Industry

What was TurnKey Vacation Rentals?

Updated 2026-05-28

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?+
TurnKey Vacation Rentals was acquired by its competitor, Vacasa, in April 2021. Following the acquisition, TurnKey's portfolio of over 6,000 vacation homes was absorbed into Vacasa's management platform.
What kind of services did TurnKey offer property owners?+
TurnKey provided a full-service management solution. This included marketing, professional photography, dynamic pricing, 24/7 guest support, booking management, coordinating cleaning and turnover services, and handling maintenance.
How did TurnKey use technology in its vacation rentals?+
Technology was integral to TurnKey's model. They equipped properties with proprietary smart locks for secure keyless entry, noise monitoring devices to help enforce party policies, and a digital home tablet for guest information. They also provided an online portal for owners to track their property's performance and bookings.
Was TurnKey a listing site like Airbnb?+
No, TurnKey was a property management company, not a listing site or Online Travel Agency (OTA). It managed properties on behalf of owners and listed them for rent on major OTAs like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com, as well as on its own direct-booking website.
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