Airbnb Co-Host: A Complete Guide to a Successful Venture

Last updated: April 2024

Even with the help of Airbnb management software, hosting is filled with endless tasks and unexpected challenges.

From late-night guest requests to last-minute maintenance issues, the demands can quickly turn from exciting to overwhelming if you’re not careful about how you set up and manage your processes.

While there are tools to help you do just that, you can also transform your hosting journey from overwhelming to manageable by sharing your responsibilities with a co-host.

Whether it’s a trusted friend or a seasoned Airbnb professional, adding a co-host to your Airbnb listing can help make work (and life) much easier. Here’s how.

What is an Airbnb co-host?

An Airbnb co-host is essentially a right-hand person in the world of Airbnb rentals, acting as an extension of the primary host.

They share the responsibilities of managing the listing, from communicating with guests to handling check-ins and check-outs and sometimes even tackling maintenance and cleaning tasks.

Co-hosts can be anyone the host trusts—be it a friend, family member, neighbor, or professional explicitly hired for the role.

This collaborative approach helps you divide the workload but also helps enhance the guest experience through attentive care and efficient management, making it a win-win for both hosts and guests alike.

Airbnb co-host responsibilities

A co-host can be very hands-on when running your vacation rental or act as an aide when needed. It’s up to the primary host and owner what permissions and duties the co-host has.

Some ways that co-hosts can help include:

• Creating and managing a listing
• Updating the calendar and pricing
• Managing reservations
• Communicating with guests
• Setting up the rental
• Welcoming guests during check-in
• Helping guests during a stay
• Writing guest reviews
• Cleaning and maintenance work
• Getting support from Airbnb
• Solving Resolution Center requests
• Reviewing transactions

It’s important to note that co-hosts don’t have permission to access anything that has to do with the owner’s private affairs, such as the listing owner’s payout, taxpayer information, or activity when traveling as a guest.

Of course, these responsibilities are completely optional, and the owner and co-host should decide what is expected of them when helping out. Some owners will want more help than others, so it depends on your needs as a vacation rental owner.

The benefits of having an Airbnb co-host

If you’re feeling exhausted by any of the responsibilities listed above, adding a co-host to your Airbnb listing can transform how you manage your rental property. Here are three key advantages highlighting the value of having a co-host by your side.

Increased flexibility and time management

One of the most obvious yet significant benefits of having a co-host is the flexibility it affords you. With someone to share the workload, you can reduce the stress of being on-call 24/7.

This division of labor is great for work-life balance, sure, but it can also provide you with the time and space needed to expand your Airbnb business.

Enhanced guest experience

A co-host often means that guests receive faster responses and more personalized attention during their stay.

With two sets of hands (or more) to handle inquiries, maintenance issues, and check-ins, guests can enjoy a smoother, more enjoyable experience. This heightened level of service can lead to better reviews, higher ratings, and, ultimately, more bookings.

Expertise and local insights

Co-hosts bring their own set of skills and knowledge to the table, which can be particularly beneficial if they have expertise in areas you don’t like: marketing, interior design, or local tourism.

Additionally, if your co-host is based near your property (especially if you’re managing your Airbnb remotely), they can offer guests unique local insights and recommendations that enhance the overall stay.

How to find an Airbnb co-host

As mentioned, you can add anyone as a co-host to your listing. However, to ensure you can effectively share responsibilities while still offering a seamless guest experience, it’s best to work with someone with experience in hosting or property management.

If you don’t know anybody personally, looking for available Airbnb co-hosts online (as long as you’re hosting in France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Italy, Germany, or the United States) is possible.

Here’s how to start your search for the perfect co-host:

• Go to Listings and select the property you’re looking to add a co-host to
• In the Listing Editor, head over to Your Space
• Click on Co-Hosts, then choose the option to Invite a friend or find someone to help you host
• Select Find Someone To Help to browse available experienced co-hosts in your area
• Take your time to review your options, and once you’ve found a potential match, click Contact
• Hit Connect, where you’ll be prompted to write a brief description of what you’re looking for in a co-hosting partnership
• Finally, click Send to reach out

You can invite up to ten co-hosts per listing, giving you plenty of options to find the right fit.

How to add a co-host on Airbnb

Adding a co-host to your Airbnb listing is a straightforward process you can do whether you’re using the mobile app or accessing Airbnb via a regular web browser.

Here’s how to invite someone to become an Airbnb co-host.

On a desktop or mobile browser, you’ll go to your listings and choose the property you want to edit. Select your ‘space,’ and click on Co-Hosts to invite a new co-host.

You’ll be prompted to enter the co-host’s country/region and their contact information, such as their phone number or email.

Once you click next, you can choose the appropriate permissions for your co-host. Finally, review the details and finalize it by clicking send!

On the iOS or Android app, the steps are similar. You’ll tap on your profile and ensure you’re in Hosting mode. Go to your listings and select the property you’re editing.

Choose your space, select Co-Hosts, and invite a co-host. You’ll have to enter the same information as above, like their phone or email. Finish by setting permissions and sending the invitation.

It’s that simple!

Airbnb co-host agreement

Regardless of who you choose as your co-host, Airbnb will require them to agree to its Terms of Service policy. While that’s somewhat of a safeguard, we highly recommend drafting a dedicated co-host agreement.

A tailored co-host agreement outlines the precise roles, responsibilities, and expectations for both parties, ensuring everyone is on the same page from the start.

It clearly defines financial arrangements, such as how and when the co-host will be compensated, whether through a percentage of earnings, a fixed fee, or another method. This clarity helps prevent misunderstandings and disagreements.

While you should personalize this document as much as possible, you don’t have to start from scratch. Use our free co-host agreement template as a base to get you started.

Airbnb co-host fee

Airbnb doesn’t set a fee for co-hosts. Instead, you must agree on a fee with your co-host(s) and put that in your co-host agreement.

These fees vary depending on the co-host duties, the property’s size, and its location. Typically, co-hosts might charge between 10-20% of the nightly rate for basic responsibilities, excluding cleaning.

However, if their role includes comprehensive management tasks such as handling check-ins, guest experiences, and cleaning, fees could increase to around 25%.

Alternatively, some co-hosts prefer a flat monthly fee agreed upon by both parties, with potential additional charges for cleaning services.

How to make Airbnb co-hosting more efficient

Whether managing one Airbnb or several, efficiency is key—especially when sharing the workload with a co-host. Here are a few actionable tips to make Airbnb co-hosting not just manageable but a seamless and rewarding aspect of your Airbnb business.

Learn more about how Airbnb works

If you’re new to the platform, knowing your way around Airbnb can make a huge difference in how you manage your listings and interact with guests.

While it’s not rocket science, it is about more than just uploading a listing. You need to learn how to use the platform’s features to your advantage. From setting up your listing with eye-catching photos from the right angles and learning how to write appealing descriptions to understanding how payments work, every bit of knowledge helps.

You can play around with the platform or watch YouTube videos online, but one of the easiest ways to get up to speed is to take a free course specifically designed for Airbnb business owners. Our How To Create And Run A Successful Airbnb Business course, for example, is full of hours of on-demand learning.

Decide on a business structure

Now that you know a bit about running a successful Airbnb business, it’s time to think about the legal stuff (boring, yes, but necessary).

Deciding on the right business structure shapes everything from your tax obligations to how much paperwork you’ll be dealing with on a regular basis. While you don’t necessarily need an LLC to work with an Airbnb co-host, there are compelling reasons to consider one.

An LLC, or Limited Liability Company, can offer a layer of protection between your personal assets and your business dealings. This means if your Airbnb business runs into trouble, your personal savings, house, and other assets are more secure.

Tax-wise, an LLC offers flexibility. You can choose to be taxed as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation, potentially leading to tax benefits.

On the other hand, operating as a sole proprietor—a freelancer without any formal business structure—is the simplest way to get started. There’s less paperwork, and you can still deduct business expenses when tax time rolls around. However, it doesn’t provide the personal asset protection an LLC does, which could be important when working with multiple partners.

Do your research and base your decision on your specific needs, future business goals, and, possibly, a consultation with a legal or tax professional.

Build relationships with local tourist boards and companies

Next, it’s time to spread the word about your business and start making connections. Building strong relationships with local tourist boards and companies is a great way to tap into local resources.

These partnerships can open doors to insider information, promotional opportunities, and even special deals that you wouldn’t have access to otherwise. The goal is to get your listing(s) on the radar of those who know the area best and can recommend your place to travelers looking for an authentic experience.

Plus, collaborating with local businesses can enhance your guests’ stays by offering them unique local experiences, discounts, or packages. It’s a win-win—your business gets a boost, and your guests get a memorable stay.

Use vacation rental management software

The best way to improve your processes when working with a co-host is to use vacation rental management software designed to share your account with multiple users and create different logins. This makes it much easier to add your co-host to your account to share responsibilities, assign tasks, and more.

Here are a few ways the right software can elevate your Airbnb co-hosting experience:

• Centralize your operations: Manage multiple accounts and listings across leading OTAs, including Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, and more, from a single interface.
• Easily sync reservations: Use a channel manager to synchronize bookings from various platforms to prevent double bookings, a common headache for hosts managing high-demand properties.
• Unified communication: Streamline your messaging by organizing all correspondence into one unified inbox—that both you and your co-host can access. Improve interaction through automated messaging templates and triggered communications, ensuring timely and relevant responses to guests.
• Streamline cleaning and maintenance: Use task management tools to efficiently coordinate cleaning tasks with your co-host or cleaning team, with tracking from assignment to completion.
• Insightful reporting: Generate essential reports on your business performance within minutes, allowing for data-driven decision-making.

Improve your tech skills

Boosting your tech skills, especially in areas like photography and SEO, and leveraging AI tools can significantly enhance your and your co-host’s efficiency and creative output.

There are plenty of online courses or even YouTube videos that can provide a solid foundation for most modern tech skills. However, if you’re pressed for time or prefer expert input, outsourcing that work to specialists is a smart move.

Build a network of suppliers

For hosts and co-hosts, this means creating strong partnerships with local cleaners, locksmiths, and other essential service providers. These relationships are your frontline defense in ensuring your rental always presents its best face.

For example, with trusted cleaners on hand, you can guarantee your space is spotless for each new arrival. A reliable locksmith on speed dial ensures you’re prepared for the unexpected—like a guest losing their keys.

Learn when (and how) to “break up” with your co-host

You never enter a working relationship expecting it to end, but sometimes they do, and when that happens, you want to know how to navigate a “break up” professionally.

First of all, how do you know when it’s time to part ways? If you notice consistent miscommunication, differing visions, or a decline in guest satisfaction, it might be time to reassess the partnership.

Always approach the situation with professionalism and empathy. Schedule a meeting to discuss the issues openly and honestly, focusing on specific instances rather than general dissatisfaction or personal problems.

If the decision to part ways is mutual, outline the next steps, including redistributing responsibilities and updating any shared digital platforms or documents. It’s also wise to consult your co-host agreement for any clauses regarding the dissolution of the partnership.

Start co-hosting efficiently

Working with an Airbnb co-host makes it easier for you to offer guests unparalleled service while alleviating much of the day-to-day operational stress that comes with managing a vacation rental business.

However, the key to a harmonious and productive relationship lies in selecting the right co-host and the right tools. Whether you find a co-host using Airbnb’s online search tool or work with a trusted friend, ensure you have the right tools to help you collaborate together and that you’ve got a great Airbnb co-host contract in place.

Ready to start working with an Airbnb co-host? Download our comprehensive co-host agreement template.

Disclaimer: Lodgify is an Airbnb Preferred Software Partner. This guide, including any claims or statements within, is solely from Lodgify and is not endorsed by, directly affiliated with, authorized, or sponsored by Airbnb in any way.