Managing an Airbnb listing is a rewarding but demanding experience. While the idea of earning passive income sounds appealing, in reality, hosting is anything but passive. Between messaging guests, managing cleaners, fixing issues, and keeping your calendar in sync, things can quickly become overwhelming—especially if you’re managing more than one property or have a full-time job. That’s where an Airbnb co-host comes in. A good co-host can act as your partner, your support system, and your problem solver. In this blog, we’ll explain exactly what a co-host does, the benefits of having one, and how to decide whether it’s the right move for your Airbnb business.

What Is an Airbnb Co-Host? A co-host is someone you authorize to help manage your Airbnb listing. Airbnb allows hosts to officially add co-hosts to their listings through the platform. Co-hosts can do everything from communicating with guests to handling check-ins, managing cleaners, and updating calendars. They don’t have to be someone who lives nearby (although that helps)—they can also be virtual co-hosts who manage your property remotely. The best part? Co-hosts can be paid directly through Airbnb by splitting a percentage of the booking revenue, or they can be paid off-platform depending on your arrangement.

Key Responsibilities of an Airbnb Co-Host Here’s a breakdown of what co-hosts typically handle:

Guest Communication One of the most important roles of a co-host is managing guest communication. This includes: Responding to inquiries and booking requests

Sending check-in and checkout instructions

Answering questions during the stay

Handling complaints or emergencies

Timely, professional communication often leads to better reviews. If you don’t have time to reply within an hour or need support handling messages across multiple time zones, a co-host can be your lifesaver. 2. Cleaning and Turnover Management Co-hosts can coordinate with cleaners and inspect the property between stays. Some even manage the cleaner schedule entirely, ensuring: The unit is cleaned and restocked

Supplies are replenished

Photos or videos are taken after each turnover for accountability

Check-in and Check-out Support Depending on your setup, co-hosts can handle in-person check-ins or ensure smart lock systems are working. They can guide guests who get locked out, explain how to operate appliances, and make sure guests feel welcomed.
Calendar and Pricing Management Some co-hosts take on the job of adjusting your calendar and optimizing pricing to maximize bookings. If they’re skilled with tools like PriceLabs or Beyond Pricing, they can help increase revenue while keeping your occupancy high.
Maintenance Coordination When something breaks, a co-host can: Contact and schedule repairs

Work with contractors or handymen

Keep you informed while solving the problem efficiently

Guest Reviews and Disputes Writing reviews and dealing with bad guest experiences can be stressful. Co-hosts can handle the post-stay process, leaving thoughtful reviews and disputing damages if needed.

Who Hires a Co-Host? A co-host isn’t just for large property managers. Many individual Airbnb hosts—especially those with busy schedules or multiple listings—choose to bring on a co-host to lighten the load. You might benefit from a co-host if: You travel frequently or live far from your property

You work full-time and can’t always respond to guests quickly

You’re scaling your Airbnb business and need help managing operations

You’ve received reviews mentioning poor communication or slow response times

You want a more hands-off investment

Whether you're a hands-on host who just needs help with guest messaging, or someone looking to be entirely passive, there’s a co-hosting setup for you.

Benefits of Having a Co-Host ✅ Better Guest Experience A responsive co-host means happier guests. Fast replies and professional handling of issues make guests feel supported—which translates to higher reviews. ✅ Improved Operational Efficiency A co-host can streamline turnovers, cleaning, and maintenance. They can set up systems so things run smoothly, even if you’re not involved day-to-day. ✅ Scalability Want to grow from one listing to five? A co-host gives you the freedom to scale without burnout. They can help you replicate your systems across multiple properties. ✅ Peace of Mind Emergencies happen. Having someone to cover for you when you're unavailable means less stress and fewer sleepless nights.

Virtual Co-Host vs Local Co-Host There are two main types of co-hosts: 🏡 Local Co-Host A local co-host lives near the property and can physically visit it. They’re ideal if your listing requires in-person support, such as meet-and-greets or key handovers. 🌐 Virtual Co-Host A virtual co-host works remotely and focuses on online tasks like guest communication, calendar management, pricing updates, and coordinating vendors. Virtual co-hosts are often more affordable and are a great solution if you already have local cleaners or smart locks installed. At HOSTassis, we specialize in virtual co-hosting and guest communication support, helping Airbnb hosts manage their operations efficiently—without the overhead of a full property manager.

Common Misconceptions About Co-Hosting ❌ “It’s only for big hosts.” Even if you have just one listing, a co-host can be a game-changer. You don’t have to manage everything on your own. ❌ “It’s too expensive.” Co-hosts typically earn 10%–25% of the booking revenue, depending on the scope of work. When you factor in the time saved, the increase in 5-star reviews, and the potential for higher earnings, it’s often a smart investment. ❌ “I’ll lose control.” You decide how involved your co-host is. You can give full control or limit them to specific tasks like messaging or cleaner scheduling. It’s a partnership—you’re still the owner.

What to Look for in a Good Co-Host Not all co-hosts are created equal. Here are traits to prioritize: Responsive: Quick replies are non-negotiable.

Experienced: Look for hosts or co-hosts who understand the Airbnb platform inside and out.

Detail-oriented: Turnovers, pricing, and communication all require strong attention to detail.

Proactive: A great co-host doesn’t wait for problems—they prevent them.

Transparent: You should always know what’s happening at your property.

HOSTassis offers co-hosting services tailored to each host’s needs, whether you're a first-time host or scaling your STR business. Click here to get in touch with us.

Final Thoughts An Airbnb co-host isn’t just a backup—they’re a partner in your success. They help keep your listing running smoothly, your guests happy, and your reviews glowing. Whether you need help with just messaging or a more hands-on solution, co-hosting is a flexible and powerful way to take your hosting to the next level. If you’re ready to lighten the load, improve your guest experience, and scale your business, reach out to HOSTassis. We’re here to make hosting easier, more efficient, and more profitable for you.

What Does an Airbnb Co-Host Really Do? (And Why You Might Need One)