What Does It Mean to Be an Airbnb Co-Host?
The primary difference between a host and a co-host is that a vacation rental host is often the owner of the property or a property manager contracted by the owner. The host serves as the principal person responsible for the property’s overall success. There are varying degrees of involvement and task breakdowns between the host and the co-host as needed per property.
In general, a co-host is an operational partner who may manage bookings, hire Airbnb cleaners, schedule maintenance, communicate with guests, and more. Hosts may choose to retain management of the property listing on their chosen online travel agency. However, co-hosts often take the lead on keeping the property running smoothly.
A co-host is typically brought in by a host when they start to scale and diversify their Airbnb portfolio. Similarly, hosts who wish to achieve passive income will hire a co-host, allowing for a more hands-off in running the daily operations.
How to Start Co-Hosting an Airbnb
Networking is key to starting out as a co-host with Airbnb property owners near you. Ideally, you should have experience running or managing a vacation rental or relatable hospitality experience before seeking co-host positions. First-hand knowledge of how an Airbnb operates will add significance to any conversations you have while networking.
Moreover, reach out to your contacts. If you’ve ever been a guest in one of your local vacation rentals, build a connection with the host and explore if they’d be interested in onboarding a property manager or co-host. This step can be the best way to become a co-host. The more people you know, the better chance you have of being hired as a co-host for an Airbnb.
In addition, market yourself as a co-host via a website or social media. Create compelling content that attracts hosts. Videos and posts showcasing your skills as a competent and reliable co-host are a good way to build a portfolio for yourself. If you’ve been a host before, make sure to mention that. Oftentimes hosts want to hire property managers or co-hosts who already have their hands in the Airbnb industry. They’re looking for someone who can take care of their operations without having to train them from the ground up. Making it known you’re experienced will certainly help open doors and aid you in acquiring a Airbnb co-hosting position.
How Much Do Airbnb Co-Hosts Make?
Co-hosting an Airbnb is an individualized agreement between you and the host. This is similar to your payment. As a co-host, you generally get a percentage of each booking. You could charge your host a 25% management fee, for example. However, this high rate is usually given to co-hosts who manage cleaning schedules, check-ins and outs, all guest communications, and more. How much you make as an Airbnb co-host will depend on the tasks you manage and the agreement made between you and the host.
What is the Benefit of Being a Co-Host on Airbnb?
Co-hosting an Airbnb is a great way to work in the Airbnb industry without the stress of owning a vacation rental business. Also, with the right automation set in place, your job as a co-host could become even easier. Ways to automate your properties include utilizing the skills of your property’s cleaners, smart locks, and standardized messaging.
Becoming a co-host also allows you to understand the complexities and competitiveness of your local market. If you are ever thinking about scaling your own Airbnb business, try co-hosting for a while. You will achieve an insider’s view of how other hosts in your area are running their operations. This is a good way for you to learn more about what works and what doesn’t for your Airbnb market.
4 Main Airbnb Co-Host Responsibilities
Vacation rental hosts are constantly looking for ways to make their properties run more efficiently and with less time-consuming, manual work. Becoming a co-host for an Airbnb can really help out the property owner. But, what does that mean for you as the co-host? The following are four main responsibilities co-hosts have when running an Airbnb.
Manage Listings
Managing a rental listing includes creating a listing on vacation rental platforms, setting house rules, and managing bookings. To manage bookings, co-hosts receive requests from interested guests to book the rental and then they screen the guests.
Screening guests includes asking detailed questions like how many guests will be staying at the property, whether they will have pets, and making sure guests are clear about your house rules. Providing house rules in writing is important to protect both yourself and your guest.
Check on the Property
Whether it be for checking on the property’s cleanliness, watering plants, or simply ensuring everything is in order, a co-host is often there to check in on things.
A co-host can also be responsible for creating a house manual that includes local ideas and tips. By providing guests suggestions for places to go in the area, your “locals insight” can help ensure better guest experiences. This will reflect positively in your rental reviews.
Communicate With Guests
Another great quality in an Airbnb co-host is to be quick in responding to inquiries. This shows you care about the guest as well as the possibility of the guest staying with you. Communicating with guests often occurs when the guest decides to book, during their stay, and after their departure.
It is also beneficial if you respond faster than other properties the interested guest is contacting. They will book with you first if you’re quick to respond and give them helpful, quality answers. Email and phone are both good ways to connect with guests. However, a personal phone call may make potential guests more comfortable staying at your property. This is because they have heard your voice and understand that they are booking with an actual person.
Book Airbnb Cleaners
Having a great vacation rental cleaner is a key component to a co-host’s success when operating a rental property.
Airbnb cleaners specialize in tidying up a vacation rental property during each turnover. Attempting to clean the properties you co-host will become overwhelming and tedious – especially if you are welcoming new guests every few weeks. Outsourcing vacation rental cleaning services will aid in keeping your property clean and ready for guests. Airbnb cleaners are also able to help you manage inventory, restock necessities, report maintenance issues, and more. They can be a co-host’s best resource!
Scale Your Vacation Rental Business
Airbnb co-hosts help keep everything running smoothly for a property. As a business partner with your host, you are also reliable and responsible for ensuring the guests have a great experience.
Hire an Airbnb cleaner to keep your property well-maintained. Through Turno, hosts and co-hosts can connect with professional Airbnb cleaners who are affordable, vetted, and local experts in Airbnb turnovers.
