AirBnB- Why does Superhost status convey to multiple properties when an individual property does not meet standards?

[Kia272]

There are a number of companies that own multiple properties in my area. These can be anything from families that own multiple units, to a standalone vacation property company that has its own website, but also lists properties on AirBnB and VRBO. 

MANY of these properties do not meet Superhost standards. However, if one property does (or did) and the host got Superhost status, the other properties get the Superhost badge. Many of the "other" properties are below Superhost standards, i.e. lower ratings than 4.8, with many a LOT lower than that. 

I don't understand why the Superhost badge would convey, and I don't understand why properties are not assessed individually rather than as a group belonging to a specific host. 

I think it's deceptive to the customer who is looking to book, and sees the Superhost badge, as well as unfair to other hosts that DO meet the standard, and DO deserve the bump up in searches as well as the badge. 

Does anyone at AirBnB have an explanation for this? 

I'd also like to know why these owners do not have to register as a company managing multiple properties. The "host" for these properties is listed as an individual, so the property shows as being hosted by "Jane" rather than a large property management company. 

[Pat271]

The Superhost badge is supposed to represent an overall view of the host, rather than the property. I agree with you that the property should enter into the equations, as some properties may be being neglected more than others. Rather than 4.8 average rating for all properties, the criterion should perhaps be “no less than a 4.8 average for any of the host’s properties”.

I don’t know why an average is taken. Maybe it is felt that some properties will never be a 4.8 because of neighborhood, noise, etc. - even though these shortcomings might be disclosed in the listing and the price is dirt cheap because of it. Some guests are merciless regardless. So maybe the host is given the benefit of the doubt by only looking at the overall hosting of all of the properties combined.

On the other hand, maybe it can be argued that properties with too many shortcomings shouldn’t be a part of the Airbnb offerings. But then there would be the risk of being accused of having biases and prejudicial concerns.

Regardless, I do agree with you that there should at least be some adjustment to Superhost criteria if a host with a large number of properties has a significant number of them performing under par.

[Kia272]

@Pat271  @Mike-And-Jane0 

I don't know.....I mean there's a standard. As the owner/host of one property, that standard basically applies to the property. If it drops below 4.8, regardless of the other criteria, I lose my Superhost status. 

I don't understand averaging this for owners with multiple properties. If they are doing a great job at some of the properties, and not such a great job at others, then they are not "superhosting" those particular properties. 

The standard has to be fair across the board, and it's not. Interestingly, VRBO does this too, although they do seem to make hosts register as companies rather than individuals. 

I think I'm particularly sensitive to it, as there are many of these hosts/properties in my area. They get poor ratings and they just don't care. I see the same things mentioned in reviews over and over again, and the hosts obviously don't fix the issues. They're not counting on any repeat business because they rent a lot through their own websites (no reviews there, interestingly). 

In short, I do think it's deceptive for guests, and I don't think it's right. 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Kia272 whilst Superhost status is given to the host each individual property still has its own rating. I tend to look at the property rating when I am choosing a place irrespective of whether the host is super or not.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Kia272 Also don't forget that some hosts have multiple listings on the same property to account for different numbers of bedrooms or different set up high and low season. For these folks an average is the right thing to do

[Sudsrung0]

@Mike-And-Jane0 

When I look through my area I see listing duplicated is that just airbnb? or the host? 

Some years ago I had a villa I listed it as a two bedroom and a three bedroom, the 3rd bedroom was on the ground floor and I could lock it up, at that time the demand for two bedrooms was better.