Running an Airbnb property can be both exciting and demanding. Whether you’re managing one listing or several, keeping up with guest communication, maintenance, check-ins, and calendar updates can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where adding a co-host comes in. Airbnb allows you to delegate responsibilities by designating one or more co-hosts to help manage your listings. Let’s explore how to add a co-host on Airbnb, why it’s worthwhile, and how to make the most of this feature.
What is a Co-Host on Airbnb?
A co-host is someone who helps you manage your Airbnb listing. They can help with day-to-day operations like communicating with guests, adjusting prices, cleaning, and handling reviews. Co-hosts act on behalf of the listing owner but typically do not have full control over the account.
Many hosts choose trusted friends, family members, or professional property managers to serve as co-hosts, making it easier to run their business smoothly — especially if they’re managing it remotely.
Why Add a Co-Host?
Adding a co-host is about more than just sharing the workload. It’s a smart move for anyone looking to:
- Improve guest experience through faster communication and smoother check-ins.
- Scale operations by managing multiple listings more efficiently.
- Travel freely without worrying about urgent guest needs or issues.
- Split responsibilities with a partner or professional manager.
Beyond convenience, co-hosts can also bring in new expertise — whether that’s in hospitality, marketing, or logistics — to boost your property’s overall success.
How to Add a Co-Host on Airbnb
Adding a co-host is a simple process, but knowing where to start can save you time and avoid mistakes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to adding a co-host on Airbnb:
Step 1: Sign in to Your Airbnb Account
From a desktop or mobile browser, sign in to your Airbnb Host account. Co-hosting features are usually more accessible via the desktop version, although mobile access is gradually improving.
Step 2: Navigate to Your Listings
Click on “Listings” from the hosting dashboard. Pick the listing for which you want to add a co-host.
Step 3: Manage Co-Hosts
Next, go to the “Co-hosts” tab. This can usually be found in the listing settings. If you’re having trouble locating it, search for “co-host” in Airbnb’s help center or settings search bar.
Step 4: Invite a Co-Host
Click on the “Invite a Co-host” option. You will need to enter the email address of the person you’re inviting. This individual must have or create their own Airbnb account to accept your invite.
Once you send the invitation, your potential co-host will receive a notification and email prompt. After they accept, they can begin supporting you right away.
What Can Co-Hosts Do?
The Airbnb platform gives co-hosts a limited, yet significant, amount of access. Here’s what they can and can’t do:
Co-Hosts Can:
- Message and communicate with guests
- Manage calendar and pricing
- Accept or decline booking requests
- Coordinate cleaning and maintenance
- Write and respond to guest reviews
- View check-in instructions and reservation details
Co-Hosts Cannot:
- Edit financial information like payouts
- Remove the listing owner
- Delete the listing
- Access the listing owner’s tax information
This structure is designed to give co-hosts operational control while protecting sensitive host data and ownership rights.
Best Practices for Working with Co-Hosts
Now that you know how to add a co-host, let’s dive into some tips on how to collaborate effectively with one.
1. Define Roles Clearly
Before your co-host begins, have a meeting to discuss responsibilities. Are they only in charge of guest communication, or will they manage everything from pricing strategy to emergency responses? Clear communication at this stage can prevent misunderstandings later.
2. Use Airbnb Messaging
Keep all communication within Airbnb’s platform when dealing with guests. This ensures that all messages are documented, and both the host and co-host can view or step in at any time.
3. Set Up Smart Alerts
Enable notifications so both you and your co-host are alerted for new bookings, cancellations, or guest messages. This helps maintain prompt responses and avoids overlooking important updates.
4. Use Additional Tools
Leverage third-party tools such as smart locks, calendar syncing apps, or cleaning service platforms to streamline operations. Assign your co-host access to these tools if necessary so they can work more independently.
5. Compensation and Agreements
While Airbnb allows listing owners to pay co-hosts a percentage of the booking income via the platform, many hosts go further by having a written agreement. Include details about payments, responsibilities, and termination clauses to protect both parties.
How to Remove or Change a Co-Host
Sometimes, circumstances change, and you may need to remove or update a co-host’s access. The good news is that this is just as simple as adding one:
- Go to the listing’s “Co-hosts” tab.
- Click on the co-host you want to remove.
- Select “Remove” or “Edit” depending on what actions you need to take.
Changes are effective immediately, and the co-host will lose access as soon as the change is made.
Can You Have More Than One Co-Host?
Yes, Airbnb lets you add multiple co-hosts to manage a single listing. This is especially helpful for hosts with high-volume or complex properties, such as multi-unit apartments or vacation rentals that require different people handling different tasks.
Each co-host is invited and managed independently, so you retain complete control over their individual permissions and roles.
Benefits of Using Professional Co-Hosting Services
If you don’t have someone in your personal network to act as a co-host, you can opt for professional co-hosting services. These are companies or individuals who specialize in managing listings for a fee. Benefits include:
- Experience with guest relations and hospitality
- Established systems for cleaning and maintenance
- Marketing strategies to boost bookings
- 24/7 availability for guest needs
Airbnb even introduced the Airbnb Co-Host Marketplace in select areas, allowing you to browse and choose from verified local co-hosts.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re an experienced host looking to scale your Airbnb business or just starting out and need help covering all the moving parts, adding a co-host is a practical and powerful solution. The process is simple, the benefits are substantial, and it allows for a more collaborative, stress-free hosting experience.
By defining roles, using built-in tools and smart communication, you and your co-host can work together to deliver excellent guest experiences while growing your rental venture even further.
So don’t wait until you’re swimming in bookings and late-night calls. Take a proactive step by adding a trusted co-host and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with sharing the load.