Owner/co-host?

[Nanette64]

I have just finished building a house in another state and have hired a property manager to advertise it on Airbnb,  handle bookings and deal with other aspects of renting the property.  I just noticed that he is listed as the host, people think that the house is his, and there is no record on Airbnb of my having a rental home listing.  Does that mean that if the property manager decides to move on, I would have to start from scratch with zero reviews?  I don’t know what to do - ask him to list me as a co-host?  But won’t the reviews still all go to him?  Thanks for any advice.

[Joan2709 · Accepted solution]

@Nanette64 

Yes, sadly all the reviews will stay with the property management company and you would have to start over if you terminated your arrangement. Most large scale property management companies do this and new Hosts are not aware of the consequences. I would take a look at what your contract with the property management company and review what it says about terminating the arrangement and listing reviews. Most large property management companies do a terrible job managing the listings. Just type the name of the one you chose in the search the community box and you'll see what I mean.

You should never allow a property manager to be named as primary host/owner. It is better to setup the listing with you as owner and then hire an experienced Co Host. You can then name the Co-Host as primary Host if you want and you would appear as Co Host to guests (however, you retain ownership of the listing). If you end your relationship with the co host at some point, all the reviews stay with you...they don't go with the co-host, unlike the arrangement with most property management companies.

Find An Experienced Co-Host

https://www.airbnb.com/resources/hosting-homes/a/find-the-right-co-host-on-airbnb-695

[Nanette64]

Thank you!  I’ll have a talk with our property manager, and become a co-host.  I appreciate your feedback. @Joan2709 

[Helen3]

That won't help you much @Nanette64 . Your cohost has still set your listing up under her name. What does it say in your contract about this?

Did your cohost explain the implications of doing so ie they she retains control of the listing and you will lose all your reviews and ratings if you decide you no longer want to work with her.

do you have any bookings?

if not I would ask her to delete the listing she has set up and help you set it up in your own name. 

[Krissy33]

Hi! I'm in a similar situation where I hired a management company and didn't understand the process. I'm now a year into it with them and they are doing a great job - except they refuse to let me co-host. I view it as a way to protect my investment should we ever part ways and it's really been a sticking point for me lately. I have asked twice for them to add me and both times been told it's not their policy. If I choose to go with another host I will lose the reviews I've managed to build up - if I stay with them, like I said, they are doing a good job and I could just suck it up. How many other people find themselves in this situation? 

[Helen3]

I really dislike it when property managers and cohosts do this. The only one who benefits is them @Nanette64 

And it's so unscrupulous that they don't explain the impact to their clients of doing so .

[Joan2709]

@Krissy33 

Yes...this is a tactic that large management companies use and as @Helen3 states, they don't explain the huge consequences to the Owner. It is not ethical. NEVER allow anyone to be named as "Owner" on the listing except yourself. You should walk away If any managment company asks you to do that, or a Co Host wants to do that,

Unfortunately, I would suggest terminating the contract with them and starting over with your own listing. They will keep all the reviews and you will have to start over. 

Suggest you hire an experienced Co Host instead to assist you with the listing. The Co Host should also NOT be listed as "Owner" only you should be named as Owner. You can then invite a Co Host and you can make them "Primary" Host while you stay as "Owner". Airbnb has a Co Host platform where you can interview potential candidates. Guests will see the Co Host appear as "Host" to guests, but you always stay as "Owner" on the listing and have total control over it. You will keep all reviews on your profile as Owner if the contract is terminated. The Primary Host handles all the listing duties (for a fee that you decide) and you remain as Owner with full access to the listing.

Scams Targeting Airbnb Hosts

https://www.youtube.com/clip/UgkxxPby3iTlS6ZMksPJZDF01emnV3CMSyly

Go to 9:42 - Property Mgmt Company Scams

Airbnb - Find An Experienced Co Host

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3378

Differences: Owner vs Primary Host vs Co Host

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

[Elisa]

Hi @Nanette64 😊,

Thank you for asking this question here!

Our host shared great advice with you. Did you get a chance to review it?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts!

Warm regards 🌻

[Nanette64]

Hi Elisa, I plan to take her good advice and be added as a co-host.  I’m so glad to have people who can help! 

[Elisa]

Hi @Nanette64 😊, 

I am happy you got help, this is the power of being a great community!😍

I would like to share with you a tip to better communicate in the community. Don't forget to mention the host by typing @ followed by their name so they will know you're replying to them.

Warm regards 🌻,

[Marta1459]

https://homehost.com.au/professional-airbnb-management-vs-co-hosting-what-property-owners-need-to-kn...

[Elisa]

Hi @Marta1459 😊, 

Thank you so much for sharing your recommendation!

How long have you been using this service?