The short-term rental market in Poland is still dynamically developing. The popularity of platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com means that many apartment owners decide to try their hand at this rental model, seeing it as an opportunity for attractive profits. However, behind the promising revenues lie numerous challenges that hosts face daily. Below are six key problems that particularly affect owners of apartments rented on a short-term basis.
Unlike long-term rentals, short-term rental owners must cope with frequent tenant changes - often every few days. Each guest’s departure and arrival means cleaning, changing bedding, handing over keys, inspecting the apartment, and possibly fixing defects. All of this requires high availability, time flexibility, and good organization. In practice, many owners quickly realize that short-term renting is almost a full-time job.
Guest ratings and comments are crucial for success on booking platforms. Even minor neglect can lead to a lower rating of the property, resulting in fewer reservations. Maintaining impeccable standards, promptly responding to malfunctions, regularly refreshing equipment - these daily tasks consume time and financial resources. Every owner must not only keep the apartment clean but also invest in its maintenance.
Competition in the short-term rental market is enormous, especially in popular tourist cities. Attractive photos, catchy descriptions, and optimizing the listing for platform algorithms are just a part of the marketing activities that determine whether an apartment will have high occupancy. Many owners lack either the knowledge or time to effectively manage their apartment's marketing.
Every booking requires fast and professional communication - from answering inquiries, confirming reservations, to resolving issues during guests’ stays. Travelers have high expectations – they want immediate responses, flexible check-in hours, and support in case of urgent problems. The apartment owner must therefore be available practically around the clock.
Short-term renting involves tax obligations, issuing invoices, maintaining records, and complying with local regulations. In some cities, there are also restrictions regarding the number of days a property can be rented or registration requirements. Failing to meet these formalities may result in financial penalties or legal issues, so the owner must stay up to date with the regulations.
Despite careful guest selection, there is always a risk of damage to the apartment – from minor damages to serious destruction or theft. Claiming compensation can be difficult and time-consuming, and repairing damages generates additional costs. Additionally, the owner must handle unexpected situations – from equipment failures to interventions by neighbors complaining about noise.
Although the challenges of short-term renting can be overwhelming, many owners find effective solutions by cooperating with professional rental management companies. Such companies take over all operational duties: from creating and promoting listings, through handling bookings and guest communication, to cleaning, maintenance, and legal-accounting support. This allows the apartment owner to enjoy steady, attractive income without having to personally engage in daily tasks. Additionally, the experience and know-how of management companies help increase occupancy and optimize rental prices, which translates into maximizing profits.
So if you are thinking about short-term renting or already running it, but increasingly lack time and energy – it’s worth considering cooperation with experts. A professional rental operator is not a cost but an investment in your peace of mind, the security of your apartment, and guest satisfaction – which is the key to success in this demanding industry.
