It really depends on how your new property manager plans to handle your existing listing—especially when it comes to Airbnb.
If your new manager intends to create a brand-new Airbnb listing for your home, then yes, you would technically lose the reviews tied to your current listing. But you wouldn’t lose them forever. One option is to simply pause your existing listing rather than delete it altogether. This gives your new manager the freedom to build their own listing and marketing approach—while giving you the safety net of switching back if things don’t work out. You can pick up exactly where you left off, reviews and all.
What About VRBO?
VRBO works a bit differently. Unlike Airbnb, VRBO does allow reviews to be transferred between managers. It may take a week or two (sometimes longer, depending on their support queue), but it’s certainly possible to keep your review history intact when you switch management companies.
If You Have to Start Fresh—Don’t Panic
Even if you do need to start fresh on Airbnb, it’s not the end of the world. Many owners are surprised to learn that starting over can actually be an advantage.
First Airbnb’s and Vrbo’s algorithms favor new listings. New properties often get an initial boost in search visibility, which can translate into more bookings in those first few weeks. If your new property manager knows how to leverage this momentum with dynamic pricing and strategic marketing, that fresh start might actually put more money in your pocket.
Second, you can always take screenshots of your best reviews and include them in the photo gallery of the new listing. This small move instantly builds trust with potential guests—showing them that your home has a proven track record, even if the new listing shows zero reviews at first glance.
Third, a new listing isn’t always a setback. If your previous average rating was below 4.9, chances are your home wasn’t ranking in Airbnb’s top tier anyway. A fresh listing means a clean slate and the opportunity to build a stronger review profile—especially with a property manager who brings a higher level of professionalism, guest screening, and hospitality standards.
The Bottom Line
If you’re considering a new property manager but worried about losing your reviews, know that you have options—and in many cases, a fresh listing can turn out to be a net positive. Just make sure to discuss the plan upfront, so you know exactly how they’ll handle your existing reputation and how they plan to position your property for success.
Written by Anish Patel, Head of Owner Relations at Vinifera Homes (anish@viniferahomes.com)
