Want to tap into Airbnb income without buying more properties? Consider co-hosting as your next move. Day-to-day tasks, like answering messages, coordinating cleanings, and handling turnovers, take a lot of work. Even with more Airbnb hosts looking for help, many are not ready to hand things off to a full-scale property management company. Enter Airbnb co-hosting. But, how do you become an Airbnb co-host? We're here to help.
If you're already managing rentals or thinking about scaling your services, co-hosting is an easier way to grow your revenue stream and build long-term client relationships without the hefty investment of expanding your portfolio.
Below, we'll break down how to become an Airbnb co-host, what the work actually looks like, how co-hosts get paid, and how it compares to full-service property management. We'll also cover best practices for your Airbnb co-host agreement and how to find hosts who need your help.
What is an Airbnb co-host?
An Airbnb co-host is someone who helps a property owner manage their listing. They can assist with anything from guest communication and check-ins to cleaning coordination, pricing updates, and reviews. The scope of a co-hosts' work only goes as far as what the property's host permits in their settings.
Unlike full-service property managers, co-hosts don't (and can't) take over the entire operation. Instead, they partner with the host and share responsibilities based on an agreed scope of work in exchange for a percentage of earnings.
It's a very flexible model that works especially well for hosts who want help running their Airbnb without giving up full control. These hosts are typically:
- Busy hosts who don't have time to manage bookings
- Out-of-town owners who need someone local to oversee operations
- Investors with multiple properties looking for assistance
If this sounds like something up your alley, check out the full requirements of becoming an Airbnb co-host today.
Key responsibilities of a co-host
Before jumping into co-hosting, it's important to understand what hosts typically expect, especially if you're applying through the official Airbnb Co-Host Network.
Since co-hosts often act as the host's right hand, the responsibilities can vary based on your agreement. Some hosts only need light support, while others may want a near end-to-end management solution (without committing to a full property manager).
Here are the areas most co-hosts cover:
- Guest communication: Co-hosts are often the ones answering questions and coordinating check-ins. Having guest issues? Co-hosts typically handle these, too.
- Turnovers and maintenance: You'll likely be responsible for scheduling cleanings and restocking essential supplies, like toiletries and linens. You may also need to coordinate repairs when something breaks between stays.
- Pricing and availability: Many co-hosts help monitor seasonal demand and optimize booking calendars to improve occupancy and revenue.
- Listing management: This includes refining the listing description to better appeal to guests–including SEO-friendly language–and selecting high-quality photos that highlight the property.
- House rules and property security: Co-hosts are also usually in charge of making sure guests follow house rules and flagging violations.
As mentioned earlier, these are just a few of the tasks a co-host might take on. The exact responsibilities depend on your agreement with the host, and what permissions they've granted you in their Airbnb settings.
How much can you earn as an Airbnb co-host?
Just like their responsibilities, a co-host's earnings depend on the agreement they have with the host. That said, here are the most common payment structures we've seen:
- Percentage-based: Most co-hosts earn 10-30% of the booking revenue
- Flat fee: Some co-hosts charge a set amount per month or per booking
- Hourly rate: In some cases, co-hosts charge an hourly rate (often $20-$50 per hour) for specific tasks
But the amount you earn as a co-host doesn't just depend on how you charge, it also depends on where and what you're managing.
It shouldn't come as a surprise that high-demand markets like Miami or New York City tend to bring in more bookings at higher nightly rates, which directly impacts a co-host's cut. Managing multiple listings can also add up quickly, especially if you're working with hosts who own several properties. And of course, the more comprehensive your services are–like handling guest messages, turnovers, pricing, and maintenance–the more you can reasonably charge.
Airbnb co-host vs. property manager: What's the difference?
While their tasks can sometimes overlap, co-hosts and property managers play very different roles.
A co-host works alongside the owner, offering support in key areas (like the ones mentioned above) but the host still calls the shots. A property manager, on the other hand, takes full control of the day-to-day operations, often with a formal contract and higher fees.
How to become an Airbnb co-host
Co-hosting can be a great way to earn more income, especially if you already have experience with short-term rentals. But to turn it into a real business, you'll need to think through your setup.
Below, we'll walk through what it takes to get started and build a setup that's sustainable for both you and the host you'll be working with.
1. Assess your skills and availability
Before offering your services, take a realistic look at your strengths and schedule. Are you organized enough to manage check-ins, turnovers, and time-sensitive guest needs? Attention to detail is also a must, especially if you're handling tasks like cleanings or juggling multiple properties.
Location matters, too. Living nearby isn't always required, but being local can make you far more valuable. Hosts often look for someone who can handle last-minute issues, like dropped keys or surprise maintenance problems.
Finally, think about how comfortable you are interacting with guests. Co-hosts are often the first point of contact, so strong communication skills and a friendly tone go a long way. If you're quick to respond and calm under pressure, you're already a good fit.
2. Set up your co-hosting business
Once you've decided to move forward, treat co-hosting like a real business from the start. Think about how you want to structure it: some co-hosts operate as freelancers, while most choose to register an LLC for added credibility and legal protection. Either option can work, depending on your goals and how many properties you plan to take on.
You'll also need to decide how you'll charge for your services. You can use our breakdown above as a guide. Choose what fits your level of involvement and the kind of clients you're targeting.
3. Find hosts who need a co-host
Next comes the hard part: attracting your first clients. Start with Airbnb's official Co-Host Marketplace, if it's available in your area and if you can pass the requirements.
This marketplace is designed to help experienced co-hosts connect with hosts looking for support. Just make sure your profile is complete, professional, and highlights your experience.
Outside of Airbnb, local Facebook groups, real estate forums, and host meetups are great ways to network. Hosts often post when they're overwhelmed or looking for part-time help; don't be shy–jump in and start conversations.
To land your first few clients, consider offering a free consultation or trial period. Once you prove your value, word-of-mouth and a budding portfolio can lead to long-term partnerships and more listings under your guidance.
4. Define your services and agreement
Get specific about what you're offering. Will you manage guest messaging, schedule cleanings, handle restocking, or oversee pricing? Listing out your tasks helps set expectations early and shows hosts you're organized.
Don't forget to always use a written agreement. This should outline your responsibilities, how you'll be paid, and what permissions you'll have in the Airbnb account. While it might seem like a lot, especially for someone just starting out, it protects both sides and helps avoid confusion down the line.
5. Avoid common mistakes
Finally, once you're up and running, it's easy to overlook a few key details that can cost you clients or your reputation. Here are some common missteps new co-hosts make and how to avoid them:
- Don't skip the paperwork: A clear agreement with each host helps avoid misunderstandings, especially when something goes wrong.
- Know your value: It's easy to undercharge when you're starting out, but take time to research local rates so you're not doing premium work for low prices.
- Stay responsive: Airbnb rewards fast replies, and so do guests. Delayed messages can hurt both your ranking and your reputation.
- Don't overlook cleaning and maintenance: Make sure cleanings are scheduled ahead of time, and inspect the property regularly to catch issues before guests do.
Is Airbnb co-hosting right for you?
Airbnb co-hosting is a solid way to earn extra income, especially if you're detail-oriented, good with people, and know how to keep things running behind the scenes.
And when it comes to managing that income across multiple listings or partnerships, SummerOS can help. It does everything from tracking performance to forecasting revenue and streamlining operations, and it's one of the best tools for hosts and co-hosts managing short-term rentals at scale. Ready to get started? Check out SummerOS today!
