Managing an Airbnb property can be exciting and profitable, but it’s also a lot of work. From preparing the property, messaging guests, managing reservations and check-ins, updating your listing, to coordinating cleaning and maintenance—running a short-term rental can quickly become overwhelming.
That’s where Airbnb co-hosting comes in. A co-host can assist in managing your property in exchange for a co-hosting fee, allowing hosts to focus on scaling their business and improving guest experiences.
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What is Airbnb Co-hosting?
Airbnb introduced its co-hosting feature in November 2016, allowing hosts to designate other Airbnb members to share hosting responsibilities or manage the listing on their behalf. Co-hosts can be:
- Close friends or family members
- Freelance property managers
- Professional property management companies
Each Airbnb listing can have up to three co-hosts. Initially, Airbnb offered the Co-host Marketplace, where co-hosts could create profiles and offer services to hosts. However, this was closed down in June 2018 because it wasn’t effective at connecting enough hosts and co-hosts.
Responsibilities of a Co-host
Co-hosts can help with a wide range of tasks, including:
- Listing the property and updating prices and calendars
- Managing reservations and guest check-ins/check-outs
- Responding to guest emails and inquiries
- Preparing and restocking the space
- Handling disputes or guest issues
In practice, co-hosting has been shown to increase occupancy rates by up to 30%, thanks to faster guest responses and more consistent service. Most co-hosts charge 10–30% of rental income, depending on their level of involvement, though some specialized co-hosts managing marketing or revenue optimisation may charge more.
These statistics highlight how co-hosting can be both a profitable and operationally beneficial solution for Airbnb hosts.
Hosts and co-hosts can negotiate and divide operational and marketing responsibilities in advance, creating a transparent collaboration.
Why Co-hosting is a Win-Win
Managing an Airbnb property alone is daunting. A co-host allows you to delegate operational tasks and focus on growing your business. Some key benefits include:
- Better guest experience: Co-hosts can respond quickly to messages, leave reviews, and ensure guests have smooth stays.
- Positive reviews often lead to higher bookings and revenue. In fact, listings with co-host support often report faster response times and improved guest satisfaction.
- Stress reduction: By outsourcing daily tasks, hosts can focus on marketing strategies and business growth.
- Transparent collaboration: Hosts don’t have to share sensitive information like Airbnb account login or payout details. Co-hosts can manage tasks from their own accounts, maintaining clear responsibility for each action.
Airbnb Co-host Fees Overview
Co-hosting isn’t free. Hosts typically pay co-hosts a fee, which can be:
- A percentage of rental income, commonly between 10–30%, depending on responsibilities
- A fixed fee for specific services or per booking
Previously, Airbnb operated a split-fee structure, where the service fee was shared between host and guest. However, between August and December 2025, Airbnb introduced a global host-only service fee model.
Host-Only Service Fee & Co-host Payments
As of 1 December 2025, all hosts are charged a standard 15.5% host-only service fee. This fee is deducted directly from the host’s payout and is calculated on the total booking value, including the nightly rate, cleaning fee, and any additional guest charges.
Airbnb no longer provides automated split payouts for co-hosts. Hosts must therefore arrange co-host payments independently using agreed external payment methods, such as bank transfer.
This is why software like Zeevou PMS has become an essential tool for many Airbnb hosts, helping to automate revenue tracking, calculate accurate co-host payments based on net earnings, and centralise financial reporting.
How Zeevou Supports Co-hosting
Zeevou provides tools for efficient co-host management and revenue tracking:
- Owner Portal: Centralise financial visibility, showing all co-host fees and payouts in one place.
- Revenue Management: Automates income reporting across multiple bookings and channels.
- Task Management: Assign and track responsibilities to co-hosts to avoid confusion.
Using a PMS like Zeevou can save hosts time and stress while improving transparency. For example, a host managing three listings with multiple co-hosts can track all revenue, fees, and payouts in one dashboard, avoiding mistakes and ensuring timely payment for co-hosts.
Co-host vs Host Responsibilities
| Task | Co-host | Host | Notes |
| Guest communication | Yes | No | Faster responses improve reviews |
| Listing & calendar updates | Yes | Yes | Optional automation available via PMS |
| Check-ins & property prep | Yes | No | Includes restocking supplies |
| Pricing & revenue strategy | No | Yes | Strategic decisions remain host’s responsibility |
| Payment tracking | Yes (via PMS) | Yes | Reduces manual errors |
FAQ: Airbnb Co-hosting
What is a co-host in Airbnb?
A co-host helps manage your listing by handling operational tasks like guest communication, check-ins, and property prep.
How much does a co-host charge?
Typically 10–30% of rental income, or a fixed per-booking fee, depending on services provided.
Does Airbnb pay co-hosts automatically?
No. Airbnb does not automatically pay co-hosts. Since the removal of automated split payouts, hosts are responsible for paying co-hosts directly via agreed external payment methods.
Hosts should also factor in Airbnb’s 15.5% host-only service fee when calculating co-host compensation.
Is co-hosting worth it?
Yes, for hosts managing multiple properties or wanting to improve guest experience while saving time.
Conclusion
Airbnb co-hosting allows hosts to delegate operational work, improve guest satisfaction, and grow their business. With co-hosts helping manage day-to-day tasks, hosts can focus on strategy, marketing, and revenue optimisation.
Under Airbnb’s current host-only service fee model, a standard 15.5% fee is deducted from the host’s payout. As Airbnb does not support automated co-host payouts, hosts must manage co-host payments independently.
Using a PMS like Zeevou simplifies financial tracking, improves transparency and ensures accurate co-host fee calculations.
Image by pch.vector on Freepik.
