Using Airbnb Co host to help manage while traveling

[Chandler Gordon]

Hello all,

My wife and I recently purchased a home in Spartanburg, SC but are employed as traveling healthcare workers. We typically take 3 month contracts and would like to use Airbnb to rent our home while we are away. We would need someone local to help out with the Airbnb in case of an emergency or something goes wrong and the renters need assistance. Does anyone have any experience with using a Co host to help manage the property while traveling across the country? I have seen other posts about software such as Turnoverbnb to help manage the cleaning between renters. I assume even with this software I would need someone who would be willing to take care of other tasks that might require more effort and provide potential assistance to renters. We have never used Airbnb as a host so any advice you might have would be greatly appreciated!

Chandler Gordon

[David Bergmann]

Hey Chandler,

I own several of my own Airbnbs and also co-host for several folks in Columbia, SC not too far from you.  We've been contacted about co-hosting a few times and it always originates through a "fake" inquiry on Airbnb.  I think what others in your situation are doing is looking for Airbnb listings in their area to find a host with a solid base of reviews.  Once you've found a host you like, reach out by inquiry and explain your desire to find a co-host.  You'll need to find a way to route the conversation off of the airbnb platform to discuss the details (we ask them to visit our website where there is a contact us page).  Typical fees are 20% of post cleaning revenue.  You still pay for utilities, consumables, cleaning, landscaping, maintenance, but the co-host will coordinate these activities and manage guest communications.  You'll want to have a few initial discussions and walkthrough of the property to make sure you are on the same page on everything.

Best of luck!