This forum is dedicated to connecting hosts with other hosts. Sign up to get the latest updates and news just for AirBnb hosts! Note that we are not affiliated with Airbnb - we are just passionate hosts!
Has anyone got any advice for a new Co-Host?
I am meeting my first potential “client” tomorrow.
It is to look after a house as the owner lives overseas.
I lIve in my Airbnb so it would be a first trying to manage something remotely.
I am going to ask 20% to manage and sort out problems and use the cleaning fee to hire a cleaner and a linen wash service.
I also want the owner to install a self check in system as I feel that meet and greet would be too difficult.
My advice would be have trusted experts you can call on in case of emergencies: plumber, electrician, pest removal etc.
One time when I went away, a swarm of wasps decided to bash into the wall of my Airbnb and come through the bathroom window at 6 o’clock in the morning.
20% is kinda high UNLESS you can also drive new traffic to his property. I know in LA they work with 10%-15%. A friend of mine has the same service for 25% but they hook him up with venues, photo shootings and new rentals.
I would also say 20 % is high, if you’re not even there to greet the guests. My co-host charges 20 %, but also handles all maintenance, greet guests, show them around at the resort, offers extra bookings, takes fresh pictures, and is available with restocking of almost anything 24/7
Agreed – 20% seems twice too high since you’re not providing any personal service. How far is this new property from where you live?
This is the request that I received.
I’d like you to help me furnish the place and manage the rentals for me.
Services requested
Message with guests
Respond to guest issues
Update calendar and pricing
Handle reservations
Review guests
Coordinate cleaning and linens
Restock essential supplies
Coordinate maintenance
Get the home ready for guests
Create a listing
I don’t feel like 20% is a lot to ask as I would also be on call for the duration of someones stay.
It sounds great - but I still think a big part of the 20 % is actually to greet the guest personally. Otherwise 10-15 % should be more resonable (at least where I’m hosting)
You would acutally be able to coordinate a lot of things at distance. Call a cleaning lady, handyman etc). The only thing you can’t do, is greet the guests. This is where you can make a real difference. I feel it is often also showed in the ratings, if they are greeted.
You can start with requesting 20%. Maybe the unit is paid off, so the other 80% is pure profit for the owner.
It might also depend on if you rent for $80 per night, or $800 per night on what you would ask your rate to be.
I think 20% is fine - but be willing to negotiate. The owner is providing the location - the “silent partner”. Sounds like you are providing everything else.
I think 20% is fine. 40% is normal around here. For that they do everything on that list except greeting guests.
I think with the greatest respect there is a better way of looking at this.
You need to look at a one off charge for setting up the listing and if you decide you want to provide the service - furnishing it.
You can then provide a commission based service for managing bookings.
Decide on an hourly rate and estimate how many bookings the listing is likely to get. You can then provide a commissioned based rate and then an hourly rate for dealing with emergencies.
I don’t believe you need to be around for check-in/check out. Lots of remote hosts aren’t. However I do think you need to be around for spot checks.
Make sure you invest in a contract drawn up by a lawyer of which your proposal for providing support forms a part.
I vehemently disagree with those that say 20% is too much!! I have been co-hosting for a while now and it is a huge amount of work. From what you say, you will essentially be doing everything. I would go for 25% absolute minimum. And agree with Helsi that setting up the listing should be a one-off charge. I recently counted up the number of hours I’ve spent managing guests, cleaning, supplies and troubleshooting. At 25% I am not making a lot of money, frankly. Being on call 24/7 and troubleshooting (there’s always something, even it it’s just a phone call when you’re having dinner) is your TIME. Don’t under-estimate how much of it you will need to give and how much it (you) is worth.
To all those who say 20% is too much. Would YOU be willing to manage your own listing for that??
Agreed with @Helsi! I’d charge $500 - $750 for the listing easily and 15% for the listing. If you want, you can offer them to manage a Facebook & Instagram account for the 20%.
Cool thing about it is that, the more reservations you will get through these platforms will be a direct influence on YOUR bottom line as well.
The 20% wouldn’t include doing the cleaning. Just managing it. If a co-host does the cleaning they should get a market rate cleaning fee.
Thanks everyone for your advice. This is such a great forum for getting a balanced cross section of opinions.
i met with the gentleman this afternoon and we agreed on 25% (thanks @Magwitch) for managing the listing and an hourly rate to help out with furnishing the house.
It is a fantastic house and will photograph well. It has a minimal garden and a great alfresco area.
It is not fussy and wont be a huge cleaning job. Good news for the times when the cleaners cracks it and it is me and my mop and bucket to the rescue.
I am a little bit excited 
Great news. Now do go and see a lawyer and get that contract drawn up. (Some co-hosts have reported problems with being paid by hosts).
You can adapt it for use for other properties you might co-host and can claim it as a business expense when you do your taxes.
Also make sure he pays directly for any furniture needed.
You should also be charging him an hourly rate to create the listing, commission photography, manage photoshoot etc.
You can insist that you be paid the portion that can be set by the host in the Airbnb system.
(20 awesome characters)