How To Become An Airbnb Co-Host

Airbnb hosts have a wide range of duties when uploading and managing a listing. They want to be successful, so they must ensure the guests are happy and satisfied after their stay. However, it can be too much for one person to handle, so they may need to call in some help. That’s when an Airbnb co-host comes in. 

Here is everything you need to know about Airbnb co-hosts and how you can become one yourself. 

What is an Airbnb co-host?

Before we go into what an Airbnb co-host is, let’s define a host. An Airbnb host is someone who owns or manages a property and lists it on the Airbnb platform to advertise to guests who want to make a booking. They are in charge of communicating with guests and organizing the bookings. They will ensure the property is kept up to scratch and that it is clean and maintained for all the people who stay on their property.

An Airbnb co-host isn’t very different from a host. They also manage the property’s listing on the platform and take on other responsibilities, like maintaining the property. The only difference is they aren’t the person who owns the property, instead, the host hires them, and they both work together to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Who can be an Airbnb co-host?

Various people can become a co-host, and it is entirely up to the Airbnb host to choose who will be helping them manage and maintain the property. Here are a few people that can become a co-host:

• A friend or family member: Hosts want someone they can trust to help manage an Airbnb property, so if they want, they can ask a close friend or family member with experience to assist with the listing.
• Employ someone: There are many property management firms and individuals who have experience in maintaining Airbnb listings. They can be discovered privately or using a recruitment website.
• Airbnb’s Host Marketplace: Airbnb has its own section on the platform where you can get in touch with someone in your neighborhood who also hosts their own properties. They will know how the system works and what to do in the area if guests ever want some recommendations.

How to become an Airbnb co-host

If you want to become an Airbnb co-host and need to know where to start, all you have to do is look at the previous section and see who can be a co-host. For example, if you have someone in your family or a close friend who owns an Airbnb property, you can offer them your services by telling them how they can benefit from you, i.e., saving time.

Another way you can become an Airbnb co-host is by advertising your services on the Airbnb platform or on a recruitment website. You will need to state your experience and set reasonable fees that match the industry standards. 
 

Airbnb co-host responsibilities

A lot of Airbnb co-host responsibilities are incredibly similar to those of a regular host. Some of the things that you will have to do as an Airbnb co-host include the following:

• Communicate with guests: Guests want to know when the property is available, what amenities you include, or something else about the listing before they make a booking. A co-host will handle all these communications, including when they are staying on the property in case any emergencies arise.
• Manage the listing: The listing is one of the most important parts of an Airbnb, and that is because it’s what attracts guests to make a booking. You need to ensure that all reservations and input into the system, keep the price and photos up to date, and mention all amenities in the description.
• Restock the property: There are many things you need to include in an Airbnb property, including basic toiletries, fresh linens, and towels. Depending on the listing, you may also have to stock the fridge and include things such as food and water for the guests.
• Maintain the property: If you have the skills, you can handle any repairs and basic home maintenance to keep the property running smoothly. This can be things such as replacing light bulbs and ensuring the garden is clean, and it could be something more complicated such as repairing a broken refrigerator.
• Write and respond to reviews: While most people look at reviews on Airbnb listings from previous guests, you can also leave reviews for the guest too, which will help other Airbnb hosts. You might also want to respond to reviews with a ‘Thank you’, or apologize and give an explanation if there was ever a problem.

What can’t a co-host do?

While co-hosts have a vast array of responsibilities, they aren’t the actual host. Therefore, there are some things they won’t be able to do:

• Cannot change the host’s payout information
• They don’t have access to taxpayer information and won’t be able to handle this aspect of the property
• Don’t have access to the host’s travel itinerary as a guest
• There is no option for them to review messages before they have been added to the listing’s account

How to add a co-host

Adding a co-host to an Airbnb listing is super easy. If you’re a host and want to add a co-host to help you manage your property, you just need to follow these basic steps:

1. Login to your Airbnb account and ensure you are in Hosting mode
2. Access your listings by selecting the section from the top navigation bar on the platform
3. Find the listing you want to add your co-host to and click on it
4. Go to the scroll-down menu at the top and click on the ‘Co-hosts’ button
5. Select the ‘Invite a friend’ button under ‘Host with a friend’
6. Invite the person you wish to co-host the property with

Final thoughts 

An Airbnb co-host is an incredible addition to any listing, and it can help make the job of the host so much easier. However, the co-host still may need a little extra help to ensure that all tasks are completed seamlessly. Property management software like Hospiria can help you handle your bookings, payments, and maintenance requests all in one place. Get in touch with a representative today to book a free trial.