If you’ve been following me for awhile, you know that my company co-hosts several short term rentals in West Michigan. But what exactly is a co-host?? We play a supportive role in managing an Airbnb rental property on behalf of the property owner, also known as the host. The cohost’s responsibilities can vary depending on the arrangement made with the host, but my main objective is to help ensure the smooth and successful operation of the Airbnb property. Here are some common tasks that an Airbnb cohost may be responsible for:
- Guest Communication: Cohosts communicate with guests before, during, and after their stay. They respond to inquiries, manage bookings, provide check-in instructions, and address any questions or issues guests may have.
- Check-In and Check-Out: Some cohosts assist with the check-in and check-out process, welcoming guests to the property, providing keys or access codes, and ensuring a smooth transition for guests. We have all of our properties set up on remote locks, so we provided individual codes for each guests.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Cohosts may be responsible for coordinating and overseeing cleaning and maintenance services (maintenance is to be hired directly with the owner) to ensure the property is in good condition for each guest’s arrival. This is a service we provide. We also include laundry.
- Guest Support: They address guest concerns or issues during their stay, which can include resolving problems with the property, arranging for repairs, or helping with emergencies.
- Reviews and Feedback: Cohosts encourage guests to leave reviews and provide feedback on their stay, which is crucial for maintaining a positive reputation on Airbnb.
- Pricing Strategy: They may adjust pricing based on factors like demand, local events, and seasonal changes to maximize occupancy and revenue for the host.
- Marketing and Promotion: Cohosts may assist with marketing efforts to attract more guests, such as creating appealing property photos, writing compelling descriptions, and using social media or other platforms to promote the listing.
- Regulatory Compliance: They help ensure that the property complies with local laws and regulations related to short-term rentals.
- Reporting and Finances: In some states/instances, cohosts may keep track of expenses, revenue, and financial records related to the property and provide regular reports to the host. This is not something we do as we run each rental through the owner’s Airbnb profile instead of ours. That way all financials remain private for the owner.
- Guest Screening: In some cases, cohosts may assist with guest screening to help ensure that guests are a good fit for the property and the host’s preferences.
- Listing Management: Cohosts help create and optimize the property’s listing on Airbnb. This includes writing a compelling property description, setting pricing, and managing the availability calendar. I offer this as a separate package, as the rentals in my area are seasonal. If our rentals were year round, this task would be factored into our fees.
The specific duties of an Airbnb cohost can vary depending on the host’s needs and the agreement between the cohost and host. Some cohosts work on a fixed fee, while others receive a percentage of the rental income. The arrangement can be flexible and tailored to the unique needs of the property and the host’s level of involvement.
If you are an Airbnb owner and are unsure who can host your str, or what options are available, we have created a FREE mini-course! You can access it here: How to Decide Which Airbnb Hosting Style is Best for Your Short Term Rental
