How to choose the right co-host for your holiday let
Choosing a co-host is about finding someone who knows your area, communicates well and aligns with your goals as an owner. Local presence, transparent fees and a genuine partnership model are the qualities that matter most.
If you have decided that co-hosting is the right model for your holiday let, the next step is finding the right person or company to work with. Not all co-hosts are the same, and the quality of the partnership will directly affect your income, your guests’ experience and your peace of mind.
Here is what to look for and what to watch out for.
Local knowledge is non-negotiable
The whole point of co-hosting is having someone on the ground who knows the area. A co-host based three counties away cannot do a last-minute property check, greet a guest who arrives early, or recommend the best local restaurant.
When evaluating a co-host, ask where they are based and how many properties they look after in your area. At HolidayHost, every property is paired with a Local Host who lives in the community they serve.
Understand the fee structure
Co-hosting fees typically range from 10% to 20% of booking revenue. But the headline number does not tell the full story. Ask what is included:
- Is listing setup and optimisation included?
- Are changeover coordination costs covered?
- Is photography included or extra?
- Are there any minimum fees or fixed monthly charges?
HolidayHost charges a flat 10% plus VAT with everything included. No hidden extras, no surprise invoices. For a comparison of how different fee models stack up, see our fees compared guide.
Look for genuine partnership, not just service
The best co-hosting relationships feel like a partnership, not a client-vendor arrangement. Your co-host should be proactive about suggesting improvements, honest about what is and is not working, and responsive when you have questions.
Ask for references from other owners they work with. Better still, ask if you can speak to an owner in a similar area with a similar property.
Check their platform expertise
A good co-host should understand how Airbnb and Vrbo work, not just at the listing level, but at the algorithm level. Ask how they approach listing optimisation, how they set prices, and how they respond to platform changes.
If the answer is “we just list it and see what happens,” look elsewhere.
Flexibility and control
Make sure you retain control over your calendar and can use your property whenever you want. A good co-host will work around your personal use dates without penalty. You should also be able to set boundaries about guest types, minimum stays and house rules.
This flexibility is one of the key benefits of co-hosting compared to traditional agency models, where owners often feel locked out of decisions about their own property.
Trust your instincts
Beyond the practical checks, pay attention to how a potential co-host communicates with you during the initial conversations. Are they responsive? Do they listen? Do they ask good questions about your property and your goals?
If the early conversations feel rushed, impersonal or overly salesy, the working relationship is unlikely to improve once you sign up.
