If you own short-term rentals (STRs) and also run a property management (PM) company, you might wonder: Should I run my own properties through that company?

In most cases, the answer is yes - and here’s why.

TL;DR

Running your STR properties through your PM company simplifies operations, improves financial tracking, and enhances legal protection. But it’s not always the best fit - especially for solo owners or co-owners. Clean books and clear separation of funds are a must.

Why Managing Your Own STRs Through Your PM Company Makes Sense

Shared Services = Simpler Operations

Running both owned and client properties under one roof lets you:

• Use the same VAs, cleaners, and contractors
• Avoid duplicated payments and vendor confusion
• Consolidate supplies and reduce tracking errors
• Manage tech tools (pricing software, messaging, PMS) under one account

Result: One company, one set of books, fewer headaches.

Easier 1099 Reporting

Instead of sending 1099s from each property or LLC, paying vendors through the PM company lets you:

• Issue a single 1099 per vendor
• Save time during tax season
• Avoid compliance risks and errors

Centralized Payment Processing

When all guest payments (Airbnb, Stripe, VRBO) go through your PM company:

• You only need one trust account
• No separate processors for each property
• Cash flow stays clean and centralized

Better Bookkeeping = Better Business Decisions

Consolidating through your PM company means:

• One owner statement per property
• Clean P&Ls and easier budgeting
• No spreadsheet toggling or guesswork

Bonus: Clean books support smart tax prep and easier scaling.

Legal Protection & Structure

Using your PM company adds a layer of liability protection:

• Your PM entity operates without owning assets
• Keeps business activities separate from property holdings
• Improves your overall asset protection strategy (talk to your lawyer!)

When You Shouldn’t Use Your PM Company

While the benefits are real, here’s when it might not make sense:

1. You Own Just 1–2 Properties

If you’re not planning to scale or manage other people’s properties, managing through a PM company could add unnecessary complexity.

2. You Have Business Partners

Co-owning a property? Your partners may not want to pay management fees or deal with the overhead of a separate company.

3. You Don’t Have Clean Books

If you’re not separating personal, owner, and business funds properly, this structure can backfire. Commingling funds is a big red flag for auditors and can create legal trouble.

Should You Pay Yourself a Management Fee?

Maybe. Charging your own properties a management fee is a strategic tax decision. It could:Shift incomeCreate deductionsOr complicate things, depending on your tax profile

Best move? Talk to your CPA for tailored advice.

FAQs

Why is a trust account important for STR property managers?
It keeps owner funds legally separated, supports clear reconciliations, and ensures compliance with trust accounting standards.

What happens if I pay vendors from the wrong account?
You’ll need to adjust your month-end transfers. Keeping funds flowing correctly (trust vs. operating) is essential for accurate books and owner statements.

Do I need to charge myself management commissions?
It depends on your tax setup. For some, it's a smart move. For others, it's unnecessary. Always consult your CPA.

Final Thoughts

Running your own properties through your PM company can create order, boost efficiency, and add a layer of legal and financial clarity. But it’s only worth doing if you’re committed to maintaining clean, professional books and understand the operational implications.

Want expert support? Keystone Bookkeepers specializes in STR bookkeeping and can help you structure everything the right way from day one.