Managing multiple Airbnb listings can be a daunting task, especially if you list your properties on various OTA platforms, the workload can multiply. From juggling calendars to handling inquiries and welcoming guests, the workload can quickly become overwhelming. We have previously written numerous articles discussing how to simplify work using automation tools. However, you have another option: Airbnb Co-Host. By enlisting the help of Co-Hosts, you can lighten the load and take your rental business to new heights.
What is an Airbnb Co-Host?
Co-hosts help listing owners take care of their homes and guests.
They can be trusted friends, a family member, neighbor, partners, or even professional teams. They play a vital role in handling tasks such as managing your listing, responding to inquiries, and welcoming booked guests. With their support, you can focus on other important aspects of your business.
Who Can Be an Airbnb Co-Host?
When it comes to choosing Co-Hosts for your Airbnb property, you have a few options:
- People You Know: Ideally, having family, friends, or neighbors assist you provides more security as you don’t need additional trust verification.
- Hiring a Property Manager: Employing a property manager or company as your Airbnb co-host can be highly beneficial. They usually possess more expertise and experience.
- Airbnb Host Marketplace: Airbnb’s community offers options for local property managers. Collaborating with them can leverage their system familiarity and their ability to manage your listings efficiently.
To streamline the process, platforms like Hostex offer a Team feature, allowing you to assign roles and provide necessary access to your team members.
What does an Airbnb Co-Host Do?
Co-hosts offer invaluable support in managing your Airbnb listing. By assigning permissions and responsibilities, you can delegate tasks to your Co-Hosts.
Here are some key responsibilities a Co-Host can handle:
- Listing management
- Promptly responding to inquiries
- Managing bookings
- Updating calendar availability
- Adjusting pricing strategies
- Guests check-ins
- Providing exceptional guest services
- Restocking essentials
- Property maintenance and cleaning
- Crafting thoughtful reviews
- Contacting Airbnb support
From start to finish, Co-Hosts can handle almost every aspect of managing an Airbnb listing, freeing up your time and energy. Platforms like Hostex offer seamless organization and task management, bringing all your team’s efforts onto one convenient platform.
How to Become an Airbnb Co-Host
We’ve discussed how to earn money on Airbnb without owning property. One of the best and most popular options is becoming an Airbnb Co-Host or property manager. However, before diving in, it’s essential to understand Airbnb’s requirements and guidelines.
- Eligibility: To become an Airbnb Co-Host, you must be at least 18 years old and have a government-issued ID. You must also have a verified email address or phone number.
- Background Check: For safety, Airbnb requires all Co-Hosts to undergo a background check, including a criminal background check and a global watchlist scan.
- Legal Considerations: Depending on your location, you may need certain licenses or permits and must comply with local tax laws when co-hosting on Airbnb.
How to Add a Co-Host on Airbnb
Previously, Airbnb offered a Co-Host marketplace. Now, you can only add a Co-Host through an invitation.
You can add multiple Co-Hosts to each listing by:
- Click Listings and select the listing you want to edit
- Under Listing editor, click Your space
- Click Co-Hosts and then click Invite a Co-Host
- Add their country/region and phone number or email address and click Next
- Select the permissions that are right for this Co-Host and click Next
- Review and click Send
Once you’ve sent the invitation, you’ll need to set the permissions for your Co-Host. Airbnb offers different levels of access, allowing you to tailor their responsibilities to your needs.
These include:
- Full Access: This grants your Co-Host the ability to manage your calendar, listing, Co-Host permissions, guest messages, and view payouts and transactions.
- Calendar and Inbox Access: With this permission, your Co-Host can manage your calendar and respond to guest messages.
- Calendar Access: This level of access allows your Co-Host to view the calendar and obtain check-in and check-out information.
Remember that your Co-Host must have their own Airbnb account and meet the platform’s quality requirements to be added successfully.
FAQs about Airbnb Co-Host
Pros and Cons of Being an Airbnb Co-Host
Like any venture, there are pros and cons to consider when becoming an Airbnb Co-Host. Here’s a breakdown:
Pros:
- No need to invest in purchasing property, making it an accessible option for those without the means to buy real estate.
- Flexibility in terms of work schedule, allowing you to manage your hosting duties alongside other commitments.
- The Airbnb community offers numerous opportunities for networking and collaboration, allowing you to expand your connections and learn from experienced hosts.
- Managing Airbnb property as a Co-Host provides valuable experience in the hospitality and property management industry.
Cons:
- As a Co-Host, you may have limited control and decision-making power, as the primary host is ultimately responsible for the property.
- Some tasks as a Co-Host can become repetitive and monotonous, such as handling guest inquiries and managing bookings.
- Income may fluctuate based on the workload and the specific tasks assigned to you as a Co-Host.
By weighing these pros and cons, you can determine if becoming an Airbnb Co-Host aligns with your goals and expectations. Remember to consider your skills, availability, and personal preferences before embarking on this venture.
How Much Can You Earn as an Airbnb Co-Host?
One of the burning questions that potential Airbnb Co-Hosts often have is, “How much can I earn?” Well, the answer depends on several factors, including the specific duties, workload, and local wage standards.
- Without Cleaning Services: Co-Hosts charge 10%-20% of the nightly rate.
- Full Management Including Cleaning: The average charge is 20%-30% of the nightly rate, plus cleaning fees.
- Fixed Monthly Fees: Some property managers charge a flat monthly fee.
It’s important to note that your potential earnings as a Co-Host are directly tied to the tasks you undertake. The more responsibilities you handle, the greater your earning potential.
What Airbnb Co-Hosts Cannot Do?
While Co-Hosts play a crucial role in managing Airbnb listings, there are certain limitations to their access and abilities.
- Change Payment Information: Co-hosts do not have the authority to modify the host’s payment information. This ensures the security and integrity of the host’s financial details.
- Access Tax Information: Tax information is confidential and is only accessible by the primary host. Co-hosts are not privy to this sensitive information.
- View Host’s Travel Itinerary: The primary host’s travel plans are private and are not visible to Co-Hosts. This protects the host’s privacy and ensures a seamless guest experience.
- VIiew Messages Before Being Added as a Co-Host: Co-Hosts do not have access to messages exchanged between the primary host and guests before being added as a Co-Host. This safeguard ensures that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive communication.
How to Make Airbnb Co-Hosting More Efficient?
If you’re new to Airbnb and don’t have family or friends to assist you, finding a co-host on the Airbnb platform can be challenging, as Airbnb no longer offers a co-host marketplace. However, there is a widely recognized alternative that can make your co-hosting experience much more efficient – using the exclusive short-term rental management software, Hostex.
Hostex provides a range of fantastic automated management features that can save you a significant amount of time each day, allowing you to handle more tasks simultaneously.
If you are a property owner looking to delegate some of your tasks, you no longer need your assistant to create a separate co-host Airbnb account. Instead, you can create an administrator role directly on Hostex and assign the necessary management permissions to your assistant. This eliminates the need for additional accounts and simplifies the management process.
In summary, becoming an Airbnb Co-Host can be a rewarding and profitable endeavor for individuals without property. Your role is to assist others in managing short-term rentals effectively.
For property owners looking to delegate responsibilities, adding Co-Hosts, assigning appropriate permissions and responsibilities, and utilizing automation tools like Hostex can significantly improve property management efficiency and lead to a thriving business.
Good job!