Owner FAQ

What it means to partner with us

Have some questions about renting out your home with the help of Home Sweet City? We’ve got answers. Here are some common FAQs for homeowners, and we’ll start with the one that most owners have at the top of their mind:

How much can my property earn?

With our deep knowledge of the D.C. market, we can provide an accurate income estimate based on your property’s location, size, and features. Give us a call at 202-775-2070 and we can start figuring that out.

What we can tell you now is that our properties maintain an average 70% annual occupancy, outperforming the market. That means you’ll likely earn more by partnering with us. Plus, once your home is listed, we’ll use data-driven tools to track your home’s performance and adjust pricing maximize earnings. D.C. sees peak demand from spring through fall, with winter bringing a natural slowdown.

Where does Home Sweet City currently operate?

We proudly manage 100+ homes across Washington, D.C. At this time, we do not operate in Virginia or Maryland.

What services do you offer?

We provide full-service, hands-off property management, handling everything from design and listing to daily operations. Our services include:

Strategic pricing & marketing across top booking platforms
Guest screening, communication & booking management
24/7 guest support & emergency assistance
Expert maintenance coordination & vendor management
Professional cleaning & fully stocked linens
On-the-ground inspections & post-stay assessments

What are the next steps to get started?

If you haven’t yet, start by filling out our Owner Inquiry Form so we can get to know you and your home. Or you can just give us a call at 202-775-2070. Once that’s done, we’ll get started on these steps:

Property Assessment – We’ll meet to evaluate your home and recommend any design updates.
Preparation & Setup – You’ll receive an amenities checklist to ensure the home is guest-ready. We’ll then schedule a deep clean and professional photography.
Listing Launch – Once staged, we’ll create your listing and get your property live. From cleaning to launch, the process typically takes about two weeks.

What licensing do I need to rent my property?

D.C. requires a Short-Term Rental or Vacation Rental License issued by the DLCP. The property must be your primary residence, and the license type depends on whether you live on-site or off-site. You’ll need a homestead deduction, a ‘clean hands’ certificate, and homeowners insurance with at least $250K liability coverage. Visit D.C.’s STR website for more details.

How do I know my property is in good hands?

Your home is our priority. Our on-the-ground team includes full-time property inspectors and trained cleaning crews to ensure everything is kept in top condition. With thousands of five-star reviews and long-term relationships with homeowners—many of whom trust us while living abroad—you can rest easy knowing your property is well cared for.

Where can guests book my short-term rental?

Your home will be listed on Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway, as well as our own website, HomeSweetCity.com.

How do you screen guests?

We carefully vet all guests using booking platform reviews and direct communication. If a guest has no prior reviews, we ask additional questions before confirming the booking. If we’re not comfortable, we decline the reservation. We also recommend a 2-3 night minimum stay to maintain a high standard of guest quality.

Who handles maintenance?

We take care of all routine maintenance, such as replacing air filters, changing light bulbs, and topping up supplies. For larger repairs, we coordinate with trusted contractors and notify you before proceeding. If an urgent issue arises while a guest is staying, we prioritize same-day resolution whenever possible. Seasonal services, like snow removal and landscaping, can be arranged for an additional fee.

How is trash handled?

Our cleaners take out the trash after every guest stay. If you live on-site, you’ll handle putting cans out for collection. For remote owners, we offer a trash service for $149/month, ensuring bins are placed out and brought back in on schedule.

When do I receive payment for my bookings?

We issue ACH bank transfers by the 15th of each month for the previous month’s bookings. Your monthly statement is available around the 10th via our CoPilot owner portal, detailing income and any expenses.

Can I let friends and family stay at my property?

Yes! As long as your home is available for bookings at least 10 months per year, you can reserve personal stays through our owner portal. We ask that you follow the same check-in and check-out times to keep things running smoothly.

Can I cancel a booking?

Cancellations are taken very seriously and are not permitted except under extreme circumstances. Canceling disrupts guests and impacts our standing with booking platforms, so it’s essential to block off personal dates in advance.

What happens if there’s damage to my property?

After each stay, our team inspects your home and documents any damage. Minor issues are addressed immediately, and if needed, we file guest reimbursement claims through Airbnb’s AirCover or the platform’s damage policy. For larger claims, homeowners insurance would apply.

Do I need special insurance?

Yes, your homeowners insurance must cover short-term rentals. If it doesn’t, we recommend Proper Insure, CBIZ, or Erie Insurance, which specialize in STR coverage.

What is the contractual commitment?

We require a one-year agreement with a three-month cancellation notice. You’ll also complete an onboarding packet to provide property details and submit a W-9 for tax purposes.

How much does your management service cost?

25% commission on rental income (not including cleaning fees or platform charges)
Linen rental: $30–$120/month based on home size
Consumables (soaps, paper products, coffee, etc.): $3/night rented
One-time onboarding fee: $695 (covers photography, tax registration, and listing setup)
Maintenance costs: Any third-party repairs include a 20% service fee

How are taxes handled?

Income Taxes: We provide a 1099 and detailed statements for tax reporting.
Occupancy Taxes: We collect and remit D.C.’s 15.95% tax on your behalf. Airbnb handles this directly, while we manage it for other platforms.

Reach Out To Our Team