We answer your questions
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to the questions property owners ask before entrusting us with their home. Another question? Get in touch.
How much does Heiwa property management cost? +
Heiwa works on a commission basis: from 25% of net rental income, after deducting platform and cleaning fees. One-time onboarding fees of CHF 500 to 700 excl. VAT apply depending on the size of the property, plus an annual fee of CHF 492 covering infrastructure and tools. If you earn nothing, neither do we.
How much can my property earn? +
Well managed, short-term rentals typically generate significantly more than traditional long-term lettings — especially in high-demand areas such as the Valais ski resorts. The potential depends on your property, its location and the season. Our online simulator provides an initial estimate in 2 minutes, which we then refine with a free personalised analysis.
Do I need to deal with guests or cleaning myself? +
No — that is the whole point. Heiwa manages the listing, pricing, 24/7 guest communication, check-in/check-out, hotel-standard cleaning and linen between every stay, as well as any disputes. You keep your keys and stay in control, with zero effort on your part.
Which regions do you cover? +
We operate throughout French-speaking Switzerland, with a strong presence in Valais and the canton of Fribourg, as well as in the cantons of Vaud, Neuchâtel and Geneva.
Can I still use my property personally? +
Yes. You can freely block off your own dates from your owner portal. Heiwa adapts to your availability, whether that is high, moderate or limited to just a few weeks a year.
On which platforms will my property be listed? +
Your listing is published and synchronised across the major platforms — Airbnb, Booking, Expedia, Vrbo, TripAdvisor and Google — through our channel manager, with no risk of double bookings.
How long does it take to get my property live? +
On average less than two weeks: time to carry out the photo shoot, prepare the listing, install equipment and key boxes, and then publish across the platforms.
How am I paid and kept informed? +
You receive your payments and detailed monthly statements. Your owner portal gives you continuous access to your bookings, income and documents.
What happens if a guest causes damage? +
It depends on the platform: AirCover for Airbnb, a security deposit system on Booking. In all cases, we handle and follow up the damage claim on your behalf. Your property also remains covered by your own insurance, as it is for any rental.
Am I locked into a long-term commitment? +
No. The contract runs for one year, renewable — with no multi-year lock-in. We aim to keep you through the quality of our service, not through restrictive terms.
How do you set nightly rates? +
Through dynamic pricing: we adjust your rates every day based on the season, actual demand, local events and the day of the week. The goal is to find the best balance between occupancy rate and nightly price, throughout the year.
Who handles the tourist tax? +
The tourist tax, payable by guests, is collected and remitted to the municipality; it is neutral for you. We manage this recurring process. Your rental income still needs to be declared in your tax return; our monthly statements make this straightforward.
Is a permit required for short-term rentals? +
It depends on your municipality. Some require registration or a permit. We check the rules applicable to your property and guide you through any necessary steps.
How do you ensure cleaning quality? +
Cleaning is carried out by our Heiwa Cleaning team to a hotel standard: fresh linen for every stay, a room-by-room checklist and a quality check at every turnover, backed by photos. An immaculate property means better reviews and more bookings.