Highland Park, IllinoisHighland Park, Illinois

Vacation Rental Management in Highland Park, Illinois

Discover the best vacation rental management companies in Highland Park, Illinois to maximize your revenue and create incredible guest experiences

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Highland Park, Illinois Airbnb Management Overview

Highland Park, Illinois, is a vibrant Airbnb market, nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. The city's rich history, diverse dining scene, and array of cultural attractions, including the renowned Ravinia Festival, make it a desirable destination for a wide range of travelers. The proximity to Chicago, just 25 miles south, adds to the appeal for tourists and business travelers alike. The market is characterized by a mix of property types, from historic homes to modern condos, reflecting the city's blend of tradition and contemporary living. Seasonal fluctuations are typical, with demand peaking in the summer months, driven by the city's outdoor attractions and events.

In Highland Park, Illinois, the Airbnb market experiences a distinct seasonality that hosts should be aware of. The peak season typically begins in late spring and extends through the summer months, coinciding with the warmer weather and numerous local festivals and events that attract tourists to the area. During this time, demand for short-term rentals often increases, potentially allowing for higher rental rates. Conversely, the winter months tend to see a decrease in tourism, leading to a slower rental market. However, the holiday season and winter sports activities can still draw visitors, maintaining a steady, albeit reduced, demand. Understanding these seasonal trends can help hosts in Highland Park optimize their pricing and occupancy strategies.

In Highland Park, Illinois, Airbnb hosts must be aware of the specific regulations that govern short-term rentals. The city requires all hosts to obtain a Vacation Rental License, which involves an inspection of the property for safety and compliance with local codes. Additionally, hosts are required to collect a 6% Hotel/Motel Tax from guests and remit it to the city. It's also important to note that rentals are limited to a maximum of 31 consecutive days and hosts must maintain a guest register for city inspection. Violations of these regulations can result in fines or the revocation of the rental license.

Managing Airbnb properties in Highland Park, Illinois, requires a keen understanding of the local market dynamics. The area's seasonal fluctuations can pose challenges, with demand peaking during the summer months due to the Ravinia Festival and other local attractions. Therefore, strategic pricing and marketing during off-peak seasons are crucial for maintaining occupancy rates. Additionally, maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and prompt communication is essential to garner positive reviews and repeat bookings. It's also beneficial to build relationships with local businesses, as their recommendations can drive traffic to your property.

In Highland Park, Illinois, the Airbnb market thrives on the appeal of its unique blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility. Properties that highlight amenities such as private parking and easy access to public transportation often attract city dwellers looking for a peaceful retreat, while still maintaining connectivity to downtown Chicago. Additionally, proximity to local attractions like the Ravinia Festival, the Chicago Botanic Garden, and the scenic Lake Michigan shoreline can significantly enhance a property's appeal. Offering amenities that cater to families, such as spacious yards, fully equipped kitchens, and kid-friendly spaces, can also be a major draw, given the area's reputation as a family-friendly community.

Market Overview

Highland Park, Illinois, is a vibrant Airbnb market, nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. The city's rich history, diverse dining scene, and array of cultural attractions, including the renowned Ravinia Festival, make it a desirable destination for a wide range of travelers. The proximity to Chicago, just 25 miles south, adds to the appeal for tourists and business travelers alike. The market is characterized by a mix of property types, from historic homes to modern condos, reflecting the city's blend of tradition and contemporary living. Seasonal fluctuations are typical, with demand peaking in the summer months, driven by the city's outdoor attractions and events.

Airbnb Seasonality

In Highland Park, Illinois, the Airbnb market experiences a distinct seasonality that hosts should be aware of. The peak season typically begins in late spring and extends through the summer months, coinciding with the warmer weather and numerous local festivals and events that attract tourists to the area. During this time, demand for short-term rentals often increases, potentially allowing for higher rental rates. Conversely, the winter months tend to see a decrease in tourism, leading to a slower rental market. However, the holiday season and winter sports activities can still draw visitors, maintaining a steady, albeit reduced, demand. Understanding these seasonal trends can help hosts in Highland Park optimize their pricing and occupancy strategies.

Short Term Rental Regulations

In Highland Park, Illinois, Airbnb hosts must be aware of the specific regulations that govern short-term rentals. The city requires all hosts to obtain a Vacation Rental License, which involves an inspection of the property for safety and compliance with local codes. Additionally, hosts are required to collect a 6% Hotel/Motel Tax from guests and remit it to the city. It's also important to note that rentals are limited to a maximum of 31 consecutive days and hosts must maintain a guest register for city inspection. Violations of these regulations can result in fines or the revocation of the rental license.

Best Practices for Management

Managing Airbnb properties in Highland Park, Illinois, requires a keen understanding of the local market dynamics. The area's seasonal fluctuations can pose challenges, with demand peaking during the summer months due to the Ravinia Festival and other local attractions. Therefore, strategic pricing and marketing during off-peak seasons are crucial for maintaining occupancy rates. Additionally, maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and prompt communication is essential to garner positive reviews and repeat bookings. It's also beneficial to build relationships with local businesses, as their recommendations can drive traffic to your property.

Locations and Amenities

In Highland Park, Illinois, the Airbnb market thrives on the appeal of its unique blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility. Properties that highlight amenities such as private parking and easy access to public transportation often attract city dwellers looking for a peaceful retreat, while still maintaining connectivity to downtown Chicago. Additionally, proximity to local attractions like the Ravinia Festival, the Chicago Botanic Garden, and the scenic Lake Michigan shoreline can significantly enhance a property's appeal. Offering amenities that cater to families, such as spacious yards, fully equipped kitchens, and kid-friendly spaces, can also be a major draw, given the area's reputation as a family-friendly community.

How It Works

Meet with membership

Connect With Local Pros

Summer matches you with top vacation rental managers who know the Highland Park, Illinois market and can help you maximize your revenue and improve guest experiences. 

We'll make sure to introduce you to Airbnb managers who offer the right services for your needs.

Get Onboarded

Seamless Onboarding

Your manager can handle everything—from listing setup and pricing optimization to guest communication and maintenance.

They’ll take care of professional photography, lockbox installation, profile setup, and everything you need to get your Highland Park, Illinois property guest-ready.

Collect Revenue

Sit Back And Earn

With the right vacation rental property manager, your home is in good hands.

They'll handle the bookings, guests, pricing updates, and day-to-day operations while you enjoy stress-free earnings and more time for what matters most.

Who We Trust

What makes our partners stand out from other short-term rental property managers in Highland Park, Illinois

Access to the Summer Network

Personalized Support

Each home and host is different. The best property managers work with you to find the services and support that make sense.

Best in class revenue Optimization

Demonstrated Earnings

Your investment is important. Our partners have proven they can substantially increase revenue on properties over market averages.

Accuracy with our technology

Tech-Forward Focus

The best property managers use data to make smart decisions, and technology to create seamless guest experiences.

Trusted brand reputation

Trusted Brand Reputation

We partner with property managers with Superhost status and high guest ratings, so guests always know what to expect.

Sticker badge that says "The gist"

Who’s a good fit for a professional manager?

You think your short-term rental can make more money

Your property is not beating market averages, getting enough bookings, or does not have visibility across the major rental platforms.

You want a partner where you are valued

Our preferred managers build personal relationships with all of their owners and care about each property like it's their own.

You want hassle-free hosting

Whether you're down the street or a flight away, dealing with guest inquiries, cleaning, and everything in between is too time consuming and challenging.

Ready To Get Started Form

Get connected

We'd love to hear about what you're looking for, and we’ll connect you with top vacation property managers in your area!

FAQ

Answers to common questions

What is vacation rental property management?

Vacation rental property management is a service provider that maintains and improves a vacation rental on behalf of owners. They manage the ongoing operation, marketing, maintenance, and promotion of a vacation rental, short-term rental, or Airbnb property.

What services does a vacation rental manager offer?

Most managers offer partial or complete end-to-end management of vacation rental properties. Complete management includes all aspects of home maintenance, cleaning, guest and host communications, and marketing, pricing, and promotion of your property. In addition to these services, Summer connects owners and hosts with professional design and investing services for their vacation home.

Can they help me convert an existing home into a vacation rental?

Absolutely! Many property managers do onboard homes that were recently purchased or are being converted into vacation rentals. The best teams will provide advice, guidance, and services to help your home prepare for its short-term rental launch.

How long does the onboarding process take?

The onboarding process usually takes 2-4 weeks. This gives the manager and owner ample time to inspect the property, get it ready for guests, and get the listing live. In the event that owners need additional time to furnish or otherwise improve the property, the onboarding process can be extended.

Will I get a smart lock?

Yes, most managers provide a smart lock. This helps them operate the home and seamlessly let guests in. While there is some upfront expense associated with the lock and some additional time to set it up, there’s nothing worse than a guest not being able to access the property when they arrive.

Will they take updated photos of the property?

In most cases, your manager will hire a professional photographer to do a shoot at the home. This happens after the home is both cleaned and staged for photography. This helps the home stand out on vacation rental booking sites and results in better bookings overall. If you have really high-quality photos already, you can skip this step in the onboarding process.

How do I know my property will be safe with guests?

Professional managers put a number of security measures in place at the home to monitor noise and avoid unwanted guests in the property. Most also have built-in procedures for resolving any immediate guest issues involving parties, extra guests, and anything else in violation of the booking and local laws and requirements.