Airbnb co-host vs property manager: which do you need?
A co-host works inside your Airbnb account, usually for 10–25%, covering one platform; a property manager runs your listings across all platforms under a service agreement for 15–30% — or 2% with an AI manager. Multi-channel hosts outgrow co-hosting fast.
- Co-host: added to YOUR Airbnb listing; typical informal fee 10–25%; Airbnb only
- Property manager: all platforms, all operations; typical 15–30% of revenue
- AI manager (Stays): all platforms, all operations, 2% per booking
- Co-hosts often have no contract — great flexibility, no accountability
- Neither replaces a cleaner; all three models coordinate cleaning rather than do it
What co-hosting is genuinely good for
A trusted local who answers messages, meets the odd guest and keeps an eye on the flat — especially when the host is temporarily away. For a single Airbnb-only listing with modest volume, a fair co-host arrangement is often the simplest answer.
Where it stops working
The moment you add Booking.com or Vrbo, the co-host's permissions cover none of it. And because co-hosting is usually informal, quality depends entirely on one person's availability — holidays, day jobs and enthusiasm included.
The decision in one question
Do you want to manage the manager? A co-host is a person you supervise. A management service is an outcome you buy — defined scope, reporting, and someone to hold accountable. Price no longer forces the choice: full management at 2% costs less than most co-hosts.
The honest answers.
What do I actually have to do?
Send photos and your address, approve the listing we write, and tell us how you handle keys and cleaning today (we'll plug into it, or set you up with a smart lock or local cleaner network). After that: nothing. You'll get a monthly summary and payouts to your bank account.
How can you charge 2% when others charge 15–30%?
Because our costs are different, not our service. Traditional managers pay local teams to answer messages, coordinate cleaners and update prices by hand. Our AI does that work at near-zero cost, so we don't need your margin to cover salaries. Cleaning itself is paid by guests through cleaning fees, exactly as it works on Airbnb today.
Send your photos today.
Keep your 2% rate forever.
We'll send back your finished listing within 48 hours — free, no commitment. If you like it, we publish it and your property starts earning.
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