Owner FAQs

How much is the management commission?

Storybook earns 20% of Commissionable Booking Revenue. Commissionable Booking Revenue is accommodation revenue actually received after the OTA deducts its host or platform fee. It excludes taxes, cleaning fees, refundable deposits, pool-heat charges and true pass-through charges.

Is there a setup fee?

There is no upfront setup charge for the Storybook launch package, which is valued at approximately $4,000. It includes professional photography and video, property and inventory evaluation, listing creation and optimization, revenue setup, technology and system configuration, provider onboarding, distribution activation and final verification.

If an owner terminates before completing the initial six-month term or does not honor the required 90-day notice, a $2,500 launch-investment recovery applies in addition to earned commission and other amounts due.

Are there operating and technology charges?

Yes. The management agreement includes a clear schedule of property operating services and technology. Current examples include a $48 preventative guest-readiness inspection per turn, $85 monthly EZ Hub service, $15.50 monthly Wi-Fi management when provided, $28 Waivo damage protection per eligible reservation, scheduled pool and pest service, quarterly AC service and maintenance charged by actual time. Third-party work, materials, supplies, permits and specialty services are owner expenses.

What reserve is required?

Owners maintain a minimum operating reserve of $500 for homes with three to six bedrooms and $1,000 for homes with seven or more bedrooms. The reserve may be used for authorized property expenses and must be replenished after use.

How long is the agreement?

The initial term is six months. After the initial term, the agreement continues until either party provides at least 90 days' written notice.

Can I use my own home?

Yes. Owner stays and holds must be disclosed and entered on the rolling 24-month calendar. Owner use is subject to confirmed reservations and cannot interfere with guest stays, required maintenance or service windows. Owners are responsible for cleaning, replenishment and service required after owner or owner-guest use.

Do I have to theme my home?

No. Storybook evaluates the home's current market position and may recommend theming or other upgrades when the likely benefit supports the investment. Management approval is based on the home's overall fit, readiness, service area and competitive potential, not a blanket theming requirement.

What inventory is required at launch?

New linens, towels, bed protection and designated soft goods are required so quality, capacity and presentation begin at one standard. Counts are tied to beds and maximum occupancy. Existing kitchen and household stock is assessed for cleanliness, safety, completeness, function and capacity, but owners remain responsible for deficiencies, replacements and ongoing compliance.

How are repairs approved?

Storybook may authorize maintenance or repair up to $300 per occurrence when reasonably necessary to protect the property, preserve operations or serve an in-house guest. Work above $300 requires owner approval unless immediate emergency action is required. In-house maintenance is billed by actual time with no minimum.

Do you guarantee revenue or occupancy?

No. Projections, estimates, pro formas and market comparisons are informational planning tools. Storybook does not guarantee occupancy, average daily rate, revenue, profitability, platform ranking, review scores or claim recovery.

How are guest damages handled?

Storybook makes reasonable efforts to document and pursue eligible claims through the applicable OTA or damage-protection provider. Recovery and full replacement cost are not guaranteed and are subject to depreciation, proof requirements, provider terms, limits, exclusions and approval. Owners should retain receipts and proof of investment for major purchases.

What happens if I sell the property?

Owners must provide at least 90 days' written notice before a sale or transfer and provide the closing or title contact. A sale does not cancel Manager-generated reservations or earned amounts. Storybook prepares a final management payoff invoice or statement for payment from seller proceeds at closing. Future owner proceeds under Storybook's control may be applied to a negative balance until paid, and any unpaid amount remains the owner's obligation after closing.

What happens to reservations if management ends?

Storybook remains the host of record for reservations created through Storybook-controlled OTA accounts. Termination does not automatically transfer those reservations to the owner or another company. They are serviced or canceled according to the platform rules and agreement, and the owner is responsible for applicable fees, refunds, rate differences, relocation costs, chargebacks and earned commission caused by termination, owner action or failure to maintain the property.

Who owns the photography and listing materials?

Professional media included in the launch package is licensed to the property while Storybook manages it. Storybook retains ownership or applicable license rights unless otherwise agreed in writing. Guest data, platform relationships, listing copy, operating materials and Storybook-created or Storybook-funded marketing assets remain protected business property subject to platform rights and the agreement.