What is a co-host on Airbnb?

Sometimes, running multiple Airbnb listings can become overwhelming. Maintaining, cleaning, organizing reservations, and dealing with multiple guests across multiple properties at once is no easy feat. This is why Airbnb has taken initiative and allowed the owner of the listing to assign up to 3 co-hosts.

What does a co-host do?

A co-host helps a host take care of their listing. In return, they receive a percentage of a fixed fee of the income from the property. Usually, the co-host is a person who is known by the owner of the listing; a family member, a friend, or a neighbor. Before a co-host is assigned, the host and aspiring co-host will sit down and agree on some terms and conditions. These could be things like what properties will be looked after by the co-host or what aspects of the listing they will be responsible for. It will also include any agreed upon compensation for their work. 

There are many ways a co-host can help out, whether it be one or multiple listings. They can prepare the space for guest arrival, manage the listing on Airbnb, or meet and greet each guest. They can also assist the guest during their stay, update pricing, manage reservations, or help with upkeep and cleaning. The most common job a co-host is given is to act as a virtual assistant by interacting with guests through instant messaging and reviews. Co-hosts can also receive help from Airbnb Support, however, they do not have access to open or manage requests that involve the Resolution Center.  

What do Airbnb co-hosts charge?

There are no minimum monetary requirements for a co-host. Rather it is up to the discretion of the host. The fees could range from 10% to 50% of total revenue per guest stay. It also depends on the arrangement between the host and co-host and how the duties are split between the two. 

A co-host, for example, could agree to 30% of the revenue, a 70/30 split between host and co-host. If a reservation totaled $100, Airbnb would send $70 to the host and $30 to the co-host as soon as the payment has been taken.

How do I become a co-host on Airbnb? 

Becoming a co-host is simple. If you know someone who is a host and is in need of some assistance, this is a discussion you may want to have. The fact that they can sign you up in 3 easy steps may be the deciding factor. Hosts simply head to their listings, select the relevant listing and add co-hosts.

If you don’t know any hosts, you can put your name out to the hosting community, online or in your own neighborhood. By placing your interest as a co-host on the Airbnb website (or our Facebook Group), hosts can find you with a simple search. If they think you are the correct fit for the job, they can invite you in the form of an email. It is up to the co-host whether to accept or decline the offer.

Co-hosting is a wonderful feature that Airbnb has only recently introduced. If you find it difficult to manage one or more of your properties, hiring a co-host may be what you need to bolster not only your listing and revenue but your reputation as a host. The good thing about a co-host is that you can delegate as many or as few tasks to them as you wish. This, is, of course, pending approval by the co-host themselves.