WTOC.com reports that, according to the Hilton Head Island/Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, tourism in the Hilton Head, SC, area had a $3.1 billion economic impact in 2023.
If you'd like to enjoy a slice of that pie, now is the best time to consider renting your home to travelers. The sooner you do, the sooner you can turn your property into a vacation rental income generator.
To that end, our team at PMI Sea Island put together this guide for Hilton Head vacation hosts. Read on to discover legal and income-boosting vacation rental management tips and tricks.
Familiarize Yourself With the STR Ordinance
According to the Hilton Head government website, private residential properties rented out for less than 30 days must adhere to the town's Short-Term Rental Ordinance. The ordinance, which went into effect on January 1, 2023, mandates the following:
- A valid STR permit
- A valid STR business license
- Payments for fees and taxes associated with the STR
- Following vehicle, parking, noise management, trash storage, and garbage removal regulations
Committing short-term rental mistakes that result in non-compliance with the above can lead to penalties and fines.
Boost Booking Rates With Effective Marketing Strategies
You can begin marketing your property once you have met all Hilton Head STR Ordinance requirements. Start by creating highly engaging listings on popular vacation rental platforms like:
- VRBO
- Airbnb
- Booking.com
Use concise yet engaging language to describe your property to ensure your listings gain traction. Highlight its best features, such as:
- How big, spacious, and airy the rental is
- Value-added amenities (e.g., a fully equipped kitchen, a balcony, outdoor space, a hot tub or pool, complimentary Wi-Fi, etc.)
- Being pet-friendly
Then, support your attention-grabbing descriptions and vacation rental listings with high-quality photos and videos.
Consider Partnering With a Vacation Rental Management Firm
A management firm can help you reap the top vacation home rental benefits through their full-service solutions, including:
- Using innovative technology to market your property
- Optimizing your rental rates with dynamic pricing strategies
- Conducting a thorough guest/renter screening process
- Responding to potential and paid guest inquiries
- Housekeeping and concierge services
- Assisting guests with the check-in and check-out process
- Providing property inspection, maintenance, and repair oversight
- Delivering professional bookkeeping and accounting services
So, with a dedicated property manager overseeing your vacation property, you can generate rental income in the most passive way possible. You won't have any work to do except wait for your manager to send you your earnings.
Ready to Start Renting Your Home to Travelers in Hilton Head, SC?
Renting your home to travelers in Hilton Head, SC, is an excellent way to generate rental income, but it can be complex, given all the laws you must follow and the chores you must complete.
Luckily, our vacation rental management company, PMI Sea Island, and our Marine Corp veteran owner, Dayna Akers, can simplify things for you. We provide full-service management solutions, from marketing to guest screening, property maintenance, and accounting. We're also proud to be part of PMI, a property management franchise company with 20+ years of industry expertise.
Connect with us today, and we'll happily give you a free consultation and discuss how we can help!
