Any insight on common types of co-host arrangements

[Rita-and-Bob0]

Hello everyone

We have been operating an STR in Ontario and would like to become more hands free, so looking at the co-host option. If anyone has used this feature/option and is able to share what typically are the common arrangements with co-hosts specific to their responsibilities and compensation that will be appreciated. Example: For turning around the cottage for rental to responding to messages, maintenance etc,  monthly payments of a set amount or payment per booking or % of revenue? 

Thanks in advance

Doozy

[Rebecca]

Hey @Rita-and-Bob0 👋

It's great to have you back and posting in the Community. 🎉 How has your hosting experience been in the past 2 years? 

This is such a great question and I think it would help a lot of other Hosts in the future too. I'm going to tag in @Penny47 and @Joan2709 who have a great deal of experience with Co-Hosting! 😊

[Joan2709 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Rita-and-Bob0 

@Rebecca tagged me on your post about Co Hosts:

Co-Host Compensation

Compensation varies widely and depends on the tasks a Co Host is assigned to do. If not handling cleaning and in person responsibilities at the property, it is generally 15-20% of booking revenue. If performing cleaning, maintenance and other in person responsibilities, it is generally more in the 35-45% range.

Have a Written Contract

Be sure you have a written contract that clearly spells out who is responsible for what tasks and clearly outline who is the property owner. It should state what the compensation amount is, how it will be paid and whether it includes the entire cleaning fee, part of the cleaning fee, or none of the cleaning fee on each booking. Spell out such things as:

Who will handle the calendar, accepting trip requests, updating and editing the listing regularly, handle communication with guests and Airbnb, reviews, greeting of guests, cleaning, laundry, preparation and inspection of Airbnb before guests’ arrival, inventory, buying supplies, handle maintenance/repair issues, landscaping, snow removal, etc. You should also include what days of the week and times the Co-Host is “on duty.” Is it 24/7? Do they have days off during the week? What about vacation or sick time? What happens if the Co-Host is injured, or has an extended illness? Who will cover responsibilities for the listing and for how long?

I would set a short term initial contract of 3-4 months, so that either party may terminate the agreement without penalty if things don’t work out. Each party to the contract has to be on the “same page” as to standards expected. If the owner doesn’t take care of expenses and maintenance requirements, the listing and reviews will suffer. If the Co-Host is not responsible and reliable, the arrangement will not work either. It is a team effort.

Co Host Access

Even if you give a Co Host Full Access permissions, there are some things they will not have access to on the listing. They will not be able to access your Scheduled Messages and Quick Replies (they’ll have to set up their own) and they won’t have access to create and edit your Guidebooks, or access your earnings information.

Provide Your Co Host With The Tools Needed

Experienced, knowledgeable, reliable and trust-worthy Co Hosts are hard to find. Finding a good one (just like finding a good cleaner), is a challenge! Having a reliable Co Host and cleaner is key to a successful Listing. Take care of them and provide them with the tools they need to make your listing/business successful.

There are lots of Airbnb Help Articles on Co Hosting. Below are a few:

What Co Hosts Can Do

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

How Co-Hosts Payouts Work

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3389

Adding Co-Hosts to Your Listing

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1244

[Rita-and-Bob0]

Thank you Rebecca and Joan2709 - the information is really helpful. 

Preview

[Rose422]

Hi Rita and Bob, 

Airbnb has a cohost tool where you can look up for a professional cohost near you and check out their services. https://www.airbnb.com/hosting-services/location

I would suggest that you get help from someone you personally know or trust. You may already have a local cohost that is available and ready to help, but if you personally know someone who you can give access to your calendar and bookings to manage it fully or partially for you, that would be your best bet. With people that are new to your listing and your hosting strategy, you will either end up micromanaging them. That's my two cents. 

Rose.