The short-term rental (STR) industry has transformed dramatically over the past decade. What started as a way for homeowners to make extra income by renting out spare rooms has evolved into a thriving, competitive market, with investors, property managers, and hospitality professionals all vying for success.
But there's a persistent myth that keeps many potential entrepreneurs from getting involved: "You need to own property to make money in short-term rentals."
That's simply not true.
Co-hosting has emerged as a practical, low-barrier entry point for those who want to profit from STRs without owning a single property. It's a game-changer for people looking to break into the industry, offering flexibility, scalability, and a lucrative income stream—without the headaches of mortgages, maintenance, or long-term financial commitments.
This guide dives deep into what co-hosting is, how it works, and why it's one of the most accessible ways to generate income in the short-term rental space. Whether you're a seasoned host looking to expand or a newcomer eager to get started, this article will give you the insights you need to be part of the growing co-hosting community and build a successful business.
At its core, co-hosting is the act of managing a short-term rental property on behalf of the owner. Co-hosts take on many of the responsibilities traditionally handled by the property owner, including guest communication, listing optimization, cleaning coordination, and pricing strategy.
A host is the person who owns or controls the property and lists it on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, or their own direct booking site.
A co-host is someone the host invites to help manage the property, often in exchange for a percentage of the earnings. Co-hosts do not own the property, but they operate as managers who ensure everything runs smoothly.
A co-host's tasks can vary based on the agreement with the property owner, but they typically include:
✔ Guest communication: Responding to inquiries, managing bookings, and providing check-in/check-out instructions.
✔ Pricing and calendar management: Adjusting rates based on demand, seasonal trends, and occupancy.
✔ Cleaning and maintenance coordination: Scheduling turnovers, inspections, and ensuring the property meets guest expectations.
✔ Review management: Engaging with guest reviews to maintain a strong reputation.
In some cases, depending on their skill set and the host's needs, co-hosts may also handle marketing, revenue management, or even guest experience enhancements.
Co-hosting is one of the easiest ways to enter the STR industry without owning real estate. Traditional STR investment requires significant upfront capital, including down payments, furnishing costs, and ongoing property expenses. Co-hosting eliminates those barriers, allowing individuals to build income without taking on debt or property management risks. Co-hosts can manage a variety of properties, from single rooms in urban apartments to entire vacation homes in popular tourist destinations, catering to different types of guests and travel preferences.
Many Airbnb hosts start with one or two properties but struggle to scale due to time constraints. Co-hosting allows them to manage additional listings, grow their revenue, and establish themselves as industry experts—all without purchasing more real estate.
Not all property owners want to be involved in the day-to-day hosting operations. Many lack the time, knowledge, or interest in managing guest interactions and logistics. A skilled co-host can provide immense value by handling these tasks, allowing the owner to enjoy passive income with minimal effort.
Co-hosting is one of the few businesses that can be run remotely. Many co-hosts manage properties in multiple cities or countries, leveraging digital tools and local service providers to operate efficiently from anywhere globally.
There are two primary ways co-hosts make money:
Most new co-hosts start with the revenue share model, as it aligns their earnings with the property's performance. However, experienced co-hosts often negotiate higher rates or implement hybrid pricing structures that include performance bonuses.
To be a great co-host, you need to develop strong skills in:
✔ Customer service and guest communication
✔ Dynamic pricing and revenue optimization
✔ Cleaning and maintenance coordination
✔ Listing management and Airbnb SEO
If you don't have direct STR experience, consider working for an existing host or property manager first to gain hands-on knowledge.
The biggest challenge for new co-hosts is securing their first few properties. Here's how to find them:
✔ Leverage your network – Talk to friends, family, and local property owners who might need help.
✔ Use Airbnb's Co-Host Network – Hosts can connect with co-hosts directly through Airbnb in select countries.
✔ Offer free trials – Provide one month of free co-hosting to build trust and get testimonials.
✔ Use local STR meetups and networking events – Connect with investors and property owners in your area.
Before working with an owner, put everything in writing. A co-hosting contract should cover:
✔ Your responsibilities
✔ Payment structure
✔ Decision-making authority
✔ Conflict resolution procedures
Clear agreements prevent misunderstandings and ensure a smooth working relationship.
Co-hosting is more than just managing bookings; it's about keeping things running smoothly while maximizing earnings. The right tools can make all the difference, and that's where Futurestay comes in.
✔ Direct Booking Management – Help owners take direct bookings while keeping their listings active on OTAs like Airbnb and Vrbo.
✔ Centralized Dashboard – Manage multiple properties from one place, eliminating the need for scattered spreadsheets or various logins.
✔ Calendar Sync Across Platforms – Keep bookings and availability up to date across Airbnb, Vrbo, Google Vacation Rentals, and direct booking sites.
✔ Seamless Collaboration – Work more efficiently with property owners by streamlining operations, reducing miscommunication, and ensuring a smooth guest experience.
With Futurestay, co-hosts can optimize their workflow, stay organized, and provide top-tier service while growing their business.
Not all property owners are easy to work with. Some may micromanage, refuse pricing suggestions, or expect more than what was agreed upon. The solution? Set clear boundaries and expectations upfront.
Dealing with complaints, last-minute cancellations, or demanding guests can be stressful. A strong guest screening process and a detailed house manual can minimize these problems.
Many co-hosts hit a ceiling when they manage too many properties alone. The key? Outsourcing tasks like guest messaging, hiring virtual assistants, and using automation tools.
The short-term rental industry is bigger than ever, and co-hosting is a low-risk, high-reward way to build a profitable business without owning property. It provides:
✔ Financial freedom – Earn from STRs without buying real estate
✔ Flexibility – Work from anywhere, set your own schedule
✔ Scalability – Start small and expand to manage multiple properties
Whether you’re looking for a side hustle, career change, or a way to grow within the STR space, co-hosting is one of the best opportunities available today.
Ready to get started? Connect with property owners, develop your skills, and build a business that thrives in the fast-growing world of short-term rentals.