What Does a Property Manager Cost in Nova Scotia?

Most short-term rental managers in Nova Scotia charge a percentage of booking revenue, with cleaning usually paid through a guest cleaning fee and setup, supplies and repairs billed separately. Leasing is usually a one-time placement fee tied to the monthly rent, and home watch is usually a set fee per visit. The headline percentage matters less than what is included and what you keep after every cost.

Short-term and Airbnb management

Full-service short-term rental management is almost always priced as a percentage of booking revenue. Before you compare numbers, check what the percentage is calculated on: the nightly rate only, or the nightly rate plus cleaning fees and other charges. The same percentage can mean very different amounts.

A full-service fee usually covers listing management, pricing, guest communication, booking management, coordinating cleaning and maintenance, reviews and owner reporting.

Costs that are usually on top

Cleaning and laundry, usually covered by the guest cleaning fee
Supplies and restocking: soaps, paper products, coffee and tea
Repairs and maintenance, normally approved by you above a set amount
Setup: photography, furnishing and design, which some managers bill once at the start
Platform fees charged by Airbnb or Vrbo
Registration, insurance, utilities and internet, which stay with the owner

Furnished monthly rentals

Medium-term furnished stays of 28 days or more are usually managed on a percentage too. They come with their own work: careful guest screening, longer lease-style agreements, mid-stay check-ins, utilities and internet, and a thorough reset between guests. See our guide to furnished monthly rentals.

Leasing and tenant placement

If you want a long-term tenant rather than guests, leasing is usually a one-time placement fee, commonly tied to the monthly rent, for pricing, marketing, showings, screening and the lease. You then manage the tenancy yourself. Learn how our leasing services work.

Home watch for vacant homes

Owners who are away, or who have a home sitting empty between uses, usually pay a set fee per visit for regular checks. The price depends on how often and what is checked. See home watch and estate care.

Compare on what you keep, not the percentage

A lower percentage is not always cheaper. Compare managers on the money you keep after every cost, and on the care your home gets. Ask each one for a written fee outline, an example owner statement, and a realistic revenue range for your property. Our twelve questions to ask a manager will help, and the short-term vs lease calculator lets you compare options side by side.

How we price

We keep our fees simple and put them in writing. After a property review we share a clear fee outline, what is included and a realistic revenue range, with no obligation. Start with a free rental analysis.

General information only, not legal, tax or insurance advice. Rules change, so confirm details for your property with the province, your municipality and your advisors.