AvantStay Property Management Review: Is AvantStay Worth It in 2025?
For investors managing high-end vacation homes, AvantStay promises a luxury, hands-off experience. But is it worth the cost? This guide explores how AvantStay operates, what they charge, where they excel—and where they fall short—so you can decide if they fit your short-term rental goals.
Understanding AvantStay Property Management
AvantStay is a full-service vacation rental management company focused on upscale, group-friendly homes. Founded in 2015, the company operates like a hospitality brand rather than a typical property manager—standardizing design, amenities, and guest experience while maintaining each home’s character.
AvantStay’s model targets properties with four or more bedrooms, luxury finishes, and entertainment spaces in top-tier vacation destinations such as:
California: Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Lake Tahoe
Florida: Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale
Texas: Austin, Dallas
Colorado: Denver, Aspen, Vail
Arizona: Scottsdale, Phoenix
Tennessee & South Carolina: Nashville, Charleston, Hilton Head
Key Rules or Steps
Property Qualification
AvantStay selectively partners with high-end homes in specific markets. Properties must meet design and size thresholds and may require upgrades before onboarding.Management Models
Master Lease: AvantStay pays guaranteed monthly rent while handling operations and costs. You get predictable income, but typically 70–85% of projected market revenue.
Revenue Share (VRMA): AvantStay collects bookings, deducts its management fee (usually 20–35%), and remits the rest. Earnings fluctuate with occupancy.
Services Included
AvantStay’s end-to-end management covers:Multi-platform listing and dynamic pricing
Professional photography and SEO-optimized marketing
Interior design and furnishing
Guest communication and concierge support
Housekeeping, maintenance, landscaping, and pool care
24/7 local support, guest vetting, and insurance coordination
Owner dashboards and revenue reporting
Why It Matters for Investors
AvantStay’s premium positioning can generate high nightly rates, especially for large, design-forward homes that cater to groups and corporate retreats. However, investors pay for that convenience—through either a revenue split or discounted guaranteed lease. The limited market coverage and lack of fee transparency make it essential to weigh AvantStay’s offer against other management options.
Step-by-Step Process
Evaluate Property Fit – Confirm your property meets AvantStay’s standards and is located in one of their active markets.
Request Proposal – Complete the owner application for an income projection and management model recommendation.
Review Contract Terms – Understand exclusivity periods, renewal terms, fees, and any design or upgrade requirements.
Onboard Property – AvantStay will inspect, stage, and photograph the property before launching listings.
Track Performance – Use AvantStay’s owner portal to review bookings, revenue, and analytics.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overlooking Contract Length: Master leases often lock owners into 1–3 years with limited flexibility.
Ignoring Fee Transparency: AvantStay’s pricing isn’t publicly posted; clarify all commissions, cleaning fees, and maintenance markups.
Assuming All Markets Are Supported: Only select U.S. regions qualify.
Skipping Due Diligence: Request owner references and performance data before signing.
How Rent Live Play Helps
At Rent Live Play, we deliver the same tech-driven guest experience as larger brands—but with transparent pricing and nationwide coverage. Our co-hosting model supports all property sizes, from single-family Airbnbs to small multifamily STRs. We provide revenue management, design guidance, and local operations through a flexible, partnership-based approach. Reach out to our team to learn how Rent Live Play helps your property outperform even the big players.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1:
How much does AvantStay charge for property management?
AvantStay does not publish its fees, but owner reports suggest 20–35% revenue share for managed properties or 70–85% of projected rental income under master lease.
Question 2:
What types of homes qualify for AvantStay?
Primarily luxury homes with at least four bedrooms, upscale amenities, and strong appeal to group travelers in major vacation markets.
Question 3:
How does AvantStay compare to Awning or Rent Live Play?
AvantStay targets luxury homes in limited markets with higher fees and long-term contracts. Rent Live Play and Awning offer transparent pricing, national coverage, and flexible terms suited for a wider range of properties.
Conclusion
AvantStay delivers a premium experience for luxury homeowners seeking turnkey management and high-end branding. The service can yield strong revenue—but comes with steep fees, geographic limitations, and opaque pricing.
For most investors, especially those with smaller properties or those outside AvantStay’s footprint, a transparent, flexible partner like Rent Live Play offers a better balance of performance, cost, and control.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before entering into any real estate transaction.
