Renting a furnished flat or house by the night or week can earn more than a yearly tenancy, but it is far more work. Someone has to answer enquiries at all hours, check guests in, record their details, clean between stays, restock supplies and fix what breaks. A short-term rental manager does this for you in return for a fee.
This guide covers what managers do, how they charge, the rules you need to know in Punjab, and how to pick one you can trust.
What short-term rental managers cover
| Service | What it is | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Listing setup | Photos, description, house rules, pricing and calendar on booking platforms | Starting out, or your listing is not getting bookings |
| Pricing and calendar | Setting nightly rates, minimum stays and blocking dates | You want occupancy and rates managed actively |
| Guest communication | Answering enquiries, confirming bookings, check-in instructions | You cannot respond quickly at all hours |
| Guest verification and registration | Checking ID and entering guest details on the Hotel Eye system | Every stay (see rules below) |
| Check-in and check-out | Key handover or smart-lock codes, property walk-through | You do not live nearby |
| Cleaning and turnover | Cleaning, laundry, restocking between guests | Every changeover |
| Maintenance | Arranging repairs, AC servicing, plumbing and electrical fixes | Ongoing |
| Damage and dispute handling | Documenting damage and handling claims with guests or platforms | When things go wrong |
| Owner reporting | Monthly statement of bookings, income, costs and fees | Always — ask for it in writing |
Rules to know in Punjab
In May 2025 the Punjab Home Department directed that all private guest houses and residential service providers register on the Hotel Eye system (hoteleye.punjab.gov.pk) and enter data for every guest, local and foreign. Reports said guests booking through online booking platforms are also covered, and that non-compliance can lead to legal action under the Punjab Information of Temporary Residence Act 2015 (APP, ProPakistani). Reports did not spell out exactly how individual apartments rented by the night are treated, so confirm with the Home Department or local police how this applies to your property.
Also check:
- Your society or building rules. Many housing societies and apartment buildings restrict commercial or short-stay use. Ask management in writing before you list.
- Tax on rental income. Income from renting property is taxable. Ask a tax adviser how short-stay income should be declared to FBR.
- Your title and insurance. If you are a tenant, your lease may not allow subletting. Check whether your insurance covers paying guests.
How to choose a manager
- Ask what they currently manage. Request a few live listings you can view and recent guest reviews on them.
- Ask how they handle guest registration. They should explain their Hotel Eye process and ID checks.
- Check their response time. Send an enquiry as a guest and see how fast and how well they reply.
- Ask who cleans. In-house staff or subcontracted, and what the cleaning checklist includes.
- Get the agreement in writing. Fees, what is included, who holds keys, who pays for supplies and repairs, payout timing, notice period.
- Confirm account ownership. Ideally the listing is on your account with the manager as co-host, so you keep the reviews if you change managers.
- Ask about damage. How they document the property before and after each stay and how they claim from guests or platforms.
How pricing usually works
We do not publish rates; ask for written proposals. Common models:
- Percentage of booking revenue — the most common. Check whether it is on gross bookings or after platform fees and cleaning.
- Fixed monthly fee — predictable, but the manager's earnings do not depend on your bookings.
- Per-turnover cleaning fee — often charged separately, sometimes passed on to guests.
- Setup fee — for photography, listing creation and initial stocking.
- Repairs and supplies — usually charged at cost, sometimes with a handling margin. Agree a limit above which they need your approval.
Factors that affect the fee: location, property size, number of units, whether furnishing and setup are included, and how much of the work (cleaning, maintenance, pricing) is handed over.
Process from request to live listing
- Post your request with property type, location, furnishing status and what you want managed.
- Managers who take up the request contact you and visit the property.
- Compare written proposals on fees, services, reporting and contract terms.
- Confirm society or building permission and your tax position.
- Sign a written management agreement.
- Prepare the property: furnishing gaps, linen, safety items, locks and an inventory list with photos.
- The manager sets up or co-hosts the listing and registers on Hotel Eye.
- First bookings; review the first monthly statement closely.
Red flags
- Listing created on the manager's own account, so you lose reviews and control.
- No written agreement or vague fee terms.
- No mention of guest ID checks or Hotel Eye registration.
- No monthly statement showing each booking.
- Payouts held for long periods without explanation.
- Pressure to skip building or society permission.
- Repair charges with no receipts.
FAQs
Is it legal to give my flat per day in Lahore? There is no single rule for all properties. Guest data must be recorded on Hotel Eye as directed by the Punjab Home Department, and your society or building may restrict short stays. Confirm both before listing.
Who is responsible for guest registration — me or the manager? Agree it in writing. Many owners make it the manager's duty, but as the property owner you may still be held responsible if it is not done.
Can I keep using the flat myself? Yes, if you agree with the manager how to block dates. Put it in the agreement.
What happens if a guest damages the property? A good manager documents the property before and after each stay and handles claims. Agree a process and keep a dated inventory with photos.
How do I end a management agreement? Check the notice period and what happens to future bookings already confirmed. Keep the listing on your own account to make a change easier.
Do I need to furnish the flat before a manager will take it? Most managers want a ready, furnished property; some offer setup for a fee. Ask for a written list of what they expect.
This page is general information; confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional before you act.