System Questions Resolved
Answers to common operational bottlenecks faced by property hosts and co-hosts.
1. What is the standard fee split for a co-host?
Industry standard ranges between 15% and 25% of gross revenue, depending on responsibilities. Digital-only management leans toward 10-15%, while full-service on-the-ground management dictates 20-25%.
2. Should I use a physical lockbox or a smart lock?
Smart locks are mandatory for scaling a repeatable system, allowing unique codes for every guest. However, a physical lockbox must always be kept on-site as an emergency redundancy.
3. How do we handle cleaning fees between host and co-host?
Cleaning fees should ideally pass directly through to the cleaning staff or the vendor company. They should not be factored into the percentage split between the owner and co-host.
4. Can I automate all my guest messaging?
You can automate about 80% of messaging (booking confirmations, check-in instructions, check-out reminders). The remaining 20% requires a human operator for specific inquiries and exception handling.
5. What is the best way to handle early check-in requests?
Build a strict policy. If you allow them, standard practice is to charge a half-day rate or a flat fee (e.g., $50) if requested in advance. Same-day requests are usually denied to protect the cleaner's routine.
6. How do I stop parties before they start?
Implement a three-pillar system: strict house rules, mandatory identity verification via a platform like Superhog, and privacy-safe decibel monitors inside the property.
7. Who pays for minor maintenance, the host or co-host?
The owner (host) pays for all property maintenance. The co-host's responsibility is coordinating the repair, but the capital expenditure comes from the owner's ledger.
8. What if my co-host goes on vacation?
Your operating agreement must dictate cover logic. Usually, the co-host provides a trained backup contact to handle the 'operations lane' during their absence, maintaining the system without burdening the owner.