When and how to change manager

Signs worth taking seriously

• The same guest complaint keeps returning in reviews and nothing changes.
• Statements arrive late, or questions about them go unanswered.
• You learn about problems from guests or neighbours rather than from the manager.
• Repairs are made above the agreed limit without asking, or not made at all.
• The home looks more tired each season and nobody raises it.

One bad month is not a pattern. Before deciding, raise the issues clearly, in writing, and give a reasonable chance to fix them. Sometimes the problem is a single person who can be replaced on the manager's side.

Prepare before you give notice

• Re-read your agreement for the notice period and the handover terms.
• Find out whose name the listings are in, and what happens to their reviews if they move.
• List every key, code and access device, and who holds them.
• Have your next manager, or your own plan, ready before you announce anything.

Protect the bookings already made

Guests who booked months ago should not notice the change, except perhaps a new name in their messages. Agree with both managers who looks after each stay during the transition, and make sure the incoming team receives the arrival details and any promises already made to those guests.

Collect what is yours

Keys, remotes, codes, linens and equipment you paid for, the inventory, supplier contacts and the history of maintenance work. Change door codes and key box combinations once everything is handed back.

Start the new relationship properly

Treat the new manager as you would a first one, with a full handover: see onboarding your home with a new manager. Tell them honestly what went wrong before; it helps them avoid repeating it.