How to Become an Airbnb Co-Host: Step-by-Step for Beginners

Looking to break into the short-term rental industry without owning a property? Becoming an Airbnb Co-Host might be the perfect opportunity. As a Co-Host, you can earn income by helping property owners manage their listings, communicate with guests, and deliver a smooth experience, all without the risk and upfront investment of buying a home.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know:

• What is an Airbnb Co-Host?
• Who can become one?
• What do Co-Hosts actually do?
• Pros and cons you should consider before diving in
• How to get started?

Whether you’re a homeowner, a Co-Host, or a property manager, Hostex can help you go even further. This AI-powered PMS automates up to 70% of your daily tasks, saving you time and effort. Plans start from just $4.90 per month.

What is an Airbnb Co-Host?

An Airbnb Co-Host is someone who helps a property owner manage their Airbnb listing and take care of guests.

Co-Hosts can be trusted individuals, like a friend, family member, or neighbor, or professionals, such as local property managers or short-term rental teams.

Their role is to assist with daily operations, including guest communication, check-ins, calendar updates, and more. With their support, hosts can reduce their workload and improve the guest experience.

Who Can Be an Airbnb Co-Host?

If you’re wondering whether you can become an Airbnb Co-Host, the answer is likely yes.

You don’t need to own a property or have years of experience; what matters most is trust, reliability, and a willingness to take on key responsibilities.

You might be a great fit if you are:

• A friend or family member helping someone manage their listing
• A neighbor who can assist with check-ins or maintenance
• An experienced Airbnb guest who understands what travelers want
• A hospitality professional or cleaner looking to expand your services
• A property manager or someone aiming to build a career in short-term rentals

What Does an Airbnb Co-Host Do?

An Airbnb Co-Host can take on a wide range of responsibilities depending on the agreement between them and the host. Common tasks include:

• Managing the listing and updating content
• Responding to guest inquiries quickly
• Accepting or declining bookings
• Keeping the calendar accurate
• Adjusting prices and setting minimum stays
• Coordinating guest check-ins and check-outs
• Offering guest support during the stay
• Restocking supplies and amenities
• Overseeing cleaning and maintenance
• Leaving reviews after guests’ stay
• Contacting Airbnb support when needed

From guest communication to property upkeep, a reliable Co-Host can handle almost everything. Tools like Hostex streamline this collaboration by organizing all tasks and communications within a single platform.

For hosts who work with multiple team members, Hostex also makes collaboration easy. You can assign roles, manage permissions, and track progress in one place using the Team Accounts feature.

How to Become an Airbnb Co-Host

If you’re ready to become an Airbnb Co-Host, it’s important to understand the basic requirements and what to expect before getting started.

1. Eligibility
To co-host on Airbnb, you must be at least 18 years old, have a government-issued ID, and verify your email address or phone number through the Airbnb platform.

2. Background Check
For safety and trust within the community, Airbnb requires Co-Hosts to pass a background check. This typically includes a criminal history review and a global watchlist screening.

3. Legal Considerations
Depending on your local laws, you may need specific licenses or permits to co-host legally. It’s also important to comply with local tax regulations, especially if you’re earning income from your co-hosting work.

Once you’re eligible, you can either partner with property owners directly or promote your services through local networks or platforms.

Additionally, in the Airbnb Winter Release 2024, they introduced the new Co-Host Market. If you’re already an Airbnb host and are interested in helping others with co-hosting, you can showcase your services by filling out an application form to join the Airbnb Co-Host Network and get discovered by hosts who need support.

Pros and Cons of Being an Airbnb Co-Host

Becoming an Airbnb Co-Host is a popular way to earn income without owning a property. However, like any job, it comes with both benefits and challenges. Let’s take a closer look:

Pros

• No Property Investment Needed
  You can start earning without buying or leasing a property.
• Flexible Work Schedule
  Many co-host tasks can be done remotely and on your own time.
• Professional Growth
  Gain hands-on experience in hospitality and property management.
• Networking Opportunities
  Connect with other hosts, service providers, and industry experts in the Airbnb community.

Cons

• Limited Decision-Making Power
  You may not have full control over pricing, policies, or guest communication.
• Repetitive Tasks
  Daily duties like responding to messages or coordinating cleanings can become routine.
• Variable Income
  Your earnings depend on your workload and agreement with the primary host.

By carefully weighing the pros and cons, you can decide whether becoming an Airbnb Co-Host matches your lifestyle and career goals.

FAQs about Airbnb Co-Host

1. 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.

2. 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.
• View 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.

3. 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:

1. Click Listings and select the listing you want to edit
2. Under Listing editor, click Your space
3. Click Co-Hosts and then click Invite a Co-Host
4. Add their country/region and phone number or email address, and click Next
5. Select the permissions that are right for this Co-Host and click Next
6. 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 co-host 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.

4. How to Make Airbnb Hosting More Efficient?

If you’re new to Airbnb and don’t have friends or family to co-host with, finding a reliable partner can be challenging.

A proven solution to this issue is using professional short-term rental management software like Hostex. It’s designed to make the Airbnb host experience far more efficient by automating many of the time-consuming daily tasks.

Whether you’re managing one property or twenty, Hostex makes hosting faster, smarter, and easier.