Both a co-host and a full-service manager take the day-to-day work off your hands. The differences are in who controls the listing, how much they do, and how they charge. Some businesses offer both, so the labels overlap.
Co-host
A co-host works on your existing listing. You add them on Airbnb and choose their permissions. The listing, its reviews and your payout settings stay in your account.
- Good if you want to stay in control, or already have a well-reviewed listing.
- Services vary: some only handle guests and cleans, others do almost everything.
- You may still handle some things yourself, such as restocking or maintenance.
Full-service manager
A full-service manager runs the whole operation, often on several platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com and Stayz, and sometimes under their own account.
- Good if you want it fully hands-off, or live far from the property.
- Usually includes pricing, guests, cleaning, linen, maintenance and monthly statements.
- Check who owns the listing and reviews, the minimum term and the notice period.
Questions to ask either one
- Whose account is the listing in, and what happens to it if we part ways?
- What’s included in the fee, and what’s charged separately?
- How many homes do you run near my property, and how are they rated?
- Which platforms will you list on?
- How do you handle registration, levies and strata rules in my area?
- Can I block out dates for my own stays?
Compare both kinds side by side
CoHostCompare lists 198 managers and co-hosts across 74 areas in New South Wales and Victoria. Each profile shows the homes they run near your address, guest ratings and published fees, and you can request quotes from up to five in one go. Search your address.