Checkmate Rentals Review: Is Checkmate Rentals Good?

By: Elliott Caldwell | Created: Apr 2, 2025

Quick Verdict

Checkmate Rentals offers nationwide vacation rental management services through a co-host model that allows owners to retain control of their listings. The company provides property management services across the United States with fees starting as low as 10% of rental income. Their co-hosting approach enables property owners to maintain ownership of their listings while benefiting from professional management support.

Checkmate Rentals could be a good fit for property owners who want professional management assistance without completely handing over control of their listings. With nationwide coverage and competitive starting rates, they present an option worth considering for vacation rental owners across the country seeking a balance between professional support and personal involvement.

Checkmate Rentals Company Overview

Checkmate Rentals is a nationwide vacation rental property management company operating as a co-host service, allowing property owners to retain control of their listings while receiving professional management support.

The company emphasizes personalized service and effective property management while maintaining the owner's connection to their listing. Their business philosophy centers on maximizing owner revenue and guest satisfaction through professional management services across the United States, with fees starting as low as 10% of rental income.

Geographic Focus

Contrary to what initial research might suggest, Checkmate Rentals operates nationwide, providing their services across the United States. While they may have originated with strength in the Florida market (particularly in areas like Destin and the 30A region), their services are now available to property owners throughout the country.

This nationwide availability significantly expands their potential client base and makes them accessible to vacation rental owners regardless of location.

Checkmate Rentals Services

As a full-service property management company, Checkmate Rentals offers comprehensive services for vacation rental properties within their operating areas. Their services integrate local expertise with professional management standards to deliver effective property care.

Their service offerings include:

• Property Listing Creation & Marketing - Professional optimization of listings on relevant booking platforms to maximize visibility and appeal
• Dynamic Pricing & Revenue Management - Strategic pricing approaches based on market data, seasonal patterns, and local events
• Guest Communication & Booking Management - Responsive handling of all guest interactions from inquiry through checkout
• Guest Screening and Check-in/Check-out Procedures - Thorough vetting processes and streamlined arrival/departure experiences

Beyond these guest-facing services, Checkmate Rentals also manages the operational aspects of rental properties:

• Professional Cleaning & Linen Services - Maintaining consistent property standards between guests
• Property Maintenance & Inspections - Utilizing local vendor networks for responsive care
• 24/7 Guest Support - Providing local contact and timely response to guest needs
• Tax Collection & Remittance - Ensuring compliance with local tax regulations

For property owners, they provide management visibility through:

• Owner Reporting & Financial Statements - Transparent performance tracking
• Permitting and Regulatory Compliance - Assistance navigating local rental requirements

Their service delivery emphasizes local expertise and hands-on management across their nationwide coverage. The company leverages established relationships with local vendors and service providers to deliver responsive property care.

How Checkmate Rentals Works

Checkmate Rentals operates through a co-host model that distinguishes them from traditional property management companies. This approach creates a partnership between the property management company and owners, rather than a complete handover of responsibilities.

Co-Host Partnership

The cornerstone of their service model is the co-hosting relationship. Property owners retain control of their listings on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, while Checkmate Rentals works alongside them rather than taking over completely. This arrangement gives owners continued connection to their property business while receiving professional support.

Property Evaluation & Onboarding

When owners begin working with Checkmate Rentals, the process typically includes:

• Assessment of property suitability regardless of location nationwide
• Onboarding process tailored to individual property needs and local requirements
• Integration with existing listings or creation of new ones as needed

Listing Optimization & Marketing Support

For property presentation and promotion, Checkmate Rentals provides:

• Expertise to enhance existing listings or create new ones with professional photography, compelling descriptions, and strategic amenity highlighting
• Marketing strategy development while the owner maintains listing ownership
• Optimization for search visibility on booking platforms

Guest Management & Operations

The day-to-day management of guest experiences and property care includes:

• Professional handling of guest communication and inquiries
• Responsive support for guest needs throughout their stay
• Coordination with cleaning crews, maintenance personnel, and other service providers
• Management of property care while keeping owners informed

Dynamic Pricing & Revenue Strategies

To maximize rental income, Checkmate implements:

• Pricing recommendations based on market data and trends
• Adjustments for seasonal patterns and local events
• Strategic minimum stay requirements and booking policies

Owner Communication & Transparency

Throughout the management relationship, owners can expect:

• Regular reporting on property performance and financial results
• Maintained involvement in major decisions while receiving professional support
• Transparent communication about property conditions and guest feedback



This co-host approach gives property owners the benefits of professional management while allowing them to maintain control of their listings and direct connection to their property business.

Pricing and Fees

Checkmate Rentals offers competitive pricing with fees starting as low as 10% of rental income. This starting rate positions them favorably compared to many competitors in the vacation rental management space, where fees typically range from 15-40%.

As with most property management services, the exact fee structure varies based on factors such as:

• Property location and market demand
• Property size, type, and amenities
• Expected rental income and occupancy
• Level of service required and management intensity
• Specific property needs and customized services
• Seasonal considerations and market fluctuations

The 10% starting rate represents their basic service package, with potential additional fees for enhanced services or special requirements. Property owners should contact Checkmate Rentals directly for custom quotes tailored to their specific situation.

When comparing costs, owners should consider the value of their co-host model which allows for retention of listing ownership, potentially providing greater flexibility and control than traditional management companies offering similar fee structures.

Checkmate Rentals' Portfolio

Online portfolio examples for Checkmate Rentals appear to have limited visibility in general searches. Their website or marketing materials likely contain property examples, but these are not prominent in initial research.

Potential clients interested in seeing examples of properties they manage should:

• Visit the company website directly for showcased properties
• Contact Checkmate Rentals for portfolio examples specific to your property type
• Search rental listings in their operating areas to identify properties they manage

Assessing the types and quality of properties in their portfolio is important for determining if their management approach aligns with your property and expectations. Looking at their current properties can provide insights into their management style, photography quality, listing descriptions, and the types of properties they typically represent.

Client Reviews and Testimonials

When evaluating Checkmate Rentals, reviews should be assessed with their nationwide service model in mind. Reviews can provide valuable insights into their performance across different markets and property types.

Owner feedback offers the most direct assessment of Checkmate's management effectiveness. When reviewing owner testimonials, look for satisfaction with:

• Local market expertise and knowledge in different regions
• Responsiveness of management teams across various locations
• Revenue performance compared to expectations
• Communication quality and transparency

Guest reviews can provide indirect insights into management effectiveness through:

• Satisfaction with properties under Checkmate's management
• Responsiveness of support teams during stays
• Overall guest experience quality and issue resolution
• Consistency of service across different properties

As a nationwide business, Checkmate Rentals' reputation may vary across different markets. Their standing within vacation rental communities can be assessed through:

• Local business directory listings and chamber memberships
• Community forums or social media groups in various regions
• Regional travel or real estate publications featuring their properties

Interested property owners should seek reviews specific to Checkmate's performance in areas similar to their own property's location, as service quality and local expertise may vary across their nationwide coverage.

Pros and Cons of Checkmate Rentals

Understanding the strengths and limitations of Checkmate Rentals can help property owners determine if their services align with specific needs and preferences.

Pros

• Nationwide availability making their services accessible to property owners across the U.S.
• Co-host model allowing owners to retain control of their listings
• Competitive starting rate of 10%, lower than many competitors
• Flexible management approach that can be tailored to owner preferences
• Balance of professional support with continued owner involvement
• Personalized service adapted to individual property needs

Cons

• Limited online visibility and portfolio examples in general searches
• Potential variability in service quality across different regions
• May lack the established vendor networks of longer-standing local companies in some areas
• Full pricing structure details requiring direct inquiry
• Co-host model may not suit owners seeking completely hands-off management
• Newer compared to some established competitors in certain markets

The suitability of Checkmate Rentals ultimately depends on how well their approach aligns with an owner's management preferences, desired level of involvement, and specific property needs.

Alternatives to Checkmate Rentals

For owners considering options beyond Checkmate Rentals, several alternatives exist depending on management preferences and priorities.

Full-Service Management Companies

Traditional property management companies offer comprehensive services but typically at higher costs and with less owner control:

• Home Team Luxury Rentals - Ranked as the best overall vacation rental management company, Home Team has a portfolio spanning the entire United States and stellar reviews
• Summer - A selective national manager focusing on high-performing properties (minimum $50,000 annual revenue) with 20% fee structure (excluding cleaning fees)

Other Co-Host and Partial Service Options

For owners seeking various levels of support while maintaining some control:

• Evolve - Half-service management focusing on listing, pricing, and guest communication with 30,000+ properties (10-15% fees)
• Various Local Co-Hosts - Often operate in specific regions with varying fee structures and service models

When selecting an alternative, consider your specific needs regarding:

• Desired level of owner involvement and control
• Budget considerations and fee structures
• Service comprehensiveness requirements
• Property type and target guest demographics
• Marketing and distribution channel preferences
• Level of support and responsiveness needed

The right management solution should align with both your property objectives and personal preferences for involvement in your rental business.

Is Checkmate Rentals Worth It?

Checkmate Rentals presents a compelling value proposition for vacation rental owners nationwide who are seeking professional management support while maintaining control of their listings.

For owners wanting balance between control and support, Checkmate Rentals' co-host model offers a middle ground between self-management and full-service property management. This approach allows owners to retain their listing ownership while benefiting from professional assistance.

For budget-conscious owners, their fees starting as low as 10% offers a competitive rate structure that may help maximize rental income while still receiving management support. Their nationwide availability provides an option for owners in any market to receive professional co-hosting services.

Before making a decision, property owners considering Checkmate Rentals should:

• Contact them directly to discuss their specific property needs
• Request detailed pricing information based on their property and desired services
• Ask for client references and examples of properties similar to their own
• Compare their co-host approach to both traditional management companies and self-management
• Consider how involved they want to remain in their property's management

The right fit depends on aligning their services with your specific management needs, budget considerations, and desired level of ongoing involvement with your property.

Final Verdict

Checkmate Rentals occupies a distinctive position in the vacation rental management landscape: a nationwide co-host service that allows owners to retain control of their listings while receiving professional management support at competitive rates starting as low as 10%.

Their co-host model offers a compelling middle ground for property owners who want professional assistance without completely handing over control of their listings. This approach, combined with their nationwide availability and competitive starting rates, makes Checkmate Rentals worth considering for vacation rental owners across the country.

The decision ultimately depends on your management preferences, budget considerations, and how involved you want to remain in your property's operation. For owners who value both professional support and continued involvement in their rental business, Checkmate Rentals' co-host approach could provide an ideal balance. Direct contact with the company is recommended to evaluate their current offerings, exact pricing for your situation, and how their services align with your specific property needs.