FAQ

Questions, answered

Straight answers for owners, investors and guests. Can't find yours? Reach out and we'll get back to you quickly.

Management

What does BNB Experts do?

We manage short-term rentals in Calgary from start to finish: pricing, guests, cleaning, repairs, building rules, compliance and reporting. We can also help you buy the right property and get it set up and furnished. See Airbnb Management.

How much is your management fee?

22% of the nightly rate. It's never charged on cleaning fees, and it covers everything on our What's included list.

Is cleaning included in the fee?

Guests pay a cleaning fee on each booking. We manage every turnover, and cleaning is billed per turnover on your itemized monthly invoice.

Where in Calgary do you manage properties?

Across Calgary. Most of our condos are in the Beltline and close to downtown, and we also manage homes and suites in other neighbourhoods. We only take on properties in buildings where short-term rentals are allowed.

Can I stay in my own property?

Yes. There's no management fee on owner stays, you just cover the clean. If you plan to live in the unit part of the year, we also have a mixed-use agreement built for that.

Who pays for repairs and maintenance?

Repairs are the owner's cost. We coordinate trusted handymen and trades as your agent, get quotes for bigger jobs, and keep you in the loop before anything significant is done.

How do you prevent parties and noise complaints?

Every booking is screened, house rules are written around your building, and every unit has a Minut noise monitor and a Blink door camera. Our team follows a set protocol when an alert comes in, day or night.

Do I sign a contract?

Yes, we work under a written management agreement. We'll walk you through the term and notice period before you sign.

Payouts and earnings

How do I get paid?

The hosting platform (Airbnb, Vrbo or Booking.com) collects the guest's payment and pays it out directly to your account. Each month we send one itemized invoice for our fee and cleaning.

How much could my property earn?

It depends on the building, layout, setup and season. Send us the address and we'll put together a free, realistic revenue projection. Across our managed portfolio, average occupancy is 88.5%, but that's a past result, not a promise.

How do you set nightly rates?

We use dynamic pricing that adjusts every day to demand, Calgary events and the season, with minimum stays set to your building's rules.

What does the monthly statement show?

Your bookings, payouts, our management fee and cleaning, all on one clear statement.

Setup and licensing

What does it cost to set up a unit?

Typical budgets, plus GST:

  • Furnishing package: about $10,000 to $12,500 for a 1-bedroom, $12,500 to $17,500 for a 2-bedroom, and $15,000 to $20,000 for a 3-bedroom.
  • Professional design: $995, $1,195 or $1,395 for a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom.
  • Photography: $250, drone included.
  • Pre-launch deep clean: $250, $300 or $350.
  • Smart lock: $350.

Optional upgrades include accent walls ($1,000 to $1,500), a sofa bed ($1,500) and portable A/C ($400 to $500 each). Homes with yards get a backyard package, and anything over 3 bedrooms is a custom quote.

How long does it take to go live?

Most units go from possession to first booking in about 4 to 6 weeks, depending on licensing, furniture delivery and any repairs.

Do I need a City of Calgary licence?

Yes. Short-term rentals in Calgary need a City business licence, and it's held in your name. We walk you through it and get the unit ready. Since April 2025 the City no longer requires condo board consent for the licence, but your building's bylaws still apply.

What do I need to get started?

Proof of ownership, insurance that covers short-term rentals, your City licence (or the application underway), and any STR forms or fees your condo building requires. We'll send you a checklist.

Can you help with renovations?

Yes. If the unit needs updates before launch, we get quotes from our trades and coordinate the work alongside the furnishing.

Buying a property

Can you help me buy a property?

Yes. Our founder, Tristan Quiring, is a Realtor® with REAL Broker (Ben Sweet & Associates) who works with investors. See Buying a Property.

Which Calgary buildings allow Airbnb?

We keep a list of short-term-rental-friendly buildings based on City licence data, bylaws and how each board feels about STRs. We share it with buyers we work with, along with handpicked properties in buildings that allow short-term rentals.

I live outside Alberta. Can I still invest here?

Yes, and many of our clients do. We do the legwork in Calgary and keep you updated at every step, from the first showing to the first booking.

I'm new to investing. Where do I start?

Book a quick call. We'll talk through your budget and goals and tell you honestly whether a short-term rental makes sense for you.

Guests

How do I book direct?

Browse our stays on Our Properties and book through our direct booking site. Booking direct skips the Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com guest service fees.

Do you offer weekly or monthly stays?

Yes. Longer stays get weekly and monthly discounts automatically.

How does check-in work?

It depends on the property. Most have keyless entry, and you'll get detailed instructions before you arrive.

What are the house rules?

No parties, no smoking, and quiet hours from 9 PM to 7 AM. Each listing has the full rules for that building.

Who do I contact during my stay?

Message us through your booking and our local team will help. For anything urgent, call (587) 295-4076.

No questions match that. Try another word, or ask us directly.

Still have a question?

Owners and investors can call or text Tristan directly. Guests can reach our team any time during a stay.

Need Help? Chat with us