Your Guide to Successful
Vacation Rental Management
The Ultimate Airbnb Host GuideAirbnb InsuranceAnswering Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb Contacting AirbnbHow does the Airbnb Security Deposit Work for Hosts? Airbnb Service Fees How Much Does Airbnb Charge Hosts? Airbnb cleaning fees for hosts Airbnb ExperiencesHow to Become an Airbnb HostAirbnb Host requirementsThings you should do before joining AirbnbHow to list your property on Airbnb? How do OTAs work?Airbnb Host Cancellation PolicyAirbnb Owner LoginAirbnb Guest Reviews
How to Become an Airbnb Host - Vacation Rental Guide
Listing your property or experience on Airbnb gives you exposure to local and international guests. It amplifies your marketing efforts and gives your property the spotlight it deserves. In this section, we look at different ways you can be an Airbnb host, basic hosting requirements and things to consider before becoming an Airbnb host.
Types of hosting
There are three types of hosts in Airbnb, some of these options don’t even require you to have a property that you want to rent. Listed below are the three hosting options offered by Airbnb.
Renting a space on Airbnb
This is the most common form of hosting. You rent out your property to guests by registering with Airbnb and creating a listing.
Listing:
Your listing should include high-quality photos, a detailed description, and a clear list of amenities. Keep it engaging, but always accurate.
Other factors to consider:
Decide on house rules, pricing, and availability. It may feel overwhelming at first, but Airbnb provides plenty of tools and resources, and host communities offer valuable guidance.
The Host Guarantee:
To protect hosts, Airbnb offers up to $3 million USD in property damage protection through its AirCover for Hosts program. Hosts are still encouraged to have their own insurance, but AirCover adds an extra layer of protection.
Other ways to protect your property
Protecting your property starts with screening guests by checking profiles, ID verification, and past reviews. A well-chosen cancellation policy helps balance guest flexibility with your financial security, so pick one that fits your risk tolerance. Adding a refundable damage deposit also gives you an extra safeguard and encourages guests to take better care of your space. Finally, make sure your house rules are clear and visible, this sets expectations upfront and helps prevent issues before they happen.
Co-hosting
A good way to try your hand at hosting is to become a cohost. What this means is that you can offer existing hosts your services as a co-host and share the burden that comes with being an Airbnb host.
Some of the most popular tasks that cohosts take on are guest communication and guest screening. Depending on the agreement with the host, cohosts can be required to take on more hands-on tasks such as cleaning the property, getting the property ready for the next guests or welcoming guests to the property.
Co-host duties:
Among the many ways that co-hosts can get involved in the hosting process, the more popular ones are, answering guest queries, screening guests, accepting bookings, and even checking if the property is ready for the next guest (in the case of remote hosts).
Co-host duties at a glance
- Listing management: Write descriptions, upload photos, update availability, and set house rules.
- Guest communication: Respond to inquiries, confirm bookings, send check-in details, and handle guest questions during the stay.
- Calendar and pricing: Adjust nightly rates, manage minimum stays, and keep the calendar up to date.
- Operations: Arrange cleaning, restock supplies, and coordinate maintenance or repairs.
- Check-in and check-out: Greet guests in person or oversee self-check-in, and make sure the property is ready on departure.
- Reviews and feedback: Leave reviews for guests and encourage positive guest feedback.
- Financial tasks (optional): Some hosts allow co-hosts to view payouts or manage expenses, though the primary host always remains responsible.
Payment structure and method:
Co-hosts are typically paid a percentage of the booking revenue, agreed upon with the main host before taking on the role. The percentage can vary widely, ranging from 10% for light duties, such as guest communication, to 20–30% for full-service management, which includes cleaning coordination, maintenance and pricing adjustments. Some co-hosts may also charge a flat fee per booking or per month, especially if their responsibilities are clearly defined and consistent.
Payments aren’t handled automatically by Airbnb. Instead, the main host receives the payout from Airbnb and is responsible for transferring the co-host’s share through a mutually agreed-upon method, such as PayPal, bank transfer, or another platform. To avoid confusion, it’s best to put the payment terms in writing, covering not just the percentage or fee, but also when and how often payments will be made. This ensures both parties have clear expectations and minimizes the risk of disputes.
How to add a cohost to your listing:
Step 1: Log in to your Airbnb account
Step 2: Go to Listings and select the listing where you’d like to add a co-host
Step 3: In the listing editor, click Your space
Step 4: Scroll to and click Co-hosts, then select Invite someone you know
Step 5: Enter your co-host’s email or phone number, then click Next
Step 6: Choose the permissions you want them to have (like calendar access or messaging)
Step 7: Review the details, click Send, and you’re done
Airbnb allows invitations for up to 10 co-hosts per listing. You can adjust their permissions or remove them later if needed.
How can co-hosts help your vacation rental business?
Co-hosts can lighten the workload for hosts who don’t want to manage every detail themselves. They can step in to handle guest communication, keep the calendar updated, coordinate cleanings, and make sure the property is guest-ready. This support helps maintain consistency in operations and improves guest satisfaction, which often leads to better reviews and more bookings.
For hosts who don’t live near their property, a co-host can be an invaluable partner. They can act as your on-the-ground presence, like welcoming guests, handling check-ins, coordinating cleaners and stepping in quickly if issues arise. This gives remote hosts peace of mind knowing that someone local is ensuring the property runs smoothly while they manage the bigger picture from afar. While technology and automation tools cover many tasks, having a trusted co-host nearby helps bridge the gap when personal presence is needed.
Hosting an Airbnb Experience
Airbnb experiences are in-person or online activities hosted by aspiring local experts. Experiences go beyond tours and workshops by immersing guests in the host’s own unique world. Not everyone can host an Airbnb Experience as the site takes it very seriously allowing only for high-quality experiences led by knowledgeable, hospitable Hosts. Every experience is carefully reviewed by them and must meet Airbnb’s standards and requirements.
The two types of experiences:
1. Airbnb Experiences:
Through Airbnb Experiences hosts can offer special knowledge, unique skills, and inside access to experiences, places, and communities. In-person experiences can last a few hours on average.
2. Online experiences:
Online experiences are live, interactive activities led by expert Hosts. Hosts can meet people from all over the world and teach/demonstrate anything—all from the comfort of their homes.
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