There are two main models for generating income from a serviced apartment:

• Direct management: The property owner lists and manages the apartment themselves on platforms such as Airbnb or Booking.com, retaining all revenue but handling guest communications, cleaning, and maintenance.
• Operator leasing: The owner leases the property to a serviced apartment operator under a guaranteed rent agreement. The operator manages everything and pays a fixed monthly income regardless of occupancy - a lower-effort approach that typically yields less than direct management at full occupancy.

A third option is to use a professional property management company, which handles day-to-day operations while the owner retains the revenue minus a management fee. The best model depends on the owner's time availability, risk appetite, and target return.