An Airbnb co-host is someone who helps the primary host manage ‘hosting’ responsibilities.
A co-host can be a single person or a team to help manage listings, handle guest interactions, keep properties ready for guests, coordinate check-ins and check-outs, and do much more.
The primary host (the listing owner) can invite co-hosts to their listing and grant them specific permissions. They can only manage certain aspects for which they have the permission.
In other words, a co-host is like ‘extra’ help for a primary host to manage Airbnb.
But who can be a co host? How old should they be? What kind of hosting tasks can they handle? What should you add to the co-hosting agreement? Read on to learn all this!
What Does an Airbnb Co-Host Do?
The specific breakdown of what the co-host handles depends on which responsibilities are assigned to them by the primary host.
That said, here are some of the most common co-host responsibilities:
- Manage Listings
- Manage the Calendar
- Communicate With Guests
- Handle Bookings
- Coordinate Cleaning and Turnover
- Keep the Space Guest-Ready
- Simplify Check-In and Check-Out
- Write Reviews
- Get Support from Airbnb
1. Manage Listings
A co-host creates, updates, or improves a listing. They write a good description, set prices, upload quality photos, and make sure all amenities are correctly listed.
A co-host also edits the listing anytime if there are updates—like adding new furniture, changing house rules, or adjusting descriptions.
2. Manage the Calendar
A well-managed calendar ensures a rental stays booked and organized.
The co-host blocks off dates when the property isn’t available, sets different prices for peak and off-peak seasons, and makes sure there is enough time between bookings for cleaning.
They also keep an eye on bookings to avoid double reservations.
3. Communicate With Guests
Communication with the guests is one of the key tasks in Airbnb hosting. But it is also one that takes up most of the host’s time.
The solution? Hire a co-host to take care of this aspect. Guests often have questions before, during, and after their stay, and the co-host can answer them.
A co-host answers inquiries about pricing, availability, house rules, and local attractions when a guest is trying to find and book a place.
During a guest’s stay, they provide help when needed. For example, they can explain how the heating works, suggest nearby restaurants, and do much more.
After guests leave, they can also send a thank-you message for their stay and request a review.
4. Handle Bookings
Once a booking is confirmed, a co-host can take over the process.
They send a confirmation message, welcome notes, share check-in details (like the door code), explain house rules, and do much more.
When a guest receives all the necessary information before they actually arrive, the check-in process becomes comfortable for them.
5. Coordinate Cleaning and Turnover
After guests leave, the place needs to be cleaned and restocked.
A co-host makes sure the cleaning is done properly and on time. They can either do it themselves, with a team, or hire a dedicated cleaner.
They also check that basic items like toilet paper, soap, clean towels, and coffee are ready for the next guest. They ensure that the place is fresh and guest-ready again.
6. Keep the Space Guest-Ready
Emergencies can happen when a guest stays at a property. Right?
The co-host takes action if anything breaks or needs emergency maintenance. They help fix electrical problems, report plumbing issues, or schedule repairs with service providers.
They also keep track of appliances to ensure everything is working properly.
7. Simplify Check-In and Check-Out
Some listings have self-check-in, while others require a personal greeting.
A co-host can meet guests when they arrive or guide them through the self-check-in process. In-person meetings are not possible for co-hosts you hired virtually.
When guests leave, they check that all procedures are followed, such as locking doors and turning off appliances.
8. Write Reviews
A strong reputation is built around reviews, and this especially applies to Airbnb.
A co-host writes reviews about guests based on their stay. When they write good things about them, they submit their reviews about their stay. This helps listings rank better on Airbnb.
If a guest leaves negative feedback, they communicate professionally and resolve any concerns.
9. Get Support from Airbnb
If any problems arise—like cancellations, payment issues, or disputes—a co-host can contact Airbnb support for help. They work with the platform to resolve problems, ensure guest satisfaction, and protect the listing.
Who Can Be an Airbnb Co-Host?
An Airbnb co-host can be anyone a primary host can trust to handle hosting responsibilities—a friend, family member, neighbor, or a hired professional.
If you want to get maximum income from your Airbnb short-term rental venture, it is best to hire a dedicated co-hosting team with relevant experience.
However, a family member, friend, or neighbor is best if you want them to welcome guests in person during the check-in process and handle emergencies.
The rule of thumb is to have someone on your side who has relevant expertise, is organized, and is good at communicating with guests.
How to Add a New Co Host on Airbnb?
Follow these simple steps to add a new cost on Airbnb:
Log in to your account.
Click ‘Listings’ and select the specific listing you want to add a co-host to.
Click ‘Your space’ under the Listing editor.
Click Co-hosts > Invite a co-host.
Enter the co-host’s information, such as their region/country, phone number or email address.
Click ‘Next’ once you fill in all the necessary information.
Choose the appropriate permissions for the co-host, such as full access, calendar and inbox access, or calendar access only, and click ‘Next’.
Add an optional note and click ‘Next’.
Review the details and click ‘Send’ to finalize the invitation.
Once the primary co-host completes this process, an invitation is sent to the co-host.
All the co-hosting person needs to do is submit ID verification to prove their identity is accurate. This applies only if they haven’t already been verified by Airbnb.
What Is This ‘Co-host Permissions’ Thing On Airbnb?
Co-host permissions are settings that allow listing owners to control what a co-host can access and manage on a specific Airbnb listing.
There are three kinds of co-host permissions you can assign:
a. Full Access
This is the most powerful permission level. Co-hosts who have full access can:
- Message guests and edit the calendar
- Manage listings (pricing, photos, descriptions, etc.)
- Handle reservations (accept/decline requests, cancellations)
- Deal with guest issues and damage claims via the Resolution Center
- View the earnings dashboard and payouts
- Assign themselves or another co-host as the Primary Host
- Add or manage other co-hosts (except for assigning full-access ones)
However, even with full access, co-hosts can’t set up or edit payout methods or tax info. They can’t also change another co-host’s payout details. Only the listing owner has control over those.
Best for: Trusted partners or property managers who handle everything.
b. Calendar and Messaging Access
These co-hosts have limited powers. They can:
- Message with guests
- View the calendar, but can’t edit it
Best for: People helping with guest communication, like check-in coordinators.
c. Calendar Access Only
This is the most basic level. Co-hosts can:
- View the calendar (see check-in/check-out dates)
- Message with the host and other co-hosts
They cannot message guests or manage bookings.
Best for: Helpers who just need to know when guests are coming and going.
How Old Co-Host Must Be to Work on Airbnb?
The same age requirements apply to a co host as to a regular host—be at least 18 years old.
Airbnb has this age rule because people under 18 cannot legally agree to contracts in most places. When you are a host or co-host on Airbnb, you agree to terms, handle bookings, and possibly manage money—so being an adult is important.
How Can Hosts Pay Airbnb Co-hosts?
Airbnb hosts most commonly use these methods to pay co-hosts:
- Fixed fee per task or booking
- Percentage of the booking income (typically 10% to 30%)
- Percentage of the nightly rate
Hosts can use Airbnb’s “routing rules” to automatically split payments. This means the co-host gets paid directly through Airbnb.
Alternatively, hosts can pay the co-host outside of Airbnb via bank transfer, PayPal, or even cash, if they agree on it. It all depends upon what both parties are comfortable with.
What Should You Include in Co Host Agreement?
A co-host agreement should clearly mention these key details to ensure both the host and co-host are clear on their roles:
- Who owns the property, who is the co-host, the property address
- Tasks the co-host will handle
- How the co-host will be paid and how much
- How often will the co-host work? Will they be helping every time a guest stays, or just occasionally?
- How the expenses will be covered and who will be responsible for them
Have all these details in writing to prevent any confusion. This ensures a smooth partnership between the host and co-host.
Conclusion
An Airbnb co-host is someone who helps the main host manage the property.
They can handle booking, guest communication, cleaning, calendar revision, listing updates, and making sure everything runs smoothly.
Co-hosts can have different levels of access depending on what the host assigns them.
Having a co-host can make hosting easier and allow the primary host to focus on other things. But have a clear agreement to avoid any confusion.
FAQs
How Many Co-Hosts Can Be Added To A Listing?
You can add up to 10 co-hosts to a listing. These can be family, friends, neighbors, or even professionals like property managers.
What Makes a Good Airbnb Co-host?
A good co-host is someone reliable, organized, and communicates well. They should be responsive to guests, pay attention to details, and solve problems quickly. Trustworthiness is also key, as they handle important tasks for the host.
Does Co Hosting Affect Superhost Status?
Co-hosting does not directly affect the Superhost status of the primary host. However, a good co-host can help the host maintain Superhost status.
