Airbnb Arbitrage vs Direct Listing

[Renee841]

Hi there, 

I'm almost an empty nester with more house than I need. Kids are off to college for the next few years.

But I'm not sure I want to sell my home just yet as they may need to return home before they fly off permanently.

I live in a really great area near tourists attractions.

I have 5 bedrooms 4.5 baths with a separate office, media room and game room.

I've been considering listening my home on Airbnb.

However, I'm not sure I'm ready to manage a rental as I want to travel over the next couple years.

I've seen a lot of things about Airbnb arbitrage but it's mostly been focused on people looking for houses to sublet for Airbnb. There's not been much in the way of how a home owner can find someone who wants to sublet for Airbnb.

Is there a section within Airbnb that connects homeowners with hosts looking to sublet? 

Or is there a reputable website specifically for these types of listing? 

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Helen3]

As a property owner myself I wouldn't touch arbitrage with a barge pole its inherently risky for you as the owner . @Renee841 

what will you do if

1. the person you lease the property to doesn't pay the rent because they aren't getting the bookings they need

2. the guests they book in damages your property who will pay and sort out repairs 

3. you get complaints from neighbouring because they aren't vetting  guests properly and there is anti social behaviour 

in your situation I would employ a cohost - make sure the listing is set up in your name and them added as the cohost so you retain control

they can then manage the property for you for a fee 

you can use the Airbnb cohost database to find highly experienced cohosts 

[Renee841]

Hi @Helen3 ,

Thanks so much for your response. 

All great questions for me to consider. 

Will definitely look into a co-host.

[Joan2709 · Accepted solution]

@Renee841 

Agree with @Helen3.

Link below to Airbnb's platform for Experienced Co Hosts. This helps Hosts find and interview potential Co Hosts for the property. DO NOT use a property managment company, as they will insist on creating the listing with them as Owner. You will lose all control of the listing/property:

Find a Co Host

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3472

[Renee841]

Hi @Joan2709,

Thanks for the key insight. I reached out to a couple of co-host for more information.

I appreciate your time.

[Joan2709]

@Renee841 

Be sure any Co Host creates the listing with you as Owner; not themselves.

Once you invite them as a Co Host, you can make them a primary Host, but internally you will still show as owner. Guests will see the Co Host as "Host" and they will mangage the listing in accordance with whatever contract you create.

Owner vs Co Host vs Primary Host

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1536

What Co Hosts Can Do

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1534