Short Term Rental
Management

Surge offers local full service vacation rental management for busy vacation rental owners and Airbnb hosts in San Clemente, California

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San Clemente, California Short Term Rental Overview

Airbnb Market
San Clemente's short-term rental market presents exceptional revenue opportunities for property owners, with average daily rates ranging from $200-400 depending on proximity to the beach and property amenities, significantly outperforming traditional long-term rental yields by 40-60% annually. The city's unique positioning as "Spain's Village by the Sea" attracts a consistent flow of high-spending tourists year-round, with peak summer occupancy rates exceeding 85% and shoulder seasons maintaining 65-70% occupancy due to Southern California's mild climate and the area's appeal to both leisure travelers and business visitors to nearby biotech corridors. Properties within walking distance of San Clemente State Beach and the historic pier command premium pricing, while the city's strict development regulations limit new hotel construction, creating artificial scarcity that benefits existing property owners. The demographic profile of San Clemente visitors—primarily affluent families and couples with household incomes exceeding $100,000—demonstrates strong willingness to pay premium rates for quality accommodations, and the recent surge in remote work has extended average stay durations from 2.5 to 4.2 nights, directly increasing per-booking revenue while reducing turnover costs and maximizing your property's earning potential in this supply-constrained coastal market.
Short Term Rental Regulations
San Clemente's short-term rental regulations involve a complex web of city permits, zoning compliance, occupancy limits, parking requirements, and tax obligations that can change without notice, leaving property owners vulnerable to hefty fines, legal action, and potential shutdown of their rental operations if they fail to maintain proper licensing or violate any of the numerous municipal codes governing vacation rentals. The city requires specific permits, regular renewals, adherence to strict noise ordinances, and proper collection and remittance of transient occupancy taxes, while zoning restrictions may limit where short-term rentals are permitted, and non-compliance can result in thousands of dollars in penalties that quickly erode rental income. However, professional short-term rental management services eliminate these risks entirely by handling all aspects of legal compliance, from obtaining and maintaining the necessary permits and licenses to ensuring proper tax collection and remittance, staying current with changing regulations, and maintaining full compliance with all local ordinances, allowing property owners to enjoy the benefits of their investment without the stress and liability of navigating San Clemente's evolving regulatory landscape.
Occupancy Rates
San Clemente's Airbnb market experiences distinct seasonal patterns with peak occupancy rates typically occurring during summer months (June through August) when families flock to the beaches, and again during spring break periods in March and April when college students and families seek coastal getaways. The shoulder seasons of late fall (October-November) and winter months (December-February) see significantly lower occupancy rates as cooler weather and school schedules reduce tourist demand, though the area still attracts surfers and visitors seeking milder winter climates compared to other regions. Professional revenue management becomes crucial during these fluctuations, as property managers must implement dynamic pricing strategies that maximize rates during high-demand periods while remaining competitive during slower months to maintain consistent bookings. Effective revenue management involves adjusting nightly rates based on local events, weather forecasts, competitor pricing, and booking lead times, while also offering strategic discounts or extended-stay incentives during shoulder seasons to attract longer-term guests and maintain cash flow throughout the year.
Vacation Rental Management
Self-managing a vacation rental in San Clemente presents formidable operational challenges that can quickly overwhelm property owners and damage their investment returns. The coastal location means constant exposure to salt air that accelerates wear on fixtures, HVAC systems, and outdoor furniture, while the area's popularity creates relentless guest turnover requiring same-day cleaning, restocking, and quality inspections between bookings that often overlap during peak summer and holiday periods. Managing 24/7 guest communication becomes particularly demanding when dealing with international visitors across multiple time zones who expect immediate responses to questions about beach access, parking regulations, or emergency situations, while simultaneously coordinating with cleaning crews, maintenance technicians, and vendors who are often booked solid during high season. The competitive San Clemente market, where guests pay premium rates and expect flawless experiences, leaves zero margin for error – a single maintenance issue like a broken air conditioner during a heat wave, delayed response to a guest inquiry, or subpar cleaning can result in devastating reviews that immediately impact search rankings and booking rates. Without professional property management handling these complex, time-sensitive operations, owners find themselves trapped in a cycle of reactive problem-solving rather than enjoying passive income, making full-service management not just a luxury but an essential investment in protecting both their property's reputation and their financial returns in this unforgiving market.
Attractions and Amenities
San Clemente's tourism centers around four primary attractions that drive visitor demand: the iconic San Clemente Pier and State Beach for surfing and beach activities, the historic Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens for cultural events and weddings, the San Clemente Coastal Trail for hiking and biking, and the charming downtown village area with its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and shopping. To maximize revenue from guests visiting these specific attractions, properties must offer targeted amenities including outdoor gear storage and rinse stations for surfboards and beach equipment, bicycle storage and repair stations for coastal trail enthusiasts, high-speed Wi-Fi and flexible spaces for remote workers extending their stays, outdoor shower facilities for post-beach cleanup, and proximity parking or shuttle services to downtown and pier areas. Additionally, properties should provide beach chairs, umbrellas, and coolers for State Beach visitors, early check-in/late check-out flexibility for Casa Romantica event attendees, and local activity guides with tide charts and trail maps. These specific amenities directly address the practical needs of travelers engaging with San Clemente's unique coastal and cultural offerings, positioning the property as an essential base camp rather than just accommodation, thereby justifying premium rates and encouraging longer stays.

Why choose Surge?

Surge is local Airbnb management that’s reliable, affordable and the best for your property.
Cost
Guest communications
Host Communications
Insurance
Contract
Cost
Starting at 15% fee
Guest communications
Guest response within 10 minutes, 24 hours a day
Host Communications
Designated host call in phone line
Insurance
Full damage protection for every reservation
Contract
No annual agreements
Other Property Mangers
Cost
25-40% fee
Guest communications
Sporadic guest communications
Host Communications
Bot response assistants
Insurance
Unreliable insurance coverage
Contract
Contract lock-ins

Understand Your STR Income

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Surge is geared towards maximizing potential

Be at ease with the knowledge that your vacation rental is being optimized to its fullest potential.
30%
In gross revenue
150 M
Potential guests
4.9
Superhost status
7+
Booking platforms
1
Property manager
The house was great. It accommodated our large group nicely. The owner was responsive and checked in on us throughout the trip. The gate around the home added privacy and security. The beds were comfortable as well. Extra linen, towels and washcloths. We are looking to book this home in the future!
Airbnb Guest Hosted by Surge
Head of Design, Layers
We really appreciated Surge. He was responsive, attentive, and went above to make sure our stay was seamless. You can tell he takes pride in providing a clean/organized place. Everyone loved the pool table and shuffleboard. This place is also very close to great restaurants. The place we went to had the best catfish. Would definitely rent from Surge again!!
Airbnb Guest Hosted by Surge
Head of Design, Layers
Our group really enjoyed our long weekend stay here! The property was very clean and spacious but also provided some privacy to accommodate our large family. Surge was responsive when we reached out to them and also accommodated an early check-in. We felt secure given that the property was gated and had smart locks on both entry doors. We strongly recommend this property and would love to stay here again!
Airbnb Guest Hosted by Surge
Head of Design, Layers
My family and I were here for my daughter’s graduation from UofH. Surge was very upfront, kept us informed and accommodating. The place was clean and fit my entire family comfortably. We have already made plans to come back. Great location, private and safe environment. Would highly recommend! Thank you Surge for making this stay memorable and stress free for our family!
Airbnb Guest Hosted by Surge
Head of Design, Layers
Great stay that accommodated all our needs for a successful for trip to Houston, i hope to Book in the coming future.
Airbnb Guest Hosted by Surge
Head of Design, Layers
The host was great, he responded quickly when needed and checked in on us from time to time throughout the whole day. He was awesome and the place was great for my family of 16. Definitely will book with him in the future.
Airbnb Guest Hosted by Surge
Head of Design, Layers

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about the product and billing.
Does Surge Property Management allow pets in its short term rentals?
Surge Property Management leaves that decision to the property owner. While allowing pets can be a big perk for some guests, Surge does not have any requirements for the property owner to allow it. Service animals are a different case. Surge is prohibited to refuse a reservation, charge pet fees, hold guests to different rules, apply differential treatment or use discriminatory language if a guest is accompanied by a service animal. A guests service animal must not be out of control, un-housebroken, left alone at the listing without prior approval, allowed into areas that are considered unauthorized by the guest and allowed in a public space without being harnessed, leashed, or tethered and not under the guests control.
Do I get access to an owner portal?
Surge Property Management has a tech leading owner portal to keep its property owners in the loop, instead of on the outside looking in. In the owner portal you can reserve days for personal use, see pending reservations, nightly pricing rates, owner statements, expense receipts, guest messaging and more!
Do you screen the guests that are staying in my property?
Our intelligent Guest Screening technology allows us to screen vacation rental guests before they enter your property, making it easier to keep bad guests out. We proactively assess the risk posed by each guest, through legal, non-discriminatory checks. Guests will be asked to submit some personal details including their name, date of birth, physical home address and contact details. We then verify by having the guest take a live selfie and submit a photo of their ID(either a drivers license or passport). This information will then be processed to determine the true identity of your guest, including whether the ID is fraudulent and if the provided details match those on the ID. This process will generate a risk report for us to review before the guest arrives.
Do you provide insurance for guest damages?
We partner with the premier provider of short term rental protection also offering guest screening and comprehensive insurance coverage. Our partner brings confidence and peace of mind to both Surge Property Management and its clients(homeowners). Our third party partner has protected over 60 billion in homeowner liability coverage and 1 million guest nights. Ask your Surge sales representative for more details.
What happens if there is guest damage to my property?
Each guest is required to make a $500 security deposit. Any damage above $500 we are able to document, submit, and follow a claim through on your behalf with our short term rental insurance partner covering up to $5,000,000.
How does Surge compare to a national provider like Vacasa?
While both Surge and Vacasa both have a full service model designed to be hands off from the property owner, Surge stands out above the rest by being more intentional and selective with the properties we decide to accept into our management portfolio. This allows us to give the required attention to the properties we manage instead of just "setting it and forgetting it" like the other property managers do. Once you go onboard with them you just become another number.
Does Surge handle the maintenance of the vacation rental?
Yes, Surge is able to handle any property maintenance(including hot tub & pool) for your property. We have a large network of service providers, additionally, if you have a preferred vendor we can assign and coordinate maintenance with them as well.
What services does Surge Property Management offer?

Surge is a full-service property manager and provides the following service to property owners:

  • Listing creating and management across multiple channels
  • Calendar management
  • Cleaning
  • Laundry
  • Restocking
  • Maintenance
  • Dynamic Pricing
  • Lock automation
  • Guest Portal
  • Owners Portal
  • Listing optimization
  • Photography
  • 24/7 guest communication
  • Check-in/out support
  • and more!
Is Surge Property Management a Superhost on Airbnb?
Yes, Surge Property Management is a Superhost on AirBNB. Airbnb defines a Superhost as a Host who goes above and beyond to provide excellent hospitality. Guests can easily identify a Superhost from the badge that appears on their Airbnb listing and profile. Superhosts have more visibility and earning potential.
How and when do I get paid?
Surge Property Management initiates ACH payment to its property owners once a month by the 10th day of the next month. Along with the ACH deposit sent to you, you also receive a highly detailed statement for review.
Are there any hidden fees?
Surge Property Management has the most transparent pricing in the industry. Our property owners are our Partners in business which is why we hold transparency at a very high standard. With your monthly statements you will be able to trace every dollar from when the guest paid for their reservation to when it was deposited into your bank account. Contact your Surge sales rep for a personal walk through of our statement structure.
Can I still use my property?
Yes of course. The biggest perk of a vacation rental is still retaining personal use of the property for your personal use. Inside of our Owner’s Portal you can reserve days for personal use.
How do you market my property?

We list your property on the major platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, Google Vacation rentals and more! We also allow direct bookings very popular among returning guests. Our integration technology is second to none and was awarded the following:

  • Airbnb Preferred + Software Partner
  • VRBO Elite Partner
  • Booking.com Premier Connectivity Partner
How do you handle complaints or disputes?
We aim to resolve issues quickly and fairly, protecting both the guests and the property owner’s interests. We mediate disputes and ensure a smooth resolution process.
How do I get started with your service?
Contact us to schedule a consultation. We'll discuss your property, our services, and how we can help you achieve your rental goals.
How do you handle waste management?
We coordinate with local services to ensure proper waste disposal and recycling, maintaining cleanliness and environmental responsibility.
What safety measures do you implement?
We ensure the property has functional smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and complies with all local safety regulations.
What does Surge’s full service property management mean?
Surge's comprehensive property management service allows property owners to be completely hands-off with the daily operations of their Airbnb properties. Surge takes care of all the daily tasks, including listings, guest interactions, cleanings, restocking, and maintenance, ensuring a stress-free experience for the property owner.

Still have questions?

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.
Get in touch
(713) 853-9573