The Essential Airbnb Co-Host Handbook [2025]

Ever felt like your Airbnb is running you instead of the other way around? You're not alone. 

Between those 2 a.m. messages about Wi-Fi passwords and the never-ending cycle of check-ins and laundry, hosting can sometimes feel like a full-time job when all you wanted was a side hustle.

Enter the Airbnb co-host.

Think of co-hosting as having a skilled sous chef in your rental kitchen. While you're planning the menu and handling the business side, they're chopping vegetables, plating dishes, and making sure nothing burns. It's a collaborative partnership that transforms the chaotic one-person show into a smooth, well-oiled operation.

Whether you're an STR owner drowning in guest messages or someone looking to dip your toes into the short-term rental waters without the full plunge of ownership, Airbnb co-hosting might just be the arrangement you never knew you needed.

Settle in as we unpack everything you need to know hiring a co-host to help manage your Airbnb — or becoming a co-host yourself!

What is an Airbnb co-host?

An Airbnb co-host is a designated person hired to help manage a short-term rental on behalf of the primary host. They are the behind-the-scenes partner who handles day-to-day operations while the property owner maintains ownership and final decision-making authority.

Airbnb co-hosts typically take on responsibilities like:

• Managing guest communications and inquiries
• Facilitating check-ins and check-outs
• Coordinating cleaning and maintenance
• Updating listing details and calendar availability
• Responding to reviews
• Troubleshooting guest issues

In many ways, an Airbnb co-host functions similarly to a property manager, but with some key differences in structure, formality, and compensation. The arrangement allows property owners to delegate tasks while maintaining a connection to and control over their business.

Co-host vs. property manager: What’s the difference?

While both roles help property owners manage their short-term rentals, several distinctions set them apart:

• Relationship: Co-hosts often have a more personal relationship with the property owner and might be friends, family, or neighbors. Property managers typically maintain a more formal business relationship.
• Platform integration: Co-hosts are directly integrated into the Airbnb platform with specific permissions and access levels granted by the primary host. Property managers might use separate management software that connects to multiple platforms.
• Compensation model: Co-hosts usually receive a percentage of booking revenue (typically 10-25%) directly through Airbnb's payment system. Property managers often charge fixed fees or higher percentages (20-50%) and may require a more formal contract.
• Exclusivity: Co-hosts can be more flexible, sometimes managing just one property as a side gig. Property management companies typically operate at larger scales with standardized processes across multiple properties.
• Service scope: Property managers often provide more comprehensive services, including marketing across multiple platforms, tax preparation, and legal compliance. Co-hosts typically stick to core operational tasks.

The line between these roles sometimes blurs, especially with professional co-hosts who manage multiple properties, but these distinctions generally hold true across the industry.

How does a co-host work on Airbnb?

Establishing a co-host on Airbnb is surprisingly straightforward. The platform has built-in tools specifically designed to facilitate a co-hosting partnership, which makes the process easier than trying to share login credentials.

Here's how the co-hosting arrangement typically works:

1. The primary host sends an official invitation through the Airbnb platform
2. The co-host accepts the invitation and gains access to the listing(s)
3. Both parties agree on responsibilities and compensation percentages
4. The co-host begins managing assigned aspects of the listing
5. Payments are automatically split according to the agreed percentage

What makes this system particularly elegant is how it maintains appropriate boundaries. For example, your co-host can't change your payout information or delete your listing entirely. It’s like giving someone the keys to your car but keeping the title safely in your name.

Airbnb also tracks which person handles each task, creating a clear activity log. This helps prevent miscommunications and ensures accountability for both parties.

Should I hire a co-host?

Deciding whether to bring on a co-host is like choosing between cooking every meal yourself or occasionally ordering takeout — it comes down to your time, skills, and priorities. 

Hiring a co-host tends to make the most sense for hosts who:

• Own multiple properties
• Have a listing in a different location from where they live
• Balance hosting with a demanding full-time job or personal responsibilities
• Value flexibility and time freedom
• Want expert support to optimize their listing and expand their STR business

For hands-on hosts who enjoy the daily interactions with guests and have just one property, the cost of co-hosting might outweigh the benefits.

Regardless, let's break down the pros and cons to help you decide if Airbnb co-hosting is right for you.

Pros of hiring a co-host:

1. Time savings: The most obvious benefit is reclaiming your schedule. No more canceling dinner plans because a guest can't find the lockbox — that’s your co-hosts job now!
2. Local presence: If you don’t live close to your listing, having someone physically nearby is invaluable for handling emergencies or greeting guests.
3. Specialized expertise: A professional co-host might have insights about pricing strategies or local regulations that you lack.
4. A better guest experience: Quick responses and professional management typically lead to higher ratings and reviews.
5. Peace of mind: Knowing someone competent is handling day-to-day operations reduces stress, especially during high season.
6. Scalability: Once you have help managing your existing property, you might have bandwidth to expand your portfolio.

Cons of hiring a co-host:

1. Reduced profit margin: The commission you pay your Airbnb co-host directly decreases your bottom line.
2. Less control: Someone else may not maintain your exact standards or approach to guest relations.
3. Communication challenges: Adding another person to the mix requires clear operating procedures to prevent details from falling through the cracks.
4. Trust considerations: You're entrusting your property and reputation to someone else — that’s a serious trust fall!
5. Learning curve: It takes time to build an effective working relationship and align on expectations, and things might be a bit bumpy at first.

Who should I hire as a co-host?

When considering a co-host, you have three main options, each with distinct advantages:

Someone you know personally

Plenty of STR hosts start by recruiting a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor. 

The obvious benefit of choosing someone you know? Established trust. 

Your neighbor who already has a spare key might be the perfect person to handle guest check-ins or emergency situations. A friend with excellent communication skills could manage your messaging. The personal connection creates built-in accountability — though clear boundaries become even more important in these relationships.

A professional co-host

If you’re seeking more comprehensive support, professional short-term rental co-hosts offer the right level of experience and skill. These folks specialize in Airbnb co-hosting and bring valuable expertise in guest communication, STR turnovers, and restocking. They may even have experience with pricing strategy and analyzing market trends. 

A professional co-host might cost you more than hiring a friend or neighbor, but they’ll probably provide more comprehensive services in return.

Where to hire a co-host

The Airbnb Co-Host Network — managed by Airbnb itself — is a platform where hosts can connect with prospective co-hosts in their area. This official “marketplace” helps match you with prescreened co-hosts who have the right skills and availability for your needs. 

Alternatively, you can explore other avenues like:

• Local property management companies that offer co-hosting services as part of their portfolio
• Facebook groups dedicated to Airbnb hosting in your area
• Networking events for short-term rental owners
• Referrals from other hosts in your community
• Vacation rental forums like the Airbnb Community Center
• Freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr 

When interviewing potential co-hosts, look for someone who understands your local market, demonstrates strong communication skills, and shares your vision for guest experience. 

Best practices for working with a co-host

If you decide to partner with a co-host, these strategies will help set you up for success:

Before bringing them on:

1. Document your standards: Create a manual that captures every detail of how you want things done, from check-in procedures to which cleaning products to use.
2. Establish boundaries: Clarify which decisions the co-host can make independently and which require your approval.
3. Create communication protocols: Determine how you'll stay in touch. Will you text each other or call? Weekly email updates? A shared management tool?
4. Set measurable expectations: Define what success looks like with specific metrics (response time, cleanliness scores, etc.).
5. Draft a co-host agreement: Put everything in writing, including compensation, termination terms, and liability issues.

Working together efficiently:

1. Use collaborative tools: Shared calendars, task management apps, and property management software can reduce miscommunication.
2. Schedule regular check-ins: A quick weekly call can prevent small issues from becoming big problems.
3. Start with a trial period: Begin with a 30-60 day arrangement before committing long-term.
4. Share guest feedback: Reviews and direct comments provide valuable insights for ongoing improvement.
5. Build in performance incentives: Consider bonus structures for exceptional outcomes like consistent 5-star ratings.

How to become a co-host on Airbnb

So maybe you’re not looking to hire a co-host — you want to become a co-host yourself.

Whether you're an existing host who wants to expand beyond your own properties or someone eager to break into the vacation rental industry without the hefty upfront investment, co-hosting offers an accessible entry point with serious potential for growth.

Co-hosting is like an apprenticeship of the short-term rental industry: You get hands-on experience and income while building valuable skills and connections. For established hosts, it's a natural extension of expertise you've already developed. For newcomers, it gives you a real taste of what it’s like to manage an Airbnb.

If you're ready to dive in, here's your roadmap to becoming a successful Airbnb co-host:

• Create or optimize your Airbnb profile. 
  • Begin by ensuring your own Airbnb profile shines. Add a professional photo, a thoughtful bio that highlights your relevant skills, and verify your identity. Even if you've never hosted before, a complete profile builds credibility.
• Soak up plenty of relevant knowledge and skills.
  • Familiarize yourself with the Airbnb platform, read up on hosting best practices, and learn about local regulations. 
• Define your service offerings. 
  • Determine exactly which services you'll provide and at what price point. Will you offer full-service management or specialize in specific aspects like guest communication or turnover management?
• Establish your service area.
  • A lot of co-hosting tasks require you to be physically present on-site. Define a geographic radius that allows you to respond quickly to in-person needs.
• Create a co-host agreement template.
  • Establish a professional agreement outlining your services, compensation structure, communication protocols, and terms for ending the relationship if needed.
• Start with a trial arrangement.
  • Propose a 30-day trial period with your first few clients to demonstrate your value before committing to a longer-term arrangement.
• Build systems for efficiency.
  • Create templates for guest communications, cleaning checklists, and reporting to property owners. The more systematized your approach, the more properties you can manage.

Skills and requirements of great Airbnb co-hosts

• Strong communication: The ability to respond promptly and professionally to guests, property owners, and service providers is perhaps the most vital skill.
• Problem-solving abilities: From lockouts to power outages, you'll need to handle unexpected situations with calm efficiency.
• Attention to detail: Noticing the small things — from a burned-out lightbulb to a stained towel — prevents negative reviews.
• Local knowledge: Understanding neighborhood amenities, transportation options, and hidden gems helps enhance the guest experience.
• Tech savvy: Comfort with property management software, smart home systems, and digital communication tools streamlines operations.
• Time management: Juggling multiple properties requires exceptional organizational skills and the ability to prioritize efficiently.
• Basic maintenance skills: While you'll likely hire professionals for major issues, handling minor fixes yourself saves time and money.
• Financial literacy: Understanding pricing strategy, occupancy rates, and profit margins helps you maximize returns for property owners.
• Discretion and trustworthiness: You'll have access to properties and sensitive information, requiring impeccable ethics.

Is being an Airbnb co-host worth it?

Airbnb co-hosting is worth it for folks who have strong organizational skills, who work well under pressure, and who are excited by the short-term rental industry. It provides flexible, location-based income without property ownership, plus invaluable experience in hospitality and property management. Most co-hosts start part-time while maintaining other jobs, then scale up as their portfolio grows.

Do I need a license to be an Airbnb co-host?

Licensing requirements for Airbnb co-hosts vary significantly by location. While Airbnb itself doesn't require co-hosts to have specific licenses, local regulations might apply depending on:

• The scope of services you provide
• Whether you're operating as an individual or business entity
• Local short-term rental regulations
• Real estate laws in your jurisdiction

In some areas, activities like collecting rent or showing properties might be considered real estate activities requiring licensure. Other regions may require business licenses for any type of property management service.

To stay compliant, we recommend that you:

1. Research local short-term rental regulations
2. Consult with a real estate attorney familiar with your specific market
3. Check with your local business licensing department

How much does a co-host make on Airbnb?

Co-host compensation typically follows one of two models: percentage-based or flat-fee arrangements.

Percentage-based compensation is most common, with co-hosts earning anywhere from 10% to 25% of booking revenue. 

The percentage varies based on:

• Scope of responsibilities
• Local market rates
• Property performance
• Experience level
• Seasonality and booking volume

For perspective, a property generating $36,000 annually might pay a co-host $3,600-$9,000 per year, depending on the agreed percentage and services provided.

Flat-fee arrangements are less common but provide more predictable income. These might range from $100-$2,000 per month per property, again depending on service level and market.

Make managing your STR easier with Minoan

Seeking a co-host for your short-term rental is a clear sign that you’ve got your hands full. If you’re looking for ways to simplify your day-to-day, join Minoan.

Minoan is a no-cost platform for STR hosts and owners to save up to 60% on furnishings and make their properties shoppable. Minoan has everything you need to furnish and restock your property while saving big on the brands your guests love.

Learn more about Minoan and join free today!