Co-Host
Key Takeaways
- A co-host is formally added through Airbnb's platform with customizable permissions and payout splits
- Co-host fees typically range from 10-25% of booking revenue depending on the scope of work
- Airbnb's co-host network helps property owners find vetted local co-hosts
- Co-hosting enables remote property management and scaling to multiple listings
- Co-hosts can earn Superhost status independently based on listings they help manage
How Co-Hosting Works on Airbnb
Airbnb allows listing owners to invite co-hosts directly through the platform. Once accepted, co-hosts gain access to manage the listing based on the permissions granted by the owner.
Permission Levels:
| Permission | Access |
|---|---|
| Full access | Manage all aspects: calendar, pricing, messaging, listing details |
| Calendar and messaging | Update availability and communicate with guests |
| Messaging only | Respond to guest inquiries and manage communication |
| Custom | Owner selects specific permissions |
Payout Structure:
The listing owner sets a payout split when inviting a co-host. Airbnb automatically distributes earnings according to the agreed percentage after each booking.
Why Co-Hosting Matters for STR Hosts
- Scale your portfolio: Co-hosts enable property owners to manage multiple listings across different locations without being physically present.
- Maintain quality remotely: A local co-host ensures hands-on management, maintaining high response rates, quick turnovers, and guest satisfaction.
- Share the workload: Hosting can be demanding. A co-host handles day-to-day tasks so the owner can focus on strategy, investment, or other priorities.
- Improve performance metrics: A dedicated co-host who responds quickly and manages seamlessly helps maintain Superhost and Guest Favorite eligibility.
Co-Host Fee Benchmarks
| Service Level | Typical Fee | Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|
| Communication only | 10-15% | Guest messaging, inquiry responses |
| Partial management | 15-20% | Communication + check-in/checkout + cleaning coordination |
| Full management | 20-25% | All tasks including pricing, listing optimization, maintenance |
| Premium/concierge | 25-35% | Full management + guest concierge services, restocking |
Tips for Successful Co-Hosting
- Define clear responsibilities in writing before starting the co-hosting arrangement to avoid misunderstandings
- Use Airbnb's built-in co-host feature for automatic payout splits and proper accountability tracking
- Set response time expectations -- agree on maximum response times to maintain your response rate above 90%
- Review performance regularly by checking guest reviews, response metrics, and financial reports monthly
- Start with one listing before expanding the co-hosting arrangement to additional properties
Frequently Asked Questions
Co-host fees typically range from 10% to 25% of booking revenue, depending on the level of responsibility. A co-host handling only guest communication might charge 10-15%, while a full-service co-host managing everything from pricing to cleaning coordination may charge 20-25% or more.
A co-host helps manage one or more aspects of an Airbnb listing. Common responsibilities include responding to guest inquiries, coordinating check-ins, managing cleaning schedules, handling maintenance issues, updating pricing, and optimizing the listing. The specific duties are agreed upon between the host and co-host.
To add a co-host, go to your listing in the Airbnb app or website, select Manage Listing, then Co-hosts. Enter the co-host's email or name, set their permissions and payout split, and send the invitation. The co-host must have an Airbnb account and accept the invitation to begin.