Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of a Short-Term Rental Manager

Meet Julie and Jason, the owners, founders, and driving forces behind Retreats Tasmania. With a sharp eye for numbers and a passion for growth, Julie oversees the business’s financial health, strategic marketing, brand development, high-level networking, and everything in between. Her commitment is around the clock: 24/7, 365 days a year. Jason has a hawk eye for detail and daylights as a professional photographer, hence the incredible shots on our listings.

Emma, the Operations Manager, is the engine that keeps the day-to-day running smoothly. Emma handles guest communications, coordinates the housekeeping teams, conducts property inspections, oversees maintenance, supports social media efforts, and pens the company’s blogs.

Of course, none of this is possible without our incredible housekeeping team: Leah, Barbara, Kristy, Karen, Kim, and Sandie keep everything running like a well-oiled machine.

If you've ever wondered what it's really like to run these operations, here’s an inside look at a typical (and not-so-typical) day in the life of Retreats Tasmania.

7:00AM – Wake-Up, Review, and Reboot

The day usually starts with a strong cup of coffee and a quick scan of overnight bookings, guest messages, emails, and any potential issues that came in while the rest of the world was asleep. Did the 10pm arrival find out how to use the keyless lock? Is the cleaner on track for the11am turnover?

It’s a mix of inbox triage and schedule review - making sure nothing slipped through the cracks and prepping for the back-to-back check-outs and check-ins ahead.

9:00 AM – Check-Outs and Cleaning Coordination

Guests start checking out, and this is where the sprint begins. Each property needs to be cleaned, inspected, and restocked before the next arrival, often in a tight 5-hour window. The superstar housekeeping team are dispatched with detailed instructions, and property managers double-check special requests: extra towels here, setting up a cot, co-ordinating early check-ins or bag drops with the housekeepers, the list goes on.

Oh, and don’t forget the rubbish bins have to go out on the right days or the inconvenient visits to the tip become necessary.

Looking for expert management for your Hobart and Southern Tasmania Airbnb or short term accommodation property? View our local property management services.

11:00AM – Maintenance Mayhem

Something always needs fixing.

Whether it’s a leaking tap, a broken remote, or a mystery stain on the couch, Retreats Tasmania plays the role of both contractor and diplomat – co-ordinating repairs while keeping guests happy and owner’s calm. Having a network of reliable handymen on speed dial is not optional, it’s survival!

Sometimes, it’s as small as replacing a lightbulb. Other times, you’re racing against the clock to fix a heat pump before a family of six arrives for a winter getaway.

1:00 PM – The Business Side

Amid the chaos, there’s still a business to run. That means updating listings, adjusting pricing based on market trends, reviewing reviews, and maybe firing off a few invoices. Some managers use tools like dynamic pricing software and automated messaging systems to stay efficient - but technology only goes so far. Sometimes, a human touch is vital.

Behind the scenes, it’s still about gut instincts, local knowledge, and good old-fashioned hustle.

3:00 PM – Check-Ins and Customer Service

As guests begin to arrive, it’s all about creating a great first impression. Even with keyless entry and automated instructions, there’s always that one guest who can't find the lockbox or figure out the Wi-Fi password is case-sensitive after three failed attempts.

Retreats Tasmania is on call - ready to answer questions, resolve issues, and maybe even recommend a great taco spot down the street.

6:00 PM – Fielding the Unexpected

One of the core truths in this job: expect the unexpected.

Maybe it’s a noise complaint. Maybe a guest brings a pet they didn’t disclose. Or maybe they have a question or concern they need help with.

Crisis management is a daily skill. The best managers learn to stay calm, stay kind, and stay firm, simultaneously.

9:00 PM – Final Check

Before calling it a day, it’s time for one last pass through messages, calendar syncs, and prep for tomorrow’s bookings. If everything’s quiet (a rarity), there’s time to breathe.

If not? It's just another day in the life.

The Rewards (and Why It’s All Worth It)

Yes, it’s hectic. Yes, it can be stressful. But there’s something deeply satisfying about creating memorable stays for people from all walks of life. There’s pride in turning a property into a polished guest experience, and joy in hearing that someone had ‘the best stay ever’.

For many managers, it’s also about freedom and ownership. Whether you’re managing 2 properties or 20, you’re the engine that keeps things running. And every day is different - full of small wins, big lessons, and the chance to keep getting better.

So next time you check into a sparkling-clean rental with perfectly folded towels and a handwritten note on the table, just know that there’s a manager behind the scenes who made it all happen in front of their computer with coffee in one hand, phone in the other, and 100 emails in their inbox.

Looking for expert management for your Hobart and Southern Tasmania Airbnb or short term accommodation property? View our local property management services.

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