Transfer Airbnb Listing: A Complete Guide for Hosts and New Owners

Transferring an Airbnb listing isn’t as straightforward as clicking a button — but with the right approach, you can make the transition smooth for everyone involved. Whether you’re selling a property, handing operations to a co-host, or passing a listing to a family member, I’ve walked dozens of hosts through this exact process. Here’s what actually works and what most guides get wrong.

This guide covers the full step-by-step process, common pitfalls, and the legal and financial details most hosts overlook when transferring an Airbnb listing to another host.

What Does It Mean to Transfer an Airbnb Listing?

Transferring an Airbnb listing means moving the management or ownership of an Airbnb property from one host to another. This could involve a property sale, delegating to a co-host, or transitioning operations to a new business partner or family member.

Here’s the thing most people don’t realize upfront: Airbnb does not have a direct “transfer listing” feature. Each listing is tied to a specific Airbnb account, and there’s no one-click way to move it. Instead, you need to use a combination of co-hosting, careful planning, and in some cases, creating a new listing under the new host’s account.

For hosts in the rental arbitrage or vacation rental space, understanding this process is critical. A botched transfer can mean lost bookings, confused guests, and a tanked search ranking on Airbnb’s platform. Done right, though, you can preserve most of the listing’s value and momentum.

Can an Airbnb Listing Be Transferred?

Yes — but with caveats. Since Airbnb ties each listing to an individual Airbnb account, you can’t simply reassign it to someone else. There are two main approaches:

1. The Co-Host Method: Add the new host as a co-host, gradually transfer management responsibilities, and eventually change the primary host designation. The listing stays intact — same URL, same photos, same search ranking.
2. The New Listing Method: The new host creates their own account and builds a fresh listing for the same property. This is simpler but means starting from scratch with reviews and search visibility.

In my experience, the co-host method works best when you’re trying to preserve the listing’s reputation and booking history. Airbnb’s Help Center has documentation on adding co-hosts, but the actual transfer process requires more planning than their articles suggest.

Can I Transfer Airbnb to Someone Else?

If you’re looking to fully hand off your listing to another person, you’ll need to coordinate carefully. Here’s a practical breakdown:

• Invite the new host as a co-host first — this gives them access to manage bookings, communicate with guests, and handle check-ins without needing full account access.
• Share your professional photos, listing descriptions, and pricing strategy — if the new host eventually needs to create their own listing, having these assets ready saves weeks of setup time.
• Allow a 2-4 week overlap period — this lets the new host learn the property, the guest communication style, and any local vendor relationships (cleaners, handymen, etc.).

For tips on crafting a listing that converts, check out our guide on writing a good Airbnb description.

Why Transfer an Airbnb Listing?

There are several common scenarios where transferring a listing makes sense:

1. Selling the Property: A real estate agent or owner sells a short-term rental to a buyer who wants to continue operating it. The active listing and booking history add value to the sale.
2. Delegating Management: A busy host hires a property manager or co-host to handle day-to-day tasks like cleaning, check-ins, and guest communication.
3. Retirement or Relocation: A host moving away transfers the listing to a local property manager or another host in the area.
4. Partnership Changes: Business partners restructure responsibilities, requiring a different account to take over operations.
5. Scaling Operations: A host expanding into multiple markets transfers individual property management to local co-hosts while maintaining oversight.

For real estate agents specializing in vacation rentals, an active Airbnb listing with positive reviews, consistent bookings, and a documented revenue history can justify a 10-15% premium on the selling price. Buyers pay more when they’re inheriting a proven income stream rather than starting from zero.

Preparing for the Transfer

Gather Necessary Documents

Before you begin the transfer process, pull together all relevant documentation:

• Property deeds, titles, or lease agreements
• Rental agreements with current guests (if applicable)
• 12-month financial records (income statements, expense reports)
• Tax documents related to short-term rental income
• Insurance policies (liability, property, short-term rental riders)
• Vendor contact list (cleaning crew, maintenance, locksmith)

Having these ready upfront prevents delays and gives the new host a complete picture of what they’re taking on. I’ve seen transfers stall for weeks because the outgoing host couldn’t produce basic financial records.

Assess Listing Performance

Review your listing’s key metrics before handing it off. Look at:

• Occupancy rate — what percentage of available nights are booked?
• Average daily rate (ADR) — how does your pricing compare to local competitors?
• Revenue per available night (RevPAN) — a more accurate profitability measure than occupancy alone.
• Guest review average — listings below 4.5 stars face significantly reduced visibility in Airbnb search.
• Seasonal patterns — document peak, shoulder, and off-season performance so the new host can plan pricing accordingly.

Prepare Financial Records

Accurate financial records build trust and transparency. Prepare income statements showing monthly revenue, expense breakdowns (cleaning, supplies, platform fees, utilities), and net profit margins. If you’ve been tracking this in a spreadsheet or property management tool like Hospitable or Guesty, export the data in a format the new host can continue using.

Step-by-Step Guide to Transfer an Airbnb Listing

Here’s the process I recommend based on managing transfers across multiple markets:

Step 1: Evaluate the Listing

Before anything else, assess the listing’s current standing. Check reviews (aim for 4.7+ stars), upcoming bookings, and whether the listing has any active issues or guest complaints. A clean listing transfers much more smoothly than one with unresolved problems.

Step 2: Communicate with the New Host

Clear communication prevents 90% of transfer problems. Make sure the new host understands:

• The listing’s booking history and seasonal patterns
• Any special guest requests or house rules
• Contractual obligations like security deposits and cleaning fees
• Local regulations and permit requirements

Step 3: Add the New Host as Co-Host

This is the most important step. Go to your listing settings and invite the new host as a co-host through Airbnb’s platform. As a co-host, they can:

• Manage check-ins and check-outs
• Respond to guest messages
• Handle booking requests and modifications
• Access the calendar and pricing tools

Let the co-host manage the property for at least 2-3 weeks before making any further changes. This overlap period is where most of the real learning happens.

Step 4: Share Listing Assets

Transfer all the assets that make the listing successful:

• Professional photos (original high-resolution files)
• Listing description and title variations
• Pricing strategy and dynamic pricing tool settings
• Guest communication templates
• House manual and guidebook content

Step 5: Transition the Primary Host Role

Once the co-host is comfortable managing the property, you have two options:

1. Keep the listing under the original account with the co-host handling everything — this preserves the listing’s reviews and search ranking but keeps it tied to your account.
2. Have the new host create their own listing for the same property — this gives them full control but means starting fresh.

Important clarification about reviews: Airbnb does not transfer reviews between accounts. Reviews are permanently tied to the specific listing they were left on. If the listing stays under the original account (option 1), the reviews stay intact. If the new host creates a new listing (option 2), it starts with zero reviews. There is no “review transfer” feature, despite what some guides claim. Contact Airbnb Support if you have questions about your specific situation.

Step 6: Handle Existing Bookings

Never leave guests in the dark. Coordinate with the new host to honor all current and upcoming bookings. Share guest details, check-in instructions, and any special accommodations that have been promised. A seamless guest experience during the transition protects the listing’s review score.

Step 7: Update Ownership Records

If the property has been sold, update real estate records, notify your local short-term rental permit office, and update any business licenses. The new owner should set their own pricing, house rules, and cancellation policies going forward.

For more hosting strategies, explore our Airbnb Tips section.

What Happens to Existing Bookings During a Transfer

This is one of the most stressful parts of any listing transfer, and getting it wrong can result in angry guests, refund requests, and damaging reviews. Here’s how to handle it:

Option 1: Honor Bookings Through the Transition

If you’re using the co-host method, existing bookings remain active on the original listing. The co-host (new host) handles the actual guest experience while payouts continue going to the primary account holder. You can arrange a separate agreement for revenue sharing during this overlap period — I’ve seen hosts split it 80/20 or 90/10 in favor of the new manager.

Option 2: Cancel and Rebook

If the new host needs bookings under their own account, you’ll need to cancel existing reservations and ask guests to rebook with the new host. This is risky — some guests won’t rebook, and cancellations can hurt both hosts’ standing with Airbnb. Only use this approach when absolutely necessary, and communicate with affected guests well in advance (at least 30 days).

Option 3: Offline Payout Arrangement

Some hosts set up an offline arrangement where the original host receives the Airbnb payout and then transfers the funds to the new host minus any agreed-upon fees. This keeps the bookings intact but requires a written agreement between both parties. Be aware that Airbnb’s terms of service prefer transactions to go through their platform, so document everything carefully.

Pro tip: Regardless of which option you choose, message every upcoming guest to introduce the new host or manager. Something like: “Hi [Guest Name], I wanted to let you know that [New Host] will be managing your stay. They’re fully up to speed on your reservation and will ensure everything goes smoothly.” This simple step prevents most guest complaints.

Legal and Contractual Considerations

Most transfer guides skip the legal side entirely, but this is where hosts get into real trouble. Here’s what you need to address:

Lease and Property Agreements

If you’re operating through rental arbitrage (renting a property and subletting it on Airbnb), transferring the listing means the new host needs their own lease agreement with the property owner. You can’t simply assign your lease to someone else without the landlord’s written consent. In most states, an unauthorized lease assignment is grounds for eviction.

LLC and Business Structure Changes

If the Airbnb is operated under an LLC, you may be able to transfer the listing by transferring LLC membership interests rather than the listing itself. This keeps the listing, permits, and business relationships intact. Consult a real estate attorney — the cost is typically $500-1,500 for a straightforward membership transfer, and it saves enormous headaches.

Tax Implications

Selling or transferring a short-term rental triggers tax events. Key considerations include:

• Capital gains tax on property appreciation if you’re selling
• Depreciation recapture if you’ve been deducting the property
• Self-employment tax adjustments if rental income was reported as business income
• State and local transfer taxes that vary by jurisdiction

Work with a CPA who understands short-term rental taxation. The rules are different from traditional real estate, and mistakes can be expensive.

Permits and Licenses

Many cities require short-term rental permits tied to a specific person or entity. When the host changes, you typically need to apply for a new permit. Check your local regulations — some cities have waitlists, and a gap in permitting can mean the listing goes offline for weeks or months.

Calendar and Pricing Continuity

One of the biggest mistakes I see during transfers is losing the pricing strategy that made the listing profitable in the first place. Here’s how to maintain continuity:

Document Your Pricing Strategy

Before the transfer, create a written pricing guide that covers:

• Base rates for weekdays, weekends, and holidays
• Seasonal adjustments — what months command premium rates and by how much
• Minimum night requirements — how these change by season
• Dynamic pricing tool settings — if you use PriceLabs, Wheelhouse, or Beyond Pricing, export your settings and share login credentials
• Local event pricing — festivals, conferences, or sporting events that drive demand spikes

Transfer Calendar Data

Export your calendar data showing blocked dates, cleaning turnover schedules, and any pre-booked maintenance windows. If you’re syncing across multiple platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com), make sure the new host understands the iCal sync setup to avoid double bookings.

Avoid the “New Listing Cold Start”

If the new host creates a fresh listing, Airbnb’s algorithm treats it as brand new — meaning reduced search visibility for the first few weeks. To counteract this, the new host should:

• Price 10-15% below market for the first 5-10 bookings to build momentum
• Enable Instant Book to improve search ranking
• Respond to all inquiries within 1 hour
• Complete the listing profile with every available field filled out

For more on improving listing visibility, see our guide on increasing Airbnb listing views and our Airbnb algorithm tips.

Is It Possible to Merge Two Airbnb Accounts?

No. Airbnb does not allow merging two accounts. Each account is tied to a unique email address and verified identity. If you or the new host have multiple accounts, each listing must remain under its respective account or be recreated manually under the preferred account.

Attempting to operate two accounts under the same identity can actually get both accounts suspended, so don’t try workarounds here.

Can I Delete My Airbnb Listing and Make a New One?

Yes, but I’d strongly advise against it in most transfer situations. Deleting a listing permanently erases its review history, search ranking, and booking data. Once it’s gone, there’s no recovery.

The better approach: keep the original listing active while the new host’s listing gains traction. This creates a brief overlap period where both listings exist, but it protects the property’s reputation during the transition. Deactivate (don’t delete) the original listing once the new one has its first 5-10 positive reviews.

Co-Hosts vs. New Owners: What’s the Difference?

Understanding this distinction matters for choosing the right transfer approach:

Factor	Co-Host	New Owner
Account ownership	Original host retains account	New host creates their own account
Reviews	Stay with original listing	Start from zero on new listing
Listing control	Shared (permissions-based)	Full control
Payout structure	Split or redirected per agreement	Goes directly to new owner
Search ranking	Preserved	Resets (new listing penalty period)
Best for	Management delegation, temporary transitions	Property sales, permanent handoffs

For hosts who don’t want to sell but need someone else handling operations, the co-host arrangement is almost always the right choice. You maintain ownership and the listing’s track record while offloading the daily work.

Challenges of Transferring an Airbnb Listing

Even with careful planning, transfers come with real challenges:

1. Guest Confusion: Guests who booked months in advance may be surprised by a new host at check-in. Proactive communication is the only fix — reach out individually, don’t rely on automated messages.
2. Review History Loss: If the new host creates a fresh listing, all reviews stay with the original. There’s no workaround for this — it’s one of the strongest arguments for using the co-host method instead.
3. Algorithm Reset: New listings go through a “cold start” period where Airbnb’s search algorithm is still evaluating them. Expect 3-6 weeks of reduced visibility.
4. Local Regulation Gaps: The permit or license tied to the original host may not transfer automatically. Some cities require the new host to reapply, which can take weeks.
5. Platform Fee Changes: Different host accounts may have different fee structures depending on when they were created and their Superhost status.

Selling an Airbnb Property: Real Estate Tips

For real estate agents and property owners, selling an Airbnb with an active listing is a distinct advantage. Here’s how to maximize the sale value:

• Highlight Revenue Data: Share 12-month P&L statements showing consistent rental income. Buyers pay premiums for proven cash flow — documented revenue history can add 8-15% to the sale price.
• Partner with a Local Property Manager: Having a property manager willing to stay on after the sale reassures buyers who may not have hosting experience.
• Bundle Platform Listings: If the property is listed on both Airbnb and VRBO, include both listings in the sale for added appeal.
• Stage for Listing Photos: The property should look exactly as it does in the Airbnb photos during showings. Check out our Airbnb staging ideas for tips on presentation.

Curious about taking over as a new owner? Our post on Airbnb listing new owner covers the buyer’s perspective in detail.

VRBO vs. Airbnb: Transferring Across Platforms

If your property is dual-listed, VRBO transfers follow a similar process — the new owner creates a VRBO account and rebuilds the listing. VRBO is slightly more flexible with property manager accounts, which can make transitions easier on that platform.

When transferring across both platforms simultaneously, sync the calendars via iCal immediately to prevent double bookings during the transition period. For cross-platform listing optimization, see our vacation rental copywriting guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you transfer an Airbnb listing to another person?

Airbnb does not have a direct listing transfer feature. The recommended approach is to add the new host as a co-host, gradually transition management responsibilities, and then have them create their own listing using the same property. Reviews stay with the original listing and cannot be transferred to a new account.

Do reviews transfer when you move an Airbnb listing?

No, reviews do not transfer between Airbnb accounts. Reviews are tied to the specific listing they were left on. If the listing ownership changes through the co-host method, the listing and its reviews remain intact. If a new listing is created under a different account, it starts with zero reviews.

How long does it take to transfer an Airbnb listing?

A proper listing transition typically takes 2-4 weeks. This includes adding the new host as co-host, allowing them to learn the property and guest communication style, transitioning existing bookings, and finally updating the primary host designation or creating a new listing.

Final Thoughts

Transferring an Airbnb listing takes planning, clear communication, and attention to both the legal and operational details. The co-host method preserves the most value — reviews, search ranking, and booking continuity — while giving the new host time to learn the property. If a full ownership change requires a new listing, plan for a 3-6 week ramp-up period and use strategic pricing to rebuild momentum.

The hosts who handle transfers successfully are the ones who treat it like a business handoff, not just a listing change. Document everything, communicate with guests proactively, and don’t rush the timeline.