1. Quick comparison

Coverage
Houst: 27 cities across UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, UAE, Ireland, France, and Portugal.
Pass the Keys: UK-focused, approximately 20+ cities via local franchise partners.

Business model
Houst: direct management, centrally operated with proprietary technology.
Pass the Keys: franchise model. Each city is run by an independent franchise operator.

Management fee
Houst: typically 12-20% of booking revenue depending on package and location.
Pass the Keys: typically 15-20% of booking revenue, set by each franchise.

Contract terms
Houst: flexible, no long-term lock-in. Month-to-month with notice period.
Pass the Keys: varies by franchise. Some require minimum terms.

Guest management
Houst: 24/7 guest communication, check-in coordination, and issue resolution handled centrally.
Pass the Keys: guest management handled by the local franchise operator.

Cleaning
Houst: professional cleaning coordinated through Houst's housekeeping network, managed via app.
Pass the Keys: cleaning arranged by the local franchise, quality varies by operator.

Owner dashboard
Houst: proprietary owner dashboard with real-time booking data, earnings, and calendar visibility.
Pass the Keys: reporting via the franchise operator, typically monthly statements.

Dynamic pricing
Houst: automated daily pricing adjustments using proprietary algorithms and local market data.
Pass the Keys: pricing approach varies by franchise.

Trust signals
Houst: 5,000+ properties managed, 10+ years operating, Trustpilot rated.
Pass the Keys: Trustpilot rated, franchise network since 2015.

2. Houst: what is included

2.1 The model

Houst is a direct management company, not a franchise. The team that manages your property is employed by Houst, uses Houst's systems, and follows Houst's operational standards. This means consistency: the service in London works the same way as in Sydney or Dubai.

2.2 What you get

• Listing creation and optimisation: professional photography, listing copy, and multi-platform distribution (Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, and direct channels).
• Dynamic pricing: automated daily rate adjustments based on demand, seasonality, local events, and competitor pricing.
• Guest communication: 24/7 handling of enquiries, bookings, check-in instructions, mid-stay issues, and reviews.
• Cleaning and turnover: professional cleaning between every guest, managed through Houst's housekeeping app with quality checks.
• Maintenance coordination: reactive and preventative maintenance arranged on your behalf.
• Owner dashboard: real-time visibility of bookings, earnings, calendar, and performance metrics.

2.3 Fee structure

Houst charges a percentage of booking revenue, typically 12-20% depending on the package and city. There are no setup fees. Cleaning is charged per turnover and passed through at cost. For a detailed breakdown of what management fees cover, see our guide to property management fees.

2.4 Who Houst suits best

Owners who want a fully managed, hands-off experience with consistent service quality. Properties in major cities (London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Sydney, Melbourne, Dubai, etc.). Owners with multiple properties across different cities or countries.

3. Pass the Keys: what is included

3.1 The model

Pass the Keys operates as a franchise network. Each city or region is managed by an independent franchise operator who licenses the Pass the Keys brand and systems. This means the quality and approach can vary depending on who runs the franchise in your area.

3.2 What you get

• Listing and distribution: property listed on Airbnb and other platforms. Photography and listing quality depends on the local franchise.
• Pricing: approach varies by franchise. Some use dynamic pricing tools, others set rates manually.
• Guest communication: handled by the local franchise team.
• Cleaning: arranged locally by the franchise operator.
• Owner reporting: typically monthly earnings statements from the franchise.

3.3 Fee structure

Fees are typically 15-20% of booking revenue, but the exact rate is set by each franchise and may differ between cities. Check with your local Pass the Keys operator for their specific terms.

3.4 Who Pass the Keys suits best

Owners in UK secondary cities where Pass the Keys has an established franchise but where larger management companies may not operate. Owners who value a local, relationship-based approach over a centralised technology platform.

4. Key differences

4.1 Direct management vs franchise

This is the fundamental difference. Houst employs its teams directly and controls the operational standard centrally. Pass the Keys licenses its brand to independent operators. For property owners, this means Houst delivers more consistent service across locations, while Pass the Keys can offer more localised knowledge in the cities where their franchises operate.

4.2 Geographic coverage

Houst operates in 27 cities across 7 countries. If you own properties in multiple locations (including internationally), Houst can manage them all under one account. Pass the Keys is UK-only, which is a limitation if you have properties abroad but an advantage if you want a company focused entirely on the UK market.

4.3 Technology

Houst has built proprietary technology for dynamic pricing, owner dashboards, and housekeeping management. This drives pricing decisions automatically every day. Pass the Keys' technology stack varies by franchise, and not all operators will have the same level of automation.

4.4 Transparency and reporting

Houst's owner dashboard gives real-time visibility into bookings, earnings, and calendar. You can see exactly what is happening with your property at any time. Pass the Keys reporting depends on the franchise operator, which typically means monthly statements rather than live data.

5. Which is right for you?

There is no universal answer. The right choice depends on your situation.

Choose Houst if:

• Your property is in a major city where Houst operates (London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Sydney, Melbourne, Dubai, etc.).
• You want fully hands-off management with consistent service standards.
• You value real-time reporting and automated pricing.
• You have (or plan to have) multiple properties, potentially across different countries.
• You want multi-platform distribution managed centrally.

Choose Pass the Keys if:

• Your property is in a UK city where Pass the Keys has an established franchise but Houst does not operate.
• You prefer working with a local operator who knows the specific market.
• You are comfortable with service quality that may vary between franchise locations.

Questions to ask either provider before signing:

• What is the exact management fee percentage for my property?
• What is the minimum contract term, and what is the notice period?
• How is cleaning charged (per turnover, fixed fee, or included)?
• What platforms will my property be listed on?
• Can I see an example owner dashboard or earnings report?

For a broader picture of what management costs look like, see our guide to the costs of running a holiday let. To understand how platform fees affect your net income, see our guide to Airbnb hosting fees. For the ROI calculation, see our guide to whether management is worth it.

6. Tax and costs: the same regardless of provider

Whichever management company you choose, the tax and cost fundamentals are the same:

• All rental income is taxable. Management fees, cleaning, insurance, and platform fees are deductible expenses. See our guide to tax on Airbnb income for the full breakdown.
• The FHL tax regime was abolished from April 2025. Mortgage interest is now restricted to the 20% basic rate credit.
• Airbnb charges hosts 3% per booking. Booking.com charges 15%. These apply regardless of your management company.

The management company affects your revenue (through pricing, occupancy, and multi-platform reach) and your operational costs (through their fee and cleaning charges). It does not change your tax obligations.

7. FAQ

Is Pass the Keys cheaper than Houst?

Not necessarily. Both charge 15-20% of booking revenue. Houst's fee can start lower (from 12%) depending on the package. The real comparison is net income after fees, not the fee percentage alone. A company that achieves higher occupancy and nightly rates at 18% can deliver more net income than one charging 15% with lower performance.

Does Pass the Keys operate in my city?

Pass the Keys operates in approximately 20+ UK cities through franchise partners. Check their website for current locations. If they do not have a franchise in your area, they cannot manage your property. Houst operates in 27 cities across 7 countries.

What is Houst's management fee?

Typically 12-20% of booking revenue depending on the package and city. There are no setup fees. Cleaning is charged per turnover at cost. The exact fee for your property depends on location and the service level you choose.

Can I switch from Pass the Keys to Houst (or vice versa)?

Yes. Check your current contract for the notice period and any exit terms. Once your notice period is served, you can onboard with a new provider. Most transitions take 2-4 weeks. Your Airbnb reviews stay with your listing, not with the management company.

What happens if I am not happy with my manager?

With Houst, you can raise issues directly with the central team and escalate if needed. There is no long-term lock-in, so you can leave with notice. With Pass the Keys, your first point of contact is the local franchise operator. If the issue is with the franchise rather than the brand, resolution depends on that operator's responsiveness.

This guide is general information based on publicly available details about both companies. Service offerings, fees, and coverage may change. Confirm current terms directly with each provider.