Listing Management

Dubai’s holiday home sector is regulated by the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), which has established clear and comprehensive guidelines for short-term rentals. Unlike many other cities, Dubai was quick to regulate this sector, creating a structure that provides clarity for both hosts and guests. While holiday homes are regulated similarly to hotels, they have their own specific bylaws and governing documents to address unique aspects of short-term rentals. It's important to note that while DET oversees the regulatory framework, the Dubai Economic Department is responsible for issuing licenses to professional holiday home operators and short-term rental companies. For the latest resolution on holiday home regulations, you can refer to DET's most recent updates here.

According to the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), property owners or “authorized tenants” can legally operate a single holiday home without a license. However, if an individual plans to operate more than one property as a holiday home, obtaining a holiday homes license is required. This regulation ensures that operators managing multiple properties meet all necessary standards and compliance requirements.

Yes, it’s possible. But the constant responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming. Handling last-minute bookings, coordinating cleaning schedules, responding to guest requests around the clock, and managing unexpected repairs often make people realise that letting professionals handle it offers a smoother, more enjoyable experience.

As of April 2024, Dubai boasts approximately 22,000 active short-term rental properties listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO (source: AirDNA). To put this in perspective, Dubai has just over 115,000 hotel rooms, making holiday homes a significant and growing part of the city’s accommodation market. This underscores the importance of partnering with a top-tier short-term rental management company to make the most of this thriving market.

If a guest damages your property, we’re here to help you navigate the process smoothly. As part of our management service, we conduct thorough inspections after each stay to identify any issues quickly. Should any damage be found, we handle everything—from documenting the damage and submitting claims through the booking platform (such as Airbnb or VRBO) to coordinating repairs with trusted vendors. Many platforms also provide a Host Guarantee or Damage Protection Policy to cover damages, and we assist in utilising these resources to ensure you're protected. With us managing your property, you can rest easy knowing that any issues will be handled promptly and professionally.

Short-term rentals in Dubai can offer higher returns than traditional long-term leases, especially in popular areas with high tourist traffic. While occupancy may fluctuate based on seasonality, our dynamic pricing and strategic marketing help maximise revenue throughout the year.

Most areas in Dubai allow short-term rentals; however, some communities may have restrictions or require HOA approval. My Portfolio Host can help identify areas with high rental demand that are well-suited for short-term leasing.

Properties in prime locations such as Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Palm Jumeirah generally see high demand. Modern apartments, serviced units, and villas close to attractions and public transport are particularly popular with both tourists and business travellers.

Dubai does not impose personal income tax on rental income, making short-term rentals a tax-friendly option for property owners. However, a tourism fee is typically collected from guests, which My Portfolio Host can handle as part of our service.

Occupancy rates vary based on location, season, and property type, with peak demand typically during Dubai’s winter months. On average, Dubai short-term rentals experience occupancy rates of 60-80%, though My Portfolio Host aims to exceed this through our strategic marketing and pricing.

Dubai’s high season generally runs from October to April, when the weather is cooler, and major events attract visitors. Properties can achieve high occupancy and premium rates during these months, and we adjust pricing dynamically to maximize your income.

Yes, My Portfolio Host makes it easy for property owners based abroad to manage short-term rentals in Dubai. We handle everything from guest communication to maintenance, ensuring your property is well-managed, profitable, and always ready for guests.

Beyond the management fee, typical expenses include the DET permit fee, regular cleaning costs, and occasional maintenance. My Portfolio Host is transparent about all potential fees and can provide you with a detailed estimate before you start.

Absolutely! You’ll have full control over your property’s availability and can block off dates for personal use. Simply let us know, and we’ll manage the rest to ensure seamless transitions between guest and owner stays.

We offer full-service property management, including listing optimization, dynamic pricing, 24/7 guest support, professional cleaning and maintenance, financial reporting, and legal compliance. Our goal is to maximize your property’s income while providing a hassle-free experience.

Our management fee covers all aspects of property management, from guest communication and cleaning coordination to pricing adjustments and occupancy maximization. This percentage-based fee is all-inclusive, so you won’t encounter hidden costs or extra charges.

Earnings vary based on factors like property location, seasonality, and property type. To provide a clearer picture, we offer a free earnings assessment, tailored specifically to your property and market conditions.

Our onboarding process includes an initial property assessment, professional staging and photography, and creating optimized listings on various platforms. Once your property is live, we handle all aspects of guest management, so you can start earning with ease.

Yes, a DTCM (Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing) permit is required for short-term rentals in Dubai. We handle the application process for you, though the fee itself is paid by the property owner.

We use advanced pricing software to adjust rates based on demand, seasonality, local events, and competitor pricing. This helps maximise your occupancy and revenue by ensuring your property is always competitively priced.

We provide monthly reports detailing earnings, occupancy rates, guest reviews, and any expenses. You can track your property’s performance and see how our management is contributing to your revenue growth.

We coordinate all necessary maintenance and repairs to ensure your property remains in excellent condition. Minor maintenance is included in our service, while larger repairs will require your approval. We work with trusted vendors to secure the best rates.

We understand the need for flexibility, so we don’t enforce long-term commitments. Our policy requires a minimum commitment of three months to allow you to fully experience the benefits and impact of our strategies on your earnings.

We list properties on major platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO, and Expedia to maximize visibility and bookings. In addition, we have our own direct booking brand, Roomszy, where guests can book directly for an even more seamless experience. With continuous optimization across all platforms, we work to keep occupancy rates high and maximize your property’s potential.

Simply contact us to schedule a free earnings assessment. We’ll discuss your goals, evaluate your property, and guide you through the onboarding process. Once everything is set up, you can sit back and start earning passive income.

We’re here to help! Feel free to contact us via our contact form, phone, or email. Our team is available to answer any questions and provide further information.

Yes, short-term rental properties in Dubai are typically furnished and equipped with basic amenities, such as linens, and kitchenware. My Portfolio Host can assist in setting up your property with everything needed to meet guest expectations and maximise bookings.

Our onboarding process is designed to be as smooth and efficient as possible. We begin with a property assessment, followed by professional staging, photography, and listing creation on all major booking platforms. We handle everything to get your property guest-ready and listed quickly.

The onboarding process typically takes 5-10 days, depending on your property’s readiness. Our team works promptly to complete staging, photography, and listing setup, so you can start generating income as soon as possible.

Not at all! We handle the entire setup for you, including property inspections, staging, and photography. If you’re based abroad or unable to be present, we’ll keep you updated every step of the way and ensure your property is perfectly prepared for guests

Yes, if your property needs furniture or decor to meet guest expectations, we can provide recommendations or work with interior designers to create a welcoming space that appeals to short-term renters.

No need to worry about permits beforehand! As part of the onboarding process, we’ll handle the application for your Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DTCM) permit, ensuring your property meets all regulatory requirements.

During onboarding, we create a high-quality listing with professional photos, engaging descriptions, and keywords to enhance search visibility. Our team ensures your property is positioned competitively across all major platforms.

We’ll need basic property information, proof of ownership or authorised tenancy, and identification documents. Our team will guide you through each document needed and make the process as simple as possible.

Absolutely! We keep you informed at every step, from initial inspection and photography to listing creation and go-live. You’ll know exactly where we are in the process and when your property will be ready to receive guests.

Once live, we immediately begin managing guest inquiries, bookings, and all operational needs. We monitor occupancy and adjust pricing dynamically to maximize your revenue while providing excellent guest experiences.

Simply reach out to schedule a free consultation. Our team will discuss your property goals, explain the onboarding process, and provide a tailored plan to get your property earning quickly.

Yes! As part of the onboarding process, we create optimized listings for Airbnb, Booking.com, VRBO, Expedia, and our direct booking platform, Roomszy, ensuring maximum exposure and bookings.

Our team can coordinate any necessary repairs or upgrades to ensure your property meets guest expectations. We work with trusted vendors to handle everything smoothly, so your property is ready for successful short-term rentals.

Yes, we charge a one-time onboarding fee of 2500 AED to professionally set up your property. This flat fee covers essential services like staging, professional photography, and listing creation. It’s standard across the industry and ensures your property is fully optimized and ready to generate income from day one.

Absolutely! We don’t just manage properties; we also work with our clients to identify lucrative investment opportunities in Dubai’s short-term rental market. Our team provides insights into high-demand areas, property types, and rental trends, helping you make informed decisions for your next investment.

Yes, we offer tailored investment guidance to clients looking to grow their portfolios. Based on our extensive market knowledge and data-driven insights, we can help you identify profitable properties and maximize ROI. Whether you’re a first-time investor or an experienced owner, we’re here to support you in making strategic investment choices.

With a focus on optimized pricing, high occupancy rates, and effective property management, we work to boost income across each property in your portfolio. Our strategies are designed to achieve strong, steady returns for each unit, helping you build a diversified and profitable investment portfolio.

Yes, we actively support clients in sourcing potential new properties. From identifying high-yield areas to analyzing local demand, our team is equipped to help you find properties that align with your investment goals, whether in popular tourist hubs or emerging areas.

Growing your portfolio with us means you’ll have a dedicated team managing each property, freeing you from operational tasks and allowing you to focus on expanding your investments. With our expertise in property management and investment insights, we can help you achieve consistent growth and build a stable, profitable portfolio over time.

Yes, we provide projections based on market trends, property type, and location to give you a clear picture of expected returns on potential new investments. Our goal is to ensure that each addition to your portfolio delivers strong, measurable value.

We focus on sustainable strategies like dynamic pricing, consistent guest satisfaction, and thorough maintenance to keep each property performing at its best. Additionally, we provide you with regular performance insights, giving you the data needed to make well-informed investment decisions as your portfolio grows.

Absolutely! We tailor our services to your investment goals, whether you’re interested in vacation properties, urban rentals, or high-growth destinations. Our team helps you find the right properties in locations that match your preferences and revenue objectives.

At My Portfolio Host, we leverage advanced technology to streamline operations, optimize pricing, and enhance guest experiences. From automated booking systems to AI-driven guest communication, our tech-driven approach ensures high occupancy, efficient management, and consistently positive reviews.

Our AI-driven systems analyze market trends, adjust pricing in real-time, and provide insights into guest preferences. This allows us to stay ahead of the competition in every metric—maximizing your property’s visibility, occupancy, and revenue by responding instantly to changing market conditions.

A tech-focused approach means fewer delays, accurate market insights, and greater operational efficiency. With AI-enhanced tools, we can optimize everything from listing performance to guest satisfaction, helping you achieve the highest returns while minimizing operational complexity.

Our tech-enabled services provide transparent reporting, real-time performance metrics, and seamless guest management, all accessible through an owner’s dashboard. This lets you track earnings, occupancy, and even guest feedback instantly, empowering you with full visibility and control.

We use advanced data analytics to give you insights into occupancy trends, revenue performance, and seasonal demand. Our AI-powered analytics identify high-yield opportunities, allowing you to make data-informed decisions that enhance your portfolio’s long-term growth.

By utilizing AI and advanced technology, we continuously refine listing performance, predict guest preferences, and adjust prices dynamically to stay competitive. This approach helps ensure that your property stands out across platforms, leading to higher booking rates and a stronger market presence.

Yes, we’re committed to staying ahead by continually adopting the latest technology. We’re actively developing new AI capabilities and integrations to further enhance our management processes, ensuring that your property benefits from cutting-edge solutions in an evolving market.

Cleaning fees are always covered by the guest as part of their booking. The only time the owner would pay for cleaning is if they choose to stay at the property themselves. Routine maintenance, as part of general property upkeep, is paid for by the owner. However, if maintenance is required due to damage caused by a guest, those costs will be billed to the guest.

Yes, our team is trained to report any damages or missing items after each guest stay. We also have inventory checks to help maintain all items stocked and accounted for.

We follow Airbnb’s Enhanced Cleaning Protocol, which includes thorough disinfection, use of EPA-approved products, and strict attention to high-touch surfaces like light switches, doorknobs, and remotes.

We understand that last-minute bookings happen often. Our team is prepared to handle quick turnaround requests to ensure your property remains clean and ready for guests on short notice.

Our cleaning checklist covers every aspect, from dusting and sanitizing all surfaces to restocking essentials and arranging the property as per your preferences. We also conduct a final quality check to ensure everything meets Airbnb standards.

Yes, we handle all laundering of linens and towels. After each guest stay, we wash, dry, and neatly set up fresh linens to provide a comfortable experience for the next guest.

Definitely! We focus on optimising all aspects of the listing, from clear descriptions and stunning photos to responsive communication and timely updates. By maintaining high standards and engaging positively with guests, we aim to boost your property’s rating and visibility.

Absolutely! We work closely with you to ensure your listing reflects your vision. If you’d like to make any changes to descriptions, photos, or pricing, just let us know, and we’ll make the updates.

Yes, our team monitors and responds to guest reviews, ensuring each response is professional and reflects positively on your property. We address both positive and constructive feedback thoughtfully to enhance your property’s reputation.

We make updates whenever necessary, such as for temporary amenity closures, building maintenance, or after property upgrades. We also update listings to highlight seasonal benefits and promotions, ensuring guests always have accurate, current information.

We analyse market trends, local demand, and competitor rates to set an optimal pricing strategy. Our team can adjust pricing dynamically based on peak seasons, holidays, and events to maximise occupancy and revenue.

Our team writes unique, engaging descriptions tailored to highlight your property’s appeal and local attractions. We customise the language and format for each platform to effectively reach the target audience of that channel.

The Client Support division is dedicated to assisting hosts with all property-related questions and needs. We’re available to help with everything from coordinating Owner Stays to clarifying Monthly Statements. We aim to provide personalised, reliable support for every host.

Yes, our team is well-versed in handling all required documentation for government compliance, including permits, DET check-ins/check-outs, and any other local regulations. We keep everything organised and current, so you have one less thing to worry about.

We ensure your property listing meets Airbnb’s standards and requirements, from accurate information to safety regulations. This includes handling security deposits, responding to platform-related issues, and coordinating guest needs to maintain your property’s success on Airbnb.

Our team proactively monitors and resolves any issues on booking platforms, such as listing updates, technical concerns, or adjustments required to keep your property visible and compliant. We work directly with platforms to ensure smooth operations and maintain your property’s high visibility.

Our Client Support Team is here to assist with any owner inquiries, including questions about Monthly Statements, coordinating Owner Stays, and providing updates on regulatory matters. We’re committed to making ownership as seamless and worry-free as possible.

Our Client Support Team is available to clarify any questions you have regarding your Monthly Statement. We provide transparent, detailed explanations of each charge, so you fully understand your property’s financial performance.

Yes, our team manages all permit renewals to ensure your property remains fully compliant with local regulations. We keep track of renewal dates and handle the entire process for you, so you never have to worry about missing a deadline.

Yes, you have full control over your property’s availability. Simply let us know the dates you’d like to reserve for personal use or block off, and we’ll ensure they’re unavailable for booking.

We conduct a thorough screening of all guests, checking for positive reviews and ensuring they meet our booking criteria. Our goal is to ensure responsible guests, minimize potential issues, and protect your property.

In the event of an emergency, our team handles the situation immediately to ensure guest safety and protect your property. For significant repairs, we’ll contact you for approval and coordinate with trusted vendors to complete the work promptly.

We offer flexible check-in and check-out options for guests, with self-check-in where possible. Our team manages all logistics, including key exchanges or smart lock access, and ensures the property is inspected after each stay.

Yes, we can connect you with professional interior designers or provide recommendations for furnishing upgrades to enhance your property’s appeal. This is especially helpful for maximizing booking rates and guest satisfaction.

If you decide to switch to long-term leasing, we can assist in transitioning the property. We’re here to support your investment goals, whether you choose to stay in the short-term rental market or explore other options.

Yes, we provide 24/7 guest support to ensure a seamless experience for every visitor. Our team handles all inquiries, check-in issues, and general questions so guests are fully supported, day or night.

Positive reviews are essential, and we work hard to ensure guests have a great experience. After each stay, we encourage guest feedback and promptly address any concerns. We also respond to reviews to maintain a strong online reputation for your property.

We take security seriously, with thorough guest screening, secure check-in protocols, and regular property inspections.

While prime locations tend to attract more guests, our marketing strategies and dynamic pricing model help optimize occupancy even in lower-demand areas. We analyze local trends to set competitive pricing and attract the right guests.