How can we help
Over the years Hometime has offered Airbnb management services to hundreds of homeowners in Australia. We primarily focus on holiday home and investment property management taking care of every aspect that comes with managing a property in the short-term rental market. Below are some of the questions we’re asked most frequently.
Our Homeowners
Getting started with Hometime
Hometime offers a complete hands-off short-term rental management solution. By partnering with us, we take care of everything that comes with managing your property on the short-term rental market, and we deliver above-market returns, without you having to lift a finger or deal with a guest.
Simply enter your details using the sign up form, and a Hometime property consultant will get in touch for a chat about your market. We then provide you with a comprehensive earnings estimate, so you can make an informed decision on how much your property might be able to generate. If you’re keen to go ahead, we then pair you with one of our expert local managers who will meet you at your property, answer any questions you might have about short-term rentals and be your ongoing local point of contact during your time with Hometime.
Hometime is a privately owned independent business with strong backing from well-established investment funds. While we are not directly affiliated with Airbnb, we have a very close partnership with them, and were the first awarded Airbnb Professional Co-Host in Australia. This certification is only available to a handful of professional hosts that meet the highest level of quality and service criteria.
Hometime started in 2016 and has grown to become one of the largest and leading short-term rental management platforms in Australia covering more than 30 markets.
Yes, there will be a standard agreement signed between both you and Hometime. Our property consultants will go over the agreement with you and answer any questions you may have.
We offer a full range of Airbnb management services including the following:
Yes, we're proud to partner with some of the best local Airbnb experts in the business. Our Hosting Partners are your direct point of contact on the ground and personally ensure your home is taken care of like it's their own.
Yes, Hometime is purpose-built for investors wondering how to manage multiple listings and achieve consistent, high-performing results. Whether you own multiple properties in a single market or operate nationally, we’re a strategic property manager that helps you maximise returns and scale with confidence.
What sets Hometime apart from competitors isn’t just what we do, it’s how we do it. Hometime combines data-driven technology with on-the-ground local hosts who treat your home as their own.
Unlike local managers or national services, we have an expert revenue management team who don’t just rely on pricing automation, but apply dynamic pricing to seize pricing opportunities during high-demand periods. We also provide ongoing guest support, multi-platform listings, and a transparent Homeowner Portal, delivering better income, trust, and control across Australia’s short-term rental market.
Typically, you won’t be involved in approving individual guests. We have a proven, three-layer vetting process:
1. Our network of booking platforms (the Hometime platform, Airbnb, Booking.com and Vrbo) each vet guests in the initial booking stages through different measures.
2. Hometime adds policies like security deposits and booking windows to help prevent unwanted behaviour, enforce house rules, and help local hosts make informed decisions on a guest before check-in.
3. Local hosts actively screen guests with questions and house rules.
If red flags arise, our local hosts will consult with the relevant homeowner before confirming the stay.
Where we operate
Hometime has one of the largest coverage areas and is currently in 30+ markets across Australia. Please take a look on our website to find the location nearest to you. We look forward to matching you with a local short-term rental expert soon!
Taking care of my property
Your Local Host conducts regular checks and reviews feedback after every guest stay. If something’s wrong – whether it’s a faulty appliance or general wear and tear – they’ll assess the urgency, log the issue, and coordinate the next steps. You’ll be kept in the loop throughout.
We’ll always get your approval for non-urgent repairs over your agreed limit. For urgent issues (like major leaks or safety concerns), we’ll act immediately to prevent damage, injuries, or guest dissatisfaction – then update you with what’s been done.
Absolutely. If you have a preferred contractor, let your Local Host know – we’re happy to coordinate with them as long as they meet our timing and quality standards. We’re flexible and collaborative
Costs and pricing
We charge a one-off onboarding fee, which covers the costs of getting your property listing set up, including but not limited to; professional photography, lockboxes, and the first initial deep clean.
From here, our pricing is charged on a percentage commission basis, so we only earn when you earn, meaning that we're 100% aligned to optimise your property for its best performance and highest yield potential. There is a separate cleaning fee, however this is paid for by the guest.
Hometime uses a commission-based model, charging a percentage of your property’s revenue after fees. The management fee is a percentage of the property’s revenue, calculated after booking platform fees, cleaning costs and payment processing fees are deducted. This makes sure your return is front and centre, and we only get paid if you do.The cost covers full-service short-term rental management, including listing optimisation, dynamic pricing, guest support, cleaning coordination, and multi-platform promotion. You can see your property’s bookings and performance anytime via our transparent, easy-to-use homeowner portal.
Hometime’s cleaning fee covers a complete, hotel-grade turnover by our network of trained, vetted professional cleaners. This covers a full professional clean, property inspection with photo and video reporting, linen hire, and the restocking of all standard guest consumables.
To give your cleaning fee a competitive edge, while still covering the full cleaning amount, we use a feature called the resort fee. This allows us to split your fee into two parts:
At Hometime, we maintain spotless standards, delighted guests, and great reviews, while keeping your property competitive and compliant.
We pay out your earnings twice a month. They are paid as a net amount after fees. You may track this in your Homeowner Portal, which provides an extensive overview of your property’s performance and highlights key metrics, such as nightly price, occupancy rates, monthly payouts, and more.
Getting your property ready
Setting up an STR listing involves meeting listing requirements, familiarising yourself with local rules and regulations, preparing your property with essentials, ensuring safety compliance, and styling for standout appeal. Hometime’s setup service covers everything, from photography and listing creation to pricing strategy, guest communication, and multi-platform promotion, making your short-term rental launch simple, compliant, and competitive.
1. Ensure safety & compliance: Install smoke alarms, fire safety gear, and secure access.
2. Deep clean & declutter: Book professional cleaning and clear personal items.
3. Furnish for comfort: Provide quality beds, seating, storage, and workspace.
4. Stock key amenities: Include kitchen basics, toiletries, Wi-Fi, and climate control.
5. Perform maintenance checks: Fix leaks, test heating/cooling, and check outdoor areas.
6. Protect your home: Use mattress protectors, lock away hazards, and check insurance.
7. Create a guest welcome guide: Share check-in info, Wi-Fi details, and local tips.
8. Final walkthrough & photos: Confirm readiness and arrange professional listing photography.
Download our Airbnb host checklist for a full breakdown of required items.
Our local hosts work with a trusted network of professional cleaners and tradespeople. Professional cleans follow Hometime cleaning checklists, with before-and-after photos logged for quality control. Hosts ensure consumables are restocked before every stay and coordinate trades for property maintenance when needed. Our dedicated customer experience team at Hometime closely monitors guest feedback, property inspections and Airbnb scores to consistently maintain high standards across properties.
Maximising your earnings
Our specialised in-house revenue management team are 100% focused on generating the maximum booking value out of each and every one of our properties in our portfolio. Some our key initiatives include:
a) We algorithmically set prices that respond to market supply and demand dynamics multiple times a day;
b) We build overarching strategies based on our experience and data insights to account for any broad market changes (i.e. school holidays, local tourism events, and public holidays);
c) We set automatic alerts should there be any properties that show low bookability scores (i.e. lower performance than what we’d typically expect), so we're able to quickly remedy these and take the necessary action to improve your property’s performance;
As a result, we are able to confidently say (and have strong data to support this) that we're able to outperform the market and maximise your short-term rental earning potential.
Access your property’s performance through our secure Homeowner Portal, so you’re always in the know. Here’s what you can track and manage:
1. Airbnb revenue data and occupancy rates in real time.
2. Booking dates, stay lengths, and distribution channels like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo, and their expanded distribution network, including Stayz, Trivago and Expedia.
3. Monthly earnings reports, contracts, and invoices for easy download.
4. Booking patterns and detailed property performance.
At Hometime, we aim for properties to go live within two weeks of signing your contract, depending on readiness. After contract signing, we guide you through property inspection, onboarding, styling, and professional photography to prepare your home. Some factors, like renovations, local regulations, or changes in your circumstances, can delay this process. Our onboarding team supports you every step of the way to ensure your listing launches smoothly and starts earning as soon as possible.
Hometime uses a hybrid price optimisation strategy, combining automated pricing tools with expert human oversight. Our revenue specialists adapt your pricing structure dynamically, factoring in seasonal trends, local demand, unique property features, booking behaviour, and competitor data. This proactive approach ensures better returns than standard Airbnb Smart Pricing or DIY methods, with regular updates to maximise your property’s earnings.
Responding to guest feedback
Guest complaints are handled by Hometime’s local hosts, who work quickly to resolve the issue. If a problem is significant or a host needs support, our customer experience team steps in to mediate. Our hosts acknowledge negative reviews in an effort to show future guests that feedback is taken seriously and improvements are made.
Our Guests
Booking your stay and making payments
All of our properties are highly unique and high quality. Our properties are professionally managed by expert local managers, meaning that you get to enjoy an ultra-local, as well as, five-star guest stay.
Typically our properties require that guests check-out by 10am and check-in by 3pm. Where possible we are happy to try and accommodate your schedule. If you would like to request an alternative arrival or departure time, please contact your Hosting Partner directly to find out more.
If you want to get in touch with us about a specific property, you can contact the Host of that property by clicking on “Contact host” on the property page.
If you would like to get in touch with us about something else, you can send us an email at guest.support@hometime.io or call us on +61 1300 616 299.
We are available Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST.
If you have chosen the property you would like to book for a long stay and you have some further queries, you can reach the Host of that property by clicking on “Contact host” on the property page.
If you would like to get in touch with us about something else, you can send us an email at guest.support@hometime.io or give us a call on +61 1300 616 299.
We are available Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST.
The full booking amount will be charged to you upfront. Upon your booking confirmation, the funds will be deducted from the account you stated when you were booking the accommodation.
Hometime requires a security deposit to be paid 4 days prior to check-in. The deposit will be put on hold for 7 days. We will be eligible to make any necessary deductions from the deposit amount if the property is not left in the same way as it was found and the Host sends us a claim request.
After the 7 days hold, the funds will be released.
If you have not received our email confirmation after booking, please reach out to the Host of that property by clicking on “Contact host” on the bottom left of the property page.
You will be charged immediately once you complete the form, and the payment due will be updated to paid and reservation will remain confirmed.
Check your junk/spam folder to see if the email is there.
If you are using the same card, but don't have sufficient funds, make sure funds are available and we will automatically attempt to charge your card again.
If you want to cancel your booking please contact your Host.
Upon the cancelation of your booking you will receive an email notification and a refund will be processed if you are entitle.
Please contact your Host in case you do not received the cancelation confirmation. You can also refer to our Cancelation Policy here.
If you would like to change your booking, reduce and increase the days or change the number of guests from what you booked initially, please contact your Host. Your host will suggest the cancellation of the current booking with no further charges and then you can make the new booking.
If you are unable to have your request addressed by the Hosting Partner, please send us an email at guest.support@hometime.io or give us a call on +61 1300 616 299.
We are available Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST.
There are 2 types of cancelations:
1. Short Stay (< 28 days)
- If guest cancels from 7 days or more before check-in, the guest will get a full refund.
- If guest cancels less then 7 days before check-in, guest will be refunded 50% of the booking.
- If guest cancels during their stay, guest will be refunded 50% of the unspent nights.
2. Long Stay (> 28 days)
If you are unable to have your request addressed by the Host, please send us an email at guest.support@hometime.io or give us a call on +61 1300 616 299.
We are available Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST.
Your stay with us
For the most part, our properties are all self check-in either through lockbox or keyless access. We find this is a more seamless approach, given it requires no coordination on timing of arrival.
Many of our homes are pet-friendly, but we always advise checking the details of each Hometime property listing before you book.
We expect our guests to be mind and respectful of the property and surrounded community.
Our guests must follow the property rules, respecting the spaces and neighbours. You must remember that the property you are staying in is someone else’s home, hence we would expect you to treat with consideration.
Feel free to reach out directly to your local Hosting Partner for any questions you may have before, during and after your stay. They’re happy to help.
Help during your stay
Our local hosts respond to initial guest enquiries, like guests being locked out of the property or struggling to connect to the WiFi, as soon as possible, ensuring a smooth and stress-free stay for guests. Our internal customer experience team responds to any escalated issues, with local hosts stepping in for on-the-ground support when needed. For day-to-day questions, we suggest checking your local host’s preferred contact hours in advance.
After-hours issues are approached differently on a case-by-case basis. Some local hosts have round-the-clock teams available to assist where needed, while others provide emergency contact information to deal with after-hours issues. Non-urgent queries will generally be handled during standard business hours. As availability differs by each host, guests are advised to check their specific after-hours arrangements.
If your booking has been canceled by your Hosting Partner you will receive an email notifying you that your booking has been cancelled and we will issue a full refund of the booking value.
For further assistance please send us an email to guest.support@hometime.io or give us a call on +61 1300 616 299.
We are available Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST.
If the internet of the property you are staying is not working and it is an available amenity in the listing, please contact your Hosting Partner. They are the best person to assist you with this issue.
If you would like to escalate directly to Hometime, please send us an email to guest.support@hometime.io or give us a call on +61 1300 616 299.
We are available Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST.
If you encounter any of these issues during your stay, you should contact your Hosting Partner. They are the best person to assist you with these issues.
If you would like to escalate directly to Hometime, please send us an email to guest.support@hometime.io or give us a call on +61 1300 616 299.
We are available Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST.
Please send us an email to guest.support@hometime.io or give us a call on +61 1300 616 299.
We are available Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST.
Please contact your Host for this request. We are sure your Host will facilitate this for you if it is possible operationally.
Please send us an email to guest.support@hometime.io or give us a call on +61 1300 616 299.
We are available Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST.
If you are facing some issues checking-in, please contact your Hosting Partner. They will be able to assist you with your check-in.
If you would require further assistance, please send us an email to guest.support@hometime.io or give us a call on +61 1300 616 299.
We are available Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST.
Please send us an email to guest.support@hometime.io or give us a call on +61 1300 616 299.
We are available Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST.
If you lost the keys of the property you are staying, please let your Hosting Partner know. They will assist you with this.
If you are unable to get hold of your have your Hosting Partner, please send us an email to guest.support@hometime.io or give us a call on +61 1300 616 299.
We are available Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST.
Please send us an email to guest.support@hometime.io or give us a call on +61 1300 616 299.
We are available Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST.
Please send us an email to guest.support@hometime.io or give us a call on +61 1300 616 299.
We are available Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST.
In the event that you encounter any issues during your stay, we would encourage you to contact your Host first in the attempt of addressing and resolving the issue.
If you are not happy with the solution provided by your Host to the issue you encounter and if you would like to file a claim directly with Hometime, you can send us an email to guest.support@hometime.io or give us a call on +61 1300 616 299, and state the reservation number you requested the claim.
We are available Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST.
If you want to cancel your booking during your stay please contact your Hosting Partner and let them know you want to cancel the booking immediately and let them know the reason.
Upon the cancelation of your booking you will receive an email notification and a refund will be processed if you are entitled to.
If you are unable to have your request addressed by the Hosting Partner, please send us an email to guest.support@hometime.io or give us a call on +61 1300 616 299.
We are available Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm AEST.
Our Local Hosts
Support for our local hosts
Hometime empowers Hosting partners with best-in-class tools, technology, as well as dedicated support teams to help facilitate rapid scale and a profitable, flexible lifestyle. Broken down these include:
Hometime brand, lead acquisition, and pre-qualificationIn-house property management software with Airbnb integration, dynamic channel and revenue management (calendar, pricing and distribution of funds) and the Hometime Hub - an online learning environment that gives you access to exclusive supplier arrangements increases profitability, business mentoring access to a community of Hosting Partners, and dedicated support across all stages of the host lifecycle.
First of all, our dedicated team will schedule a growth strategy meeting with you to understand how you’d like to scale your business. Based upon the discussion, our team will qualify leads based upon location, property quality, size, client motives, duration of management required, and property availability.
Hometime's preferred suppliers consist of linen, consumables and service providers (maintenance and cleaning operators). This group of suppliers is trusted within our network and ensures all of our Hosting Partners benefit from "bulk buy discounts" that they would normally not have access to.
There are no sign-up fees when joining. However, there are of course some costs to consider initially. These include: the cost to register as a company (ACN), and the cost to set up on the ground operations (cleaning team, consumables, linen).
No, you don’t. Quite simply, our service offering is targeted towards short-term rental operators. Whether that be brand new operators breaking into the market and driving lead generation or larger more established players with 50+ properties looking to streamline their operational efficiencies and drive profitability through channel and revenue management optimisation.