliance help under the STRO rules
Short-term rental regulations in San Diego can be complex, especially around licensing and caps. Some short-term rental property management companies will actively guide you through the STRO application process, while others expect you to handle licensing and simply operate once everything is in place.
As a remote owner, look for a manager who at least provides practical guidance about which license type you may need, what documentation is typically required, and how other owners in similar situations approach compliance. While they cannot provide legal advice, they should be familiar with the practical steps involved.
Guest experience, cleaning standards, and local operations
Guest experience directly affects your reviews and revenue. When you speak with potential managers, ask how they:
- Vet and train cleaners and inspect work.
- Handle linens, restocking, and wear-and-tear items.
- Respond to after-hours issues or emergencies.
- Monitor noise, occupancy limits, and neighborhood relationships.
A reliable property management short term rental partner treats cleaning and on-the-ground operations as a core part of the service, not an afterthought. This matters even more when you are not local and cannot step in yourself.
Other ways to manage a short term rental in San Diego
DIY with local cleaners, handymen, and smart tech
Some remote owners choose to manage their short-term rentals themselves with the help of a team of local contractors and smart home tools. This can work if you:
- Enjoy hospitality and are prepared to handle guest communication personally.
- Have reliable relationships with cleaners and handypeople who know your property.
- Use smart locks, noise monitoring, and cameras at entrances (where allowed) to keep an eye on things remotely.
DIY can produce good results but is time-intensive. It is better suited to owners who treat hosting as an active project rather than a passive investment.
Hybrid approach: co-hosts and “boots on the ground” partners
Another option is a hybrid model where you handle pricing and strategy while a trusted local co-host or assistant manages cleaning, check-ins, and on-site issues. Some owners find this is a good middle ground between full-service property management and pure DIY.
This setup works best when you have a long-term relationship with your local partner and clear expectations about availability, responsibilities, and compensation.
When it makes sense to switch from DIY to full management
Owners often switch from DIY to professional short-term property management when:
- The property expands from one to multiple units.
- Personal or work responsibilities increase and response times start to slip.
- Regulatory requirements become more complex.
- The stress of juggling guests, vendors, and issues outweighs the savings from self-managing.
If you notice that hosting is starting to feel like a strain, it might be time to speak with companies like One Fine Bnb’s off-site management team or other managers on this list about taking over the day-to-day work.
Summary: choosing the right short term rental property manager for your San Diego home
San Diego is a strong market for short-term rentals, but distance and regulations can make self-managing challenging for busy owners. Partnering with a short term rental property management company gives you a team to handle guest experience, pricing, and local logistics, so your property can perform without constant attention from you.
One Fine Bnb stands out as a high-quality option for remote owners who want a full-service approach, clear communication, and professional presentation of their homes. Local specialists such as NXT Vacation, Bluewater Vacation Homes, Haustay Vacation Rentals, Coast Vacation Homes, Cardo Vacation Rentals, San Diego Vacation Rental Management, and Vacation Rentals by Kimberly each bring their own strengths, from boutique service to regional scale. National platforms like Vacasa, alongside multi-market providers like Air Concierge, add yet another style of support for owners who prefer a big-brand, technology-driven model.
The right choice depends on your property type, budget, and how involved you want to be. Take the time to speak with a few managers, compare their services and fees, and choose the partner whose approach aligns best with your goals as a remote owner. If you want additional context while you compare, it can help to read other city-specific breakdowns, such as One Fine Bnb’s existing overview of the best vacation rental management companies in San Diego, to see how different firms are typically positioned.
FAQs about short term rental property management in San Diego
Do I need a property manager to get a San Diego STRO license?
You do not necessarily need a property manager to obtain a short-term rental license in San Diego, but many owners find it easier to navigate the process with professional support. A good manager can explain how other owners in similar situations approach licensing and which documents are usually needed, even though you remain responsible for meeting the city’s requirements and providing accurate information.
Can a property manager handle taxes and compliance for me?
Many short term rental property management companies will collect and remit local occupancy taxes on your behalf and coordinate practical compliance steps such as posting required information in the home. That said, you are still responsible for your own tax situation overall. It is wise to ask each company what they handle directly, what they report to you, and where you may still need advice from a tax professional.
How much do short term rental property managers in San Diego usually charge?
Fees vary widely based on property type, location, and service level. Most short term property management companies charge a percentage of booking revenue, sometimes with additional fees for setup, extra services, or premium offerings. Rather than focusing only on a single number, review what is included in the fee and how the company structures cleaning, maintenance, and supplies. This helps you compare the true cost of each option.
What should a remote owner ask before signing a management agreement?
Before signing, ask about service scope, fee structure, contract length, and communication. Helpful questions include: who will be your main point of contact, how often you will receive performance updates, how guest issues are handled after hours, and what happens if you want to use the property yourself during peak seasons. Clear answers to these questions can help you avoid misunderstandings later.
What happens if local regulations change after I hire a manager?
Regulations can evolve, and responsible short-term rental property management companies monitor updates and adjust operations accordingly. If rules change, a good manager will explain how this affects your property, what options you have, and what steps are recommended. It is still important for you as the owner to stay informed through official sources and make final decisions about how to adapt.
