Lodgify
Property Management

What is Co-Hosting?

Updated 2026-05-28

Co-hosting is a collaborative arrangement where a property owner delegates some or all of the tasks associated with managing a vacation rental to a co-host. These responsibilities can range from guest communication and calendar management to coordinating cleaning and handling on-site maintenance.

In exchange for their services, the co-host typically receives a predetermined percentage of the booking revenue. This model allows owners to reduce their operational workload while retaining ownership and a degree of control over their property.

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How it works

An owner first identifies the specific management tasks they wish to delegate and then finds a suitable co-host, who may be a friend, family member, or a professional service. The owner and co-host establish a formal agreement outlining all responsibilities, compensation structure, and access levels for the property and booking platform accounts.

Once the agreement is in place, the co-host begins performing the designated tasks, such as managing the listing on OTAs, responding to guest inquiries, and coordinating turnovers. Payouts are either handled automatically by the booking platform or are paid out manually by the owner according to the terms of their agreement.

Why it matters

Co-hosting provides a flexible and scalable solution for property owners who lack the time, proximity, or expertise to manage their rental effectively. By delegating tasks, owners can improve the guest experience through more responsive communication and professional on-site support, which can lead to better reviews and increased bookings.

For co-hosts, it offers an opportunity to earn income from the vacation rental industry without the capital investment required for property ownership. This arrangement bridges the gap between full-time self-management and hiring a full-service property management company.

For practical guidance, see Lodgify’s Free Airbnb Co-Host Agreement Template.

Examples

  • An owner living in a different country hires a local co-host to manage guest check-ins, handle emergency maintenance calls, and restock supplies for their city apartment.
  • A busy professional who owns a cabin lists her neighbor as a co-host. The neighbor manages all guest communications and coordinates with the cleaning service in exchange for 15% of the booking revenue.
  • A retiree with a guest house on his property uses a professional co-hosting service to manage the online listing, optimize pricing dynamically, and handle all pre- and post-stay messaging with guests.
  • An investor with a portfolio of three rental properties adds a single co-host to his booking platform account to standardize guest screening and turnover procedures across all his listings.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a co-host and a property manager?+
A property manager or management company typically handles all aspects of rental operations for multiple properties under a comprehensive contract. A co-host arrangement can be more flexible and informal, often involving an individual assisting with a specific subset of tasks for a single property. However, professional co-hosting services are increasingly blurring this line by offering more comprehensive service packages. Both co-hosts and property managers often use property management software like Lodgify to streamline operations such as bookings, guest communication, and scheduling cleanings.
How much do co-hosts typically charge?+
Co-host fees vary widely based on the scope of responsibilities. For handling only online tasks like guest messaging and calendar management, fees might be 10–15% of the booking revenue. For comprehensive, on-the-ground services that include guest check-ins, maintenance coordination, and turnover management, fees typically range from 20–30% of the revenue.
Can I have more than one co-host for a single property?+
Yes, many booking platforms, including Airbnb, allow property owners to add multiple co-hosts to a listing. This is useful for dividing responsibilities, such as assigning one co-host to handle online communications and another to manage on-site tasks and guest support.
How do property owners find co-hosts?+
Owners can find co-hosts through personal networks, such as friends, family, or trusted neighbors. They can also use online platforms and marketplaces specifically designed to connect property owners with experienced hosts and co-hosting services in their local area.
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