Transferring airbnb (host status) to someone else

[Alena942]

Hi There, 

I would like to hand over my airbnb to someone else. 

Has someone done this before? 

Can this be done without cancelling the current bookings and set up? 

Thank you for your help. 

[Helen3]

You can't transfer your listing to someone else. Stop taking bookings and whoever is buying the place can set up their own listing .

it would be highly unfair to guests for hosts to swop ownership of a listing as guests book on the basis of previous reviews and rating and new hosts may not operate to the same standards/offer the same amenities.

[Joan2709]

@Alena942 

As @Helen3 states, you cannot transfer ownership of an Airbnb Listing. 

Also, be aware that If someone purchases the property from you and tries to create a new listing, Airbnb may suspend the new listing in accordance with their Circumvention Policies. This is especially true if the listing you are selling has low review ratings. However, lately Airbnb has been suspending the new account even if the previous listing had excellent ratings. 

Circumvention Policy

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3566

[Alena942]

Ah, ok. 
I am mainly trying to hand over the “host” role and stay on as co-Host (due to payout issues). 

will probably let the new host create a new listing and “transfer” the bookings we have over (invite to book). It is a completely new listing, so no reviews yet. 

[Joan2709]

@Alena942 

You can assign primary Hosting duties to someone by inviting them to Co Host. Once they accept, you can name them as Primary Host. Guests will see their name as "Host" and your name as "Co Host". However on the internal listing you will remain as "Owner". Never allow someone else to be named as "Owner" on your listing. Only allow them to be name as temporary Primary Host. Reviews will remain on the Owner's profile (which is what you want if you trust the Co Host to do a good job). The new Primary Host will handle most of the day to day activities on the listing. 

As we mentioned, you cannot transfer any bookings you have to another listing. They will have to be cancelled and Airbnb will assign cancellation penalties to you for that. You can communicate with guests stating you have sold the property (if that is what you are doing) and the new owner will honor their current bookings, dates and price (be sure you have a written contract with the new owner stating they will honor that arrangement). 

There is still a risk the new listing will be suspended as per the information above.

Primary Host vs Co Host vs Owner

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

[Alena942]

Thank you for the detailed information. 

will the payouts change with the change of primary host? 

we are in the USA and have an airbnb in Canada. Friends are helping to manage on site. I cannot share a payout with my co-host in Canada. But, it seems that a Canadian host can share payouts with a US co-host. So I was thinking of switching “host” status to being able to share payouts with our friends. @Helen3 hence the payouts issues. I cannot share payouts with our co-host in Canada. They are family friends, so not worried that agreements won’t be honored. 

thank you all for your support 

[Joan2709]

@Alena942 

The payout structure you have setup as Owner will not change, even if you name a Co Host as primary host. 

I'm not sure if you make your Canadian Co Host Primary Host, if payouts can then be allowed by Airbnb from Canada to US. You would have to try it. No big deal really, just make the change and see if the payouts can then be shared. If not, you can always change it back to what you have now. I'm doubtful if will work even if you were told it could, but worth a shot. I'm guessing it has to do with the different currency and having to convert it USD to CAD and/or tax reporting.

It that doesn't work, then you could handle payouts manually. Of course that would be alot more work.

[Helen3]

What payout issues do you have @Alena942 if you stay as the cohost would you not still have them as a cohost?