Pass the Keys
Pass the Keys is a British short-term rental property management company operating in the United Kingdom and Spain. It operates a franchise model, providing technology and services to local partners who manage properties on behalf of owners. The company's platform allows property owners to list their homes on various booking websites, including Airbnb and Booking.com
History
Pass the Keys was founded in 2015 by Alexander Lyakhotskiy in London. The company initially operated as a property management service before developing its proprietary technology platform.
In 2019, Pass the Keys shifted to a franchise business model to accelerate its growth across the UK. This model allows independent local partners to operate under the Pass the Keys brand, providing a localised service in their respective territories
In 2020, the company secured over £1 million in a crowdfunding round on the Seedrs platform. The funding was used to expand its franchise programme and invest in product development.
In 2021, the company won the New Franchisor of the Year and Best Technology and Innovation awards at the Virtual Franchising Awards . It was named a finalist for British Franchise Association Emerging Franchisor of the Year in 2023, and it was again recognised at the Virtual Franchising Awards winning Franchisor of the Year. The company was recognised as a Top 100 Franchise by Elite Franchise Magazine in 2025.
The company began its international expansion by opening franchises in Spain from 2023.
Services
Pass the Keys operates as a franchisor in the short-letting industry. Its business model is based on providing a "hassle-fee" management service to property owners. This includes:
- Listing and Marketing: The company lists and manages properties on various platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, and its own direct booking website, book.passthekeys.com.
- Dynamic Pricing: A proprietary technology platform is used to optimise nightly rates based on real-time market data to maximise revenues
- Guest Management: This involves guest vetting, 24/7 guest support, and handling check-ins and check-outs.
- Property Maintenance: Local partners arrange professional cleaning, laundry, and general maintenance for the properties.