What was TurnKey Vacation Rentals?
TurnKey Vacation Rentals was a property management company offering comprehensive services for short-term rental owners. The company utilized technology to streamline operations, including proprietary smart locks for keyless entry, noise monitoring devices, and a digital platform for homeowners.
It handled marketing across major online travel agencies (OTAs), dynamic pricing, guest communications, and coordinated professional cleaning and maintenance. In 2021, TurnKey was acquired by Vacasa, and its portfolio of properties was integrated into Vacasa's platform.
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How it works
Property owners would contract with TurnKey to manage their vacation home. TurnKey would then take over all operational responsibilities, beginning with creating a professional listing with high-quality photos and distributing it on sites like Airbnb, Vrbo, and its own direct booking channel.
They managed all guest inquiries and bookings, using dynamic pricing to optimize revenue. Guests experienced a seamless, professional stay with 24/7 support and secure, keyless entry.
After check-out, TurnKey's local teams would manage cleaning and inspections, providing a passive income source for the owner in exchange for a percentage-based management fee.
Why it matters
TurnKey Vacation Rentals was a significant force in the professionalization and consolidation of the vacation rental industry. Its technology-first approach to full-service management demonstrated a scalable model that influenced how other large management companies operate.
The company's acquisition by Vacasa was a major industry event, highlighting the trend toward large, venture-backed firms dominating the property management landscape and reducing market fragmentation.
Examples
- A family booking a beach house in Florida through Vrbo chose a TurnKey-managed property. They received an automated email before their stay with a unique access code for the digital lock, ensuring a smooth, contactless check-in.
- An owner of a cabin in the Smoky Mountains partnered with TurnKey to manage their property. TurnKey installed a smart lock and noise sensor, handled all bookings, and scheduled cleaners, allowing the owner to earn rental income without day-to-day involvement.
- During a stay, a guest reported a broken dishwasher. They contacted TurnKey's 24/7 guest support line, which dispatched a local, vetted technician the next morning to resolve the issue.
- A property owner reviewed their monthly owner statement from TurnKey, which showed the gross booking revenue, itemized deductions for the management fee, and the final net payout transferred to their bank account.
Frequently asked questions
What happened to TurnKey Vacation Rentals?+
What kind of services did TurnKey offer property owners?+
How did TurnKey use technology in its vacation rentals?+
Was TurnKey a listing site like Airbnb?+
Related terms
Vacasa
Vacasa is a full-service vacation rental management company that handles all aspects of the rental process for property owners, including marketing, guest…
Evolve Vacation Rental
Evolve Vacation Rental is a technology-enabled hospitality company that offers marketing, booking, and guest support services to vacation rental homeowners for…
Property Manager
A property manager is a person or company hired by a property owner to oversee the daily operations of a rental property, including marketing, guest…
Management Fee
A fee paid by a property owner to a vacation rental management company for the services involved in overseeing the property, guests, and bookings.
