Don't let yourself be stuck with long contracts with a concierge!

contact00157
Sep 5, 2025
3 min read

In the short-term rental industry, efficient property management is essential to ensure optimal profitability. Many owners use concierge services to manage their properties, handling check-ins/check-outs, cleaning, guest communication, and much more. However, committing to a long-term contract with a concierge can become a hindrance if your needs change. Before signing a long-term commitment, it's crucial to understand the implications and opt for more flexible solutions.

1. Why avoid long concierge contracts?

A long-term concierge contract may seem advantageous on the surface, but it has several disadvantages that can impact the management of your rental property:

Lack of flexibility : Your needs may change with the seasons, market changes, or your personal projects. A contract that is too rigid doesn't allow you to adjust your services according to these fluctuations.
Risky financial commitment : A long-term contract may include significant monthly fixed costs, which can become a burden in the event of a drop in demand or insufficient revenue.
Difficulty changing service providers : If the quality of services does not meet your expectations, canceling a long-term contract can be complicated and result in additional fees or penalties.
Changing needs : Over time, you may want to add or change services, such as dynamic pricing, marketing, or listing optimization, which may be limited by a rigid contract.

2. The advantages of a short or flexible contract

Choosing a concierge service that offers short-term contracts or flexible plans can offer many advantages:

Test the quality of service : A short-term contract allows you to evaluate the quality of services without a long-term commitment. This will allow you to see if the concierge service meets your expectations in terms of cleanliness, guest management, and responsiveness.

Seasonal adaptability : You can adjust the contract duration according to tourist demand, for example by opting for intensive management in high season and a reduction in services in low season.

Cost Optimization : A flexible contract allows you to control your expenses by adjusting services to periods of high and low activity, thus avoiding unnecessary costs.
Ease of switching : If you're dissatisfied, a short contract allows you to switch providers more quickly, without high termination fees.

3. How to choose the right contract duration?

Here are some tips for choosing the right length of concierge contract based on your needs:

Opt for a trial period : Before committing to an annual contract, opt for a trial period of 3 to 6 months , giving you time to judge the quality of the service.
Check the termination conditions : Make sure the contract includes flexible termination clauses in case of dissatisfaction or change of strategy.
Compare offers : Don't sign the first contract you come across! Compare several providers and their terms to find the one that offers the best balance of flexibility and tailored services.
Ask for reviews : Check out feedback from other owners who have used the concierge services to get a better idea of their reliability.

4. Things to check before signing a concierge contract

Before signing anything, take the time to consider the following points:

Length of commitment : Avoid contracts of more than one year if you are starting with a new provider.
Services included : Check if the concierge offers services tailored to your specific needs (advertising management, cleaning, reception, price management).
Hidden fees : Make sure there are no additional fees not mentioned in the contract, such as exit fees or early termination penalties.
Flexibility of the offer : Some providers offer packages that can be adjusted according to seasonality and demand.

5. Testimonials from owners who have chosen flexible contracts

Many owners have chosen flexibility to maximize their profitability without taking unnecessary risks. For example:

Marie, owner in Nice : “I started with a one-year contract, but I quickly realized that I was paying too much in the low season. With a more flexible contract, I can now adjust services and better manage my costs.”
Paul, owner in Paris : "After a bad experience with a concierge service that didn't meet my expectations, I chose a no-commitment plan. This allows me to change quickly if necessary."

Conclusion: Prioritize flexibility for peaceful management of your property

Don't get stuck with lengthy contracts with a short-term rental concierge service. Opt for flexible packages that adapt to your actual needs and allow you to test the services before committing to a longer term. A phased approach ensures better cost control and more efficient collaboration with your service provider.

Are you considering using a concierge service for your short-term rental?