Airbnb has revolutionized the travel industry, however, managing an Airbnb listing can be a lot of work, especially if the host has multiple listings or lives far from their rental property. This is where Airbnb co-hosts come in – a concept that has been gaining popularity in recent years.
An Airbnb co-host is someone – often a family member or friend – who assists the host in managing their Airbnb listing and sharing the responsibilities and workload involved in running a successful Airbnb business.
Co-hosts can help with tasks such as communication with guests, managing the listing, cleaning and maintenance, check-ins and check-outs, and more. In return, co-hosts receive a portion of the revenue generated by the listing.
In this blog post, we will explore what it means to be an Airbnb co-host, the benefits of having a co-host, and how to become a co-host or find one for your Airbnb listing. Whether you’re a seasoned host or just getting started, this guide will provide you with valuable insights and practical tips on how to leverage the power of co-hosting to improve your Airbnb business.
Airbnb Co-Host Responsibilities
An Airbnb co-host is someone who helps an Airbnb host manage their Airbnb listing. Co-hosts can take on a variety of responsibilities, often taking on some of the hosting responsibilities. Some common tasks that co-hosts might handle include:
-
Guest communication
They can help answer questions from guests before and during their stay. This includes responding to booking inquiries, providing check-in instructions, and addressing any issues that arise during a guest’s stay.
-
Managing the listing
They can help the listing owner by actually creating and managing the Airbnb listing through the host’s Airbnb account, including writing the description, taking photos, and setting pricing.
-
Cleaning and maintenance
Airbnb properties have quite a bit of upkeep. They can assist with cleaning or contacting cleaning services and preparing the space for guests, as well as managing any repairs or maintenance that needs to be done on the Airbnb property. This is especially helpful with multiple properties.
-
Check-ins and check-outs
They can greet guests in person at the vacation rental, provide a tour of the space, and handle the check-out process.
-
Other tasks
Depending on the host’s needs, an Airbnb co-host may also help with marketing the listing, providing local recommendations to guests, or managing the finances associated with the rental.
In exchange for their services, co-hosts typically receive a portion of the revenue generated by the Airbnb listing.
This arrangement can be a win-win for both the host and the co-host, as the host gets the support they need to manage their listing, while the co-host can earn money by leveraging their skills and expertise in the hospitality industry.
How to Make Airbnb Co-hosting More Efficient?
Airbnb co-hosting can be a great way to share the workload of managing an Airbnb listing, especially for a very busy Airbnb host, and ensure a seamless experience for guests.
However, to make co-hosting more efficient, it’s important to establish clear roles and responsibilities, communicate effectively, and use technology to streamline the process.
Here are some tips for making Airbnb co-hosting more efficient:
-
Determine hosting responsibilities
Before you start co-hosting, it’s important to establish clear roles and responsibilities for each person involved. This includes tasks such as communicating with guests, managing the listing, cleaning, and maintenance. Clarifying these roles will help avoid confusion and ensure that everyone knows what is expected of them and keep the vacation rental running smoothly.
-
Use a communication tool
Communication is key in any co-hosting arrangement. Using a communication tool such as Slack, WhatsApp, or Messenger can help keep everyone in the loop, especially if you’re not all in the same location. Set up regular check-ins to discuss any updates, issues, or feedback from guests.
-
Automate routine tasks
There are several tools available that can automate routine tasks, such as sending check-in instructions, responding to messages, and leaving reviews. Consider using a smart lock to make check-in and check-out more seamless or using a chatbot to answer frequently asked questions.
-
Use a project management tool
If you’re co-hosting with several people or managing multiple listings, using a project management tool such as Trello or Asana can help keep everyone on track. You can create boards for each listing or project and assign tasks to each co-host. This will help ensure that nothing falls through the cracks and that everyone is aware of what needs to be done.
-
Standardize your processes
Creating standard operating procedures (SOPs) for routine tasks such as cleaning, check-in, and check-out can help ensure that everyone is following the same process. This will help avoid mistakes and make the process more efficient over time.
By following these tips, you can make Airbnb co-hosting more efficient and ensure a better experience for your guests. Co-hosting can be a great way to share the workload and achieve better results, but it requires clear communication, defined roles, and the right tools to be successful.
What Do Airbnb Co-Hosts Do?
The specific tasks that a co-host takes on may vary depending on the stipulation of the Airbnb co-host agreement, but they typically involve sharing the responsibilities and workload of running a successful Airbnb business.
One of the most important roles of a co-host is to communicate with guests. They may answer booking inquiries, provide check-in instructions, and address any issues that arise during a guest’s stay. A co-host can help ensure guests have a positive experience and feel welcome in the space.
A co-host can also assist with managing the Airbnb property, including writing the description, taking photos, and setting pricing. They can also update calendar and pricing. They may monitor the performance of the listing and make adjustments as needed to improve visibility and bookings.
Cleaning and maintenance are other tasks that co-hosts can handle. They can assist with cleaning and preparing the space for guests, as well as managing any repairs or maintenance issues that arise. A co-host can ensure that the space is clean and well-maintained before guests arrive and address any issues that arise during their stay.
Additionally, an Airbnb co-host may handle the check-in and check-out process, including greeting guests in person, providing a tour of the space, and addressing any questions or concerns they may have. They may also help with marketing the listing, providing local recommendations to guests, or managing the finances associated with the rental. They may also handle any administrative tasks, such as scheduling or responding to messages.
Overall, co-hosts support the listing owner in managing their listing, helping to ensure a positive experience for guests and a successful rental business. Co-hosting can be a great way to share the workload and achieve better results, and many hosts find that it’s a worthwhile investment in their Airbnb business.
Is there anything Airbnb Co-Hosts can’t do?
While an Airbnb co-host can take on many responsibilities, there are some things that they may not be able to do or should not be expected to do. Here are a few examples:
-
Legal and tax advice
A co-host may have some knowledge of the laws and regulations around short-term rentals in their area, but they are not legal experts. They should not be expected to provide legal advice to hosts, nor should they provide tax advice. Hosts should consult with professionals in these areas to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations. Co-hosts also won’t handle any insurance-related claims.
-
Offer unlimited availability
A co-host may have other commitments or obligations that limit their availability to assist with the listing. While they can provide support during specific times or periods, hosts should not expect them to be available around the clock.
-
Make unrealistic promises
A co-host should not make unrealistic promises to guests, such as guaranteeing a certain level of income or a particular experience. They can help improve the guest experience and optimize the listing, but they cannot guarantee specific results.
-
Manage personal tasks
A co-host may assist with tasks related to the listing and guest experience, but they should not be expected to manage personal tasks for the host. This includes tasks like grocery shopping, running errands, or pet care.
-
Provide transportation
While a co-host may provide recommendations for transportation options, they should not be expected to provide transportation for guests themselves.
In general, while a co-host can provide a wide range of support for the host and the Airbnb listing, there are limits to what they can do. Hosts should be realistic in their expectations and ensure that they are compensated fairly for their time and expertise. By working together, hosts and co-hosts can create a successful and sustainable Airbnb business.
Airbnb Co-host Fees
Co-host fees can vary depending on the Airbnb co-host agreement between the primary host and the co-host. Here are some common ways that co-hosts may be compensated:
-
Flat fee
Co-hosts may be paid a flat fee for their services, either on a per-booking basis or a monthly fee.
-
Commission-based
Co-hosts may receive a percentage of the booking fee as their compensation. This is a common arrangement when the co-host is primarily responsible for marketing and securing bookings.
-
Hourly rate
Some may charge an hourly rate for their time spent managing the listing, responding to guests, and handling any issues that arise.
-
Hybrid model
Hosts and co-hosts may agree to a combination of payment methods that reflects the co-host’s level of involvement and the services they provide.
Regardless of the payment structure, it’s important for hosts and co-hosts to agree on the terms in advance and to have a clear understanding of what the co-host’s responsibilities will be.
Hosts should also ensure that the compensation is fair and reflects the value of the co-host’s time and expertise.
Payment for co-hosting services is typically handled through Airbnb’s platform, and the host is responsible for ensuring that the co-host is paid in a timely manner.
Hosts can also leave reviews for co-hosts on the Airbnb platform, which can help other hosts make informed decisions about working with the co-host in the future.
The payment structure for co-hosting is flexible and can be tailored to meet the needs of the host and co-host. By establishing clear expectations and compensation in advance, hosts and co-hosts can work together to build a successful and sustainable Airbnb business.
Adding a Co-Host to a Listing
The account owner is the primary Host by default but may designate a Co-Host to be listed as the primary Host.
- Login to your Airbnb account
- In Hosting mode, select Listings from the top navigation bar.
- Click on your listing.
- Click on Co-hosts from the menu at the top.
- Click the Invite a friend button under Host with a friend.
- Access and permissions
All your Co-Hosts have the same limited set of permissions, and they never have access to your transaction history. If you decide you don’t want your Co-Host to have access to the above tasks, you can remove them as a Co-Host.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Airbnb co-hosting can be a great way for hosts to scale their business and improve the guest experience. By working with a co-host, hosts can delegate responsibilities, streamline operations, and provide guests with high-quality service.
To make the most of co-hosting, hosts should ensure that they find a co-host who is a good fit for their listing and who has the necessary skills and experience to manage the listing effectively. They should also establish clear expectations and compensation in advance to ensure a smooth working relationship.
While they can take on a wide range of responsibilities, there are some things that they may not be able to do or should not be expected to do. Hosts should be realistic in their expectations and ensure that they compensate them fairly for their time and expertise.
Co-hosting can be a valuable and rewarding experience for both hosts and co-hosts. By working together, they can create a successful and sustainable Airbnb business and provide guests with an exceptional travel experience.