Co-Host to Owner transition / duplicating listing

[Alex598]

Proper way to re-list an active listing?

I am helping two friends with their listing. One set up the original listing as the Owner, the other is the co-host. The one is set up as the Owner can no longer be involved so they want to set up a new listing with the person who will be handling it going forward as the Owner. 

They do not have any guests currently booked. I want to avoid any issues with the new listing being flagged as a duplicate because I've read it can be a nightmare trying to get it unflagged/relisted. How do I do this properly? 

[Frances3408]

@Alex598 . Hi Alex, they really need to contact Airbnb Support on this one. I'm not sure what "can no longer be involved" means but if it hasnt been sold I would expect Airbnb to ask lots of questions and require extensive paperwork. Its not clear from your question the extent to which both are owners, either originally or currently.

Being a host or co host always requires the permission of the owner to list. 

[Alex598]

@Frances3408 They are a couple and own it together. One of them is terminally ill. So it’s a very difficult time for them both. I’m really hoping they won’t have to spend endless time going back and forth with support…

[Helen3]

They don't need to change anything @Alex598 - they can just add you as a cohost and you can manage everything for them. 

[Alex598]

Thanks @Helen3, I am not looking to co-host with them. I simple want to help them manage transitioning the listing from one owner to the current co-host. (I would do this with them in person with them logged into their own accounts) I thought I could just have the current owner de-activate the listing, and then have the current co-host start a listing as the owner - but I am worried about issues with it being flagged as a duplicate listing. 

[Helen3]

not sure what your role is , in terms of this but ....

Why would you want to suggest that to the owner  @Alex598 - it's not in the owner's interests to transfer their listing to be set up on their cohosts profile .

as I have already suggested all the owner needs to do is add the new cohost to their existing listing . There is no advantage for the owner to transfer their listing to someone else .

[Joan2709]

@Alex598 

First, I'm so sorry about what is happening with your friends. I'm thinking if both their names are on the deed to the home, you might have an easier time keeping the original listing. You will have to run this by Airbnb as @Frances3408 states and see what they recommend. You are right to want to avoid any issues with a duplicate listing, so I would recommend you get their input.

[Alex598]

Thank you, I appreciate it. Any idea on an expedited support contact for when the community center isn't able to provide an answer? 

[Joan2709]

@Alex598 

You probably won't be able to work directly with Airbnb regarding this account. Only the primary owner and Co host (since you are not connected to the listing in any capacity). You could probably be on a conference call with the primary owner and Co host?

You could probably ask Airbnb in general terms what options there are. Not sure what kind of response you'll receive or how long that might take. I believe that in this scenario, Airbnb may wish to work with the primary host (which may be difficult given the circumstances).