Co-Host liabilites

[Anne-Marie33]

Hi everyone! As a co-host, can I be banned for behaviour by the main owner on his listing/chat (not mine). I'm worried that I'm supporting a friend and he's not really conversant with Airbnb rules and my worry is that as a host for my own properties, I'll lose superhost status or be blocked because of his behaviour. What are the guidelines for that? I'm trying to help him but this may not be worth it. I make no money from his bookings.

[Patricia2526 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anne-Marie33 

As a co-host on Airbnb, your responsibilities and potential liabilities are distinct from those of the primary host. While you are generally accountable for your own actions. I guess you are not automatically held accountable for the primary host’s behavior. 

Encourage the primary host to familiarize themselves with Airbnb’s policies to ensure compliance and minimize risks for all parties involved.  If the primary host’s behavior continues to raise concerns, you have the option to remove yourself as a co-host from their listing.

[Joan2709]

@Anne-Marie33 

Co Hosts can be cited along with a Host/Owner by governmental authorities for violating STR regulations, building code violations and non-payment of required taxes. Recent case in Canada were both Host and Co Host were fined for operating the STR illegally (no permit). Also, if the Host gets negative reviews, then you do too. These can prevent you from continuing as a Co Host in Airbnb's Co Host platform. 

Co Host Requirements

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3727#section-heading-3

Co Host Addltional Terms

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3422

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Joan2709 

As a co-host, your name may appear in private guest feedback (if guests mention you), but it doesn’t impact your personal Airbnb standing. 

it’s smart to address it proactively with the primary host. While not common, there have been instances where associations with problematic hosts have led to scrutiny or action on co-host accounts. This is more likely if there is evidence of complicity or shared violations.

[Joan2709]

@Patricia2526 

The Airbnb policies for Co Hosts on the Airbnb platform seems a bit ambiguous to me in regards to the Host ratings and the Co Host's profile. I was a Co-Host for 2+years and things have changed alot since I co-hosted. I know if the Co Host resigns from the Listing, the reviews stay with the Host/Owner, not the Co Host. If the Co Host also is a Host, only their Hosting reviews stay with their profile.

I think I would be more concerned about regulators citing/fining both Host and Co Host for violations (no permit, didn't pay required taxes, building code violations) and like you said, Airbnb taking action for clear violations of their terms of service where both Host and Co Host were complicit.

Here is the thread about both Host & Co Host being fined in Montreal:

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Help-with-your-business/Anyone-has-fight-the-penalty-ticket/m-p/...

[Emilie]

Hi @Anne-Marie33, 

How long have you been co-hosting on your friend's property?

Joan and Patricia have shared quite a lot of useful information regarding liabilities for hosts and co-host liabilities can vary (thank you both!), it would be great to know if you have more questions once you have a chance to review everything. 🙂

Thanks, 

Emilie