Airbnb’s has recently launched a new Co-Host Network, a feature that promises to make life easier for property managers and hosts by matching them with experienced local co-hosts.
However, like all innovations in short-term rental management, this feature brings both opportunities and challenges, particularly around ensuring the safety and security of your property and guests. Let’s explore the key things hosts need to know about this network and highlight some best practices that will help you keep safety front and center as you incorporate co-hosting into your operations.
What Is the Co-Host Network?
Airbnb’s Co-Host Network connects hosts with qualified local co-hosts who can assist in managing their properties. Whether it’s handling guest check-ins, cleaning, or emergency responses, co-hosts take on operational tasks that would otherwise fall to property owners. This is a win for both busy property managers who need extra hands and for individuals looking to earn income by helping out.
While co-hosting allows for shared responsibilities, it also introduces new concerns about control, communication, and—most importantly—trust. When you delegate management to another person, it’s essential to implement systems that keep your property and guests safe.
Why Is Safety a Priority in Co-Hosting?
Handing over the reins to a co-host can feel like giving someone the keys to your car—except in this case, it’s the keys to your home or business. You’re trusting them to maintain the standards you’ve set and to act responsibly on your behalf. That means safety—both for your property and your guests—should be the top priority.
With multiple people involved in running a short-term rental, the margin for error increases. Tasks that seem routine, such as vetting guests or securing the property, can fall through the cracks if not handled properly. Here’s how you can ensure everything stays on track, even with a co-host in the mix.
Vet Your Co-Host as Carefully as You Vet Your Guests
Just as you wouldn’t rent your property to someone without vetting them first, you shouldn’t bring on a co-host without doing your due diligence. The Co-Host Network offers a pool of experienced local professionals, but that doesn’t mean you can skip the vetting process.
When selecting a co-host, ask questions that reveal their experience with property management, their approach to safety, and their comfort level with handling emergencies. Check reviews or references if available. It’s critical that they align with your own standards and values when it comes to managing guests and maintaining your property.
Furthermore, make sure your co-host understands and agrees to follow any safety protocols you’ve put in place, from guest screening to emergency contacts. Airbnb’s vetting process is helpful, but you need to go beyond that and have your own interviews and checks to be fully confident in the person you’re bringing on board.
Communicate Expectations Clearly and in Writing
One of the biggest risks in any co-hosting relationship is a lack of clear communication. When expectations are vague, important safety measures can be overlooked. It’s not enough to simply “agree” on what needs to be done—you need to spell it out.
Create a written agreement that outlines each person’s responsibilities, including everything from guest communications to property inspections. Make sure safety tasks, such as guest vetting, security checks, and emergency response plans, are front and center. If your co-host is going to have any autonomy in screening guests, make sure they’re familiar with the tools you use, like Autohost’s automated guest screening solutions.
Having everything in writing isn’t just about preventing misunderstandings; it also protects you in case something goes wrong. Clear contracts and expectations make it easier to address issues and avoid costly mistakes.
Implement a Guest Screening Process Everyone Follows
Whether it’s you, a property manager, or your co-host handling guest bookings, having a standardized screening process is essential. Guest screening helps ensure that the people staying at your property are trustworthy and less likely to cause damage or disturbances. But when more than one person is managing the property, it’s crucial that everyone is on the same page about how this process works.
Autohost offers automated guest screening tools that can flag potentially risky reservations, checking against criteria like past reviews, ID verification, and even criminal background checks where applicable. These tools are especially useful when multiple parties (like you and your co-host) are managing the property. By automating this process, you reduce the risk of human error and ensure consistent screening, no matter who is handling the booking.
It’s also important to establish what to do when a guest raises red flags. If your co-host is managing bookings, ensure they have clear instructions on when to reject a reservation or bring it to your attention. Don’t leave these decisions to chance—have an agreed-upon set of rules that everyone follows.
Set Up Property Security Systems
Co-hosts often manage check-ins and check-outs, meaning they’re likely the ones physically interacting with your property more frequently. To make this smoother and safer, having a robust property security system in place is key.
Smart locks, security cameras, and monitoring systems can help ensure that access to your property is tightly controlled. For example, smart locks allow you to provide temporary access codes to your co-host and guests, which can be automatically deactivated after their stay or shift. This minimizes the risk of someone having unauthorized access to your property.
Cameras placed at entrances (as long as they comply with privacy laws) can provide an extra layer of security. They allow you to keep an eye on who is coming and going, even if you’re not on-site. Both you and your co-host should have access to these systems, so you can monitor the property in real-time.
Make sure your co-host is trained on how to use these systems effectively. If they’re responsible for check-ins, they should know how to reset codes, troubleshoot smart locks, and respond to any alerts the system sends.
Have a Backup Plan for Emergencies
No matter how well you plan, things can go wrong. Having a co-host in place means you’re sharing responsibility, but it also means you need to coordinate responses to any potential emergencies.
Ensure both you and your co-host have an emergency plan in place that covers situations like property damage, guest injury, or system failures (like plumbing or HVAC issues). Make sure both parties know who to contact for repairs, and have an agreed-upon budget for handling emergencies quickly. If your co-host is going to be handling these issues while you’re away, ensure they know your preferences for dealing with contractors or vendors.
Also, give your co-host access to important emergency contacts—whether that’s local police, a trusted neighbor, or a 24/7 repair service. You want them to be able to act quickly and decisively, without having to consult you for every minor detail.
Periodically Review the Co-Hosting Arrangement
The relationship between you and your co-host should be fluid. As you work together, issues might arise that you didn’t foresee, and safety protocols may need adjusting. Periodically review how things are going—both operationally and in terms of safety.
Ask your co-host for feedback on what’s working and where improvements can be made. Use this as an opportunity to refine safety protocols, especially when it comes to guest management and property security. It’s better to identify potential problems early, before they turn into costly mistakes.