As the short-term rental market continues to grow, Airbnb hosts are exploring new ways to maximize their rental income while reducing their workload. Airbnb co-hosting allows multiple people to share the responsibilities of managing a property, making it a win-win situation for both hosts and co-hosts.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about starting co-hosting on Airbnb, from understanding the concept to setting up effective co-hosting arrangements.
What is Airbnb co-hosting?
Understanding the concept of Airbnb co-hosting
Airbnb co-hosting is a collaborative arrangement where one or more individuals assist the primary host in managing an Airbnb listing. This assistance can range from handling guest communications and bookings to managing the day-to-day operations of the short-term rental property, such as cleaning and maintenance. While co-hosts can be trusted friends or family members, many are professional property managers.
Types of co-hosting arrangements
According to Airbnb, there are three types of co-hosting permissions.
There are three types of Hosts who can serve as the primary Host on Airbnb:
- Full-Access co-Host: A full-access co-Host has full access permissions and can be designated as the primary Host by either the listing owner or another full-access co-Host. In this role, an Airbnb co-host (or co-Hosting team) can handle virtually all aspects of the Airbnb listing, including guest communication, cleaning, maintenance, pricing, and more. They have full-access permissions to the Airbnb account and can be designated as the primary Host by either the listing owner or another full-access co-Host. .
- Calendar and messaging access only: This next level down allows co-Hosts to send guest messages and view the booking calendar. However, this limited access prevents an Airbnbco-host from editing the listing’s calendar.
- Calendar access only: Finally, a calendar access co-Host may view but is unable to edit a listing’s calendar.
For more details on co-host permissions, you can explore Airbnb’s guidelines. And you can explore more details on Airbnb’s various co-hosting categories here.
Benefits of co-hosting on Airbnb
There are any number of reasons to consider Co-Hosting — both for the primary host and the Co-Host. Let’s explore some of them.
For existing Airbnb hosts
- Reduced workload: Co-Hosting allows primary hosts (often homeowners) to delegate tasks, reducing the time and effort required to manage their listings. This is particularly beneficial for hosts with multiple properties or those with demanding schedules.
- Increased flexibility: With a co-host in place, primary hosts can enjoy greater flexibility, such as taking vacations or focusing on other business ventures, knowing that their property is being managed effectively.
- Peace of mind: Co-hosts can provide peace of mind by handling emergencies, guest issues, and last-minute bookings, ensuring that the property is always well-managed.
For co-hosts and professional property managers
- Earn income: Co-hosting provides an opportunity to earn income by managing properties on behalf of other hosts. Experienced co-hosts can make hosting a full-time job, depending on the number of rental properties managed.
- Gain experience: Co-hosting allows individuals to gain hands-on experience in property management, guest relations, and hospitality, which can be valuable for those looking to enter the short-term rental industry.
- Build a portfolio: Co-hosts can build a portfolio of successful property management projects, which can be leveraged to attract more clients or even transition into full-time property management.
Is co-hosting right for you?
So, how do you determine if Airbnb co-hosting is right for you? Let’s explore some factors to consider and qualities of a successful Co-Host.
Factors to consider before becoming a co-host
It’s important to consider whether this role aligns with your skills, interests, and availability when considering Airbnb co-hosting. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I have the time to manage another person’s property? Co-hosting can be time-consuming, especially if you’re responsible for multiple tasks or properties.
- Am I comfortable with guest communication and problem-solving? Co-hosts often handle guest inquiries, complaints, and emergencies, requiring strong communication and conflict-resolution skills.
- Do I have a good understanding of Airbnb’s platform and policies? Familiarity with Airbnb’s system, pricing tools, and guest expectations is crucial for successful co-hosting.
- Am I willing to take on the responsibilities that come with managing someone else’s property? Co-hosting involves taking care of someone else’s investment, which requires a high level of trust and responsibility.
Qualities of a successful co-host
Another way of determining whether you might be able to wear the co-hosting hat is whether you possess the following qualities as these are often valuable for successful property managing:
- Organizational skills: Managing bookings, guest communication, and property maintenance requires strong organizational skills to ensure everything runs smoothly.
- Attention to detail: A successful Airbnb co-host pays attention to the small details that can make a big difference in guest satisfaction, such as cleanliness, amenities, and timely responses.
- Proactive problem solving: Co-hosts must be proactive in addressing potential issues before they escalate, ensuring a positive experience for both guests and hosts.
- Flexibility: The ability to adapt to changing situations, such as last-minute bookings or guest requests, is essential for a successful co-host.
- Communication and messaging skills: Clear and effective communication with both the primary host and guests is key to managing expectations and ensuring a smooth operation.
How to start Airbnb co-hosting
While there are various online co-hosting forums (Cohostmarket for example) to explore to get paired with property owners, a main way Airbnb Primary hosts find co-hosts is—yes—on Airbnb itself! So if you’re looking to become a new co-host, read on.
Experienced co-hosting requirements
The Airbnb platform offers a feature that allows hosts to invite experienced co-hosts to share co-hosting duties. Airbnb offers special tools, resources, and insider community to experienced co-hosts.
To become an experienced co-host, you must meet various requirements and regulations, according to Airbnb:
“You must be an existing host or co-host on Airbnb in good standing, and within the last 12 months:
– You must have 10 or more stays as a host or co-host on Airbnb
– Your reviewed stays across all accounts and listings you manage must have an average overall rating by guests on Airbnb above or equal to 4.8
– You maintained a less than 3% cancellation rate, with exceptions made for certain valid reasons beyond the host’s control”
If you qualify and are interesting in becoming an experienced Airbnb co-host, you can fill out this form. You will need to:
- Include a Profile intro about your hosting experience which hosts will see when seeking co-hosts.
- Specify which services you offer and your own approach to each.
- Include your typical pricing for co-hosting support.
- Include the locations within 100 kilometer or 60 mile radius that you can effectively service.
How to work with an Airbnb host
Once you find your co-hosting match, here are a few tips for working with together.
1. Establish clear communication channels
Establish clear communication channels between you and your co-host, whether it’s through phone calls, messaging apps, or email. Regular check-ins and updates help to ensure that everyone is informed and aligned on property management tasks.
2. Divide responsibilities based on strengths
A successful co-hosting arrangement leverages the strengths and preferences of both parties. If you’re truly sharing responsibilities, do so based on what each person does best. For example, one person might handle guest communication and bookings, while the other focuses on cleaning, maintenance, and turnover.
3. Create a co-hosting agreement
A co-hosting agreement is a written document that outlines the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of both the host and the co-host. This agreement should cover key areas such as compensation, task division, communication protocols, and conflict resolution. Having a formal agreement helps to prevent misunderstandings and provides a reference point if issues arise.
4. Use hosting management tools
Leveraging hosting management tools can streamline communication, task management, and overall property operations. Tools like property management software, automated messaging systems, and shared calendars can help you and your co-host stay organized and ensure that tasks are completed efficiently.
Legal and tax considerations of co-hosting
Relevant laws and regulations
Co-hosting on Airbnb involves certain legal and regulatory considerations that you should be aware of. Depending on your location, there may be specific laws governing short-term rentals, such as licensing requirements, zoning restrictions, and occupancy limits. It’s important to research local regulations and ensure that both you and your co-host are in compliance.
Tax implications
Co-hosting can also have tax implications for both the primary host and the co-host. Income earned from co-hosting is typically subject to taxes, and it’s important to keep accurate records of all earnings and expenses. Consulting with a tax advisor can help you understand your tax obligations and ensure that you are filing correctly.
Conclusion
Co-hosting on Airbnb offers a unique opportunity for both primary hosts and co-hosts to benefit from shared responsibilities and increased efficiency. It’s a great way to get build your short-term property management portfolio and your professional hosting reputation.
FAQs
What are the typical fees for co-hosting?
Typical co-hosting fees range from 10% to 30% of the booking revenue, depending on the level of service provided. Full-service co-hosts may charge higher fees due to the comprehensive nature of their responsibilities.
What happens if there is a disagreement between co-hosts?
Disagreements between co-hosts should be addressed through open communication and, if necessary, mediation. Having a clear co-hosting agreement in place can help prevent disputes by outlining roles, responsibilities, and conflict resolution procedures.
What’s required in a co-hosting agreement?
A co-hosting agreement should include details about roles and responsibilities, compensation, communication protocols, and the duration of the arrangement. It should also include clauses for termination and dispute resolution to protect both parties.
