Mammoth Lakes is a prime location for short-term rentals. According to AirDNA, there are 4,074 active rental properties in this region, generating an average annual revenue of $4,779,432. For owners navigating local laws, understanding Mammoth Lakes Airbnb regulations is critical to avoid compliance issues.
With more than a decade of experience, the Mammoth Property Management team helps investors navigate the challenges of short-term rental property management, increase occupancy rates, and foster positive guest experiences. If you’re just getting started, you can also check out how to turn your home into a nightly rental legally .
Short-term rental property management (STR) involves overseing vacation rentals and taking care of all the logistics, from bookings to maintenance.
In Mammoth Lakes, where there are specific seasonal demands, this type of service helps property owners make the most of their investment.
Here are some typical responsibilities of STR management:
STR management blends the hospitality industry with real estate, offering flexibility and profitability while providing guests with an exceptional experience.
Many short-term rental management companies offer specialized services to ensure smooth operations. These companies also offer a list of property management services to help your rental outshine the competiton.
It’s time to stop stressing over bookings, cleaning, and maintenance. Let us take the reins and boost your rental income while you enjoy the rewards.
Short-term lodging involves frequent guest turnover and variable pricing, whereas long-term rentals focus on steady tenants and predictable income.
In Mammoth Lakes, short-term rentals are particularly lucrative during peak tourist seasons, such as winter for skiing and summer for hiking. However, they require constant management to handle the demands of seasonal visitors and the unique challenges of mountain living.
Below is a comparison of the key differences between these two options for rentals in Mammoth:
| Aspect | Short-Term Rentals | Long-Term Rentals |
|---|---|---|
| Income Potential | Seasonal and variable; high potential in peaks. | Steady and predictable year-round. |
| Guest Turnover | Frequent (days to weeks). | Infrequent (6–12 months or more). |
| Management | High effort (cleaning, marketing, guest needs). | Low effort (lease and occasional upkeep) |
| Regulations | Strict short-term rental rules in Mammoth Lakes. | Fewer regulations; standard leases. |
| Seasonal Demand | Peaks in winter and summer; slower shoulder seasons. | Less reliant on seasonal demand. |
Operating a short-term rental (STR) in Mammoth Lakes involves several fees and taxes that owners must be aware of to ensure compliance and maintain profitability.
Here’s a breakdown of the key costs:
Guests staying in Mammoth Lakes are subject to a 13% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), a fee charged for the use of short-term lodging facilities.
This tax is charged to guests for the privilege of occupancy and must be collected by the property operator at the time of payment. The operator is then responsible for remitting the TOT to the Town of Mammoth Lakes.
All STR operators must obtain a business license, with fees varying depending on property size and type.
This also includes registration for TOT remittance.
Here are some documents from the Town Of Mammoth Lakes Websites to get your started:
Application For Business Tax Certificate
Certified Properties Application
TOT and TBID Monthly Return Form
The STR permits are required annually, with application costs based on staff time, typically billed at $135/hour.
These permits ensure the property complies with local regulations.
STRs are only permitted in specific zones (e.g., RMF-2, Resort, and some Commercial zones).
Operating an STR in prohibited zones (like RSF, RMF-1, or Rural Residential) is illegal and can result in heavy fines or property shutdown.
Recent moratoriums and stricter inspections, such as the “Certified Properties” program, add to compliance costs.
Property Management Fees:
If hiring short term rental property managers, fees range from 20–30% of rental income, but this can vary depending on what additional fees there are. In some instances the property management fees can be as high as 50% of the rental income.
Cleaning and Maintenance:
Cleaning costs ($100–$300 per stay) and routine maintenance.
Snow removal during winter and landscaping during warmer months.
Utilities:
Higher utility costs due to frequent guest turnover, especially heating in winter.
Insurance Premiums:
STR-specific insurance for liability, property damage, and guest injury claims.
Furnishing and Amenities:
Initial setup and ongoing replacement of furniture, bedding, kitchen supplies, and tech upgrades (e.g., Wi-Fi, smart locks).
Marketing and Listing Fees:
Platform fees (e.g., Airbnb charges 3–15% per booking) and costs for professional photography or premium advertising.
Holiday rentals in Mammoth can be highly profitable.
Here are some other factors which make this mountain town a profitable area for a vacation rental:
The below graph illustrates the potential of short-term rentals in Mammoth.
The average daily rate for a rental in Mammoth is $426.80
While actual profitability can vary based on property specific, management and market dynamics, its safe to assume that investing in a vacation rental in Mammoth is an excellent investment.
Managing a rental in Mammoth comes with unique challenges like harsh weather conditions, tourism fluctuations and strict regulations.
To stand out, increase your occupancy rate and ensure guest satisfaction, you’ll need an expert short term property manager.
Vacation rental management offers the potential for higher returns and greater flexibility, especially if you have an excellent short-term rental strategy. But, it also comes with increased costs, seasonal income variability, and operational complexities.
The first steps to managing your STR properties include:
Choosing between the best short term rental management companies is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make as a property owner. A great partner can help you protect your investment, maximize rental income, and eliminate the stress of day-to-day management.
Here’s a quick guide on what to look out for when choosing a STR management company:
At Mammoth Property Management, we excel in all these areas. With over 20 years of experience managing homes in Mammoth Lakes, our dedicated team offers comprehensive services tailored to your needs.
Short term rental agencies and property managers utilize the following platform are essential for managing your short-term rental:
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A property manager handles guest communication, bookings, cleaning, and maintenance, optimizing your listing for maximum income.
Services include marketing, guest support, cleaning, maintenance, pricing optimization, and regulatory compliance.
Yes, but it requires significant time and effort to handle all aspects of management.
Yes, but it requires significant time and effort to handle all aspects of management.
When hiring a STR property manager, one of the biggest questions people have is how much do short term rental property managers charge? This can be tough to answer since it depends on a number of factors but you can expect to pay 20-50% for short-term rentals, plus additional fees for leasing, maintenance, and other services
Property Manager and Airbnb Host
Jessica Rivera is a dedicated property manager and Airbnb host with 10 years of experience in real estate. Based in Irvine, she excels at creating exceptional guest experiences and helping property owners maximize their rental income.
Disclaimer:
The property images featured in this blog are sourced from Realtor.com, Zillow and Airbnb and are used for illustrative purposes only. All rights to these images remain with their respective owners. If you are the copyright holder and wish to have an image removed, please contact us through our website.
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