How to Become an Airbnb Superhost: Complete 2026 Requirements Guide

Superhost status is Airbnb's way of recognizing exceptional hosts. It's more than a badge—it's a trust signal that can increase your bookings by 20-30% and justify higher nightly rates.

But how do you actually get it? This guide breaks down exactly what you need, how Airbnb measures it, and the strategies top hosts use to earn and maintain Superhost status.

What Is Airbnb Superhost Status?

Superhost is Airbnb's recognition program for hosts who consistently deliver outstanding guest experiences. Superhosts get:

A badge on their profile and listings — Instant credibility

Priority placement in search results — More visibility

Superhost-only search filter — Access to guests specifically seeking quality

$100 Airbnb coupon — Awarded each year you maintain status

Priority customer support — Faster response from Airbnb

Early access to new features — Beta test new tools

The badge appears on your profile, every listing, and in search results. Many guests specifically filter for Superhosts when booking.

The 4 Superhost Requirements (2026)

Airbnb evaluates Superhost status quarterly (January 1, April 1, July 1, October 1). You must meet ALL four criteria during the assessment period:

1. Minimum 10 Completed Stays (or 100 Nights)

The requirement: At least 10 completed reservations OR 100 total nights booked in the past year.

Why it matters: Airbnb wants Superhosts to have enough experience to demonstrate consistent quality.

Tips to meet this:

If you're close, consider shorter minimum stays to increase reservation count

100 nights is often easier for hosts with longer-stay properties

Quality matters more than volume—don't sacrifice experience for numbers

2. 90% Response Rate or Higher

The requirement: Respond to at least 90% of new messages within 24 hours.

What counts:

Initial inquiries and booking requests

New message threads from guests

Messages requiring a response (not just "thanks!")

What doesn't count:

Follow-up messages in existing threads

Automated messages you send

Messages from Airbnb support

Tips to maintain 90%+:

Enable notifications on your phone

Set up scheduled messages for predictable questions

If you can't respond fully, at least acknowledge receipt

Use the Airbnb app's quick replies feature

Consider a co-host to cover when you're unavailable

3. 4.8+ Overall Rating

The requirement: Maintain a 4.8 or higher overall rating across all reviews.

The math: With a 4.8 threshold, you can only afford about 1 in 5 reviews to be below 5 stars before you're at risk.

The six rating categories:

Overall experience

Cleanliness

Accuracy

Communication

Check-in

Value

Tips to maintain 4.8+:

Focus obsessively on cleanliness (most common complaint)

Set accurate expectations in your listing

Communicate proactively before, during, and after stays

Make check-in foolproof with clear instructions

Price fairly for what you offer

4. Less Than 1% Cancellation Rate

The requirement: Cancel less than 1% of confirmed reservations (excluding extenuating circumstances).

What counts against you:

Host-initiated cancellations

Cancellations for reasons within your control

What doesn't count:

Guest cancellations

Cancellations due to documented extenuating circumstances

Cancellations approved by Airbnb support

Tips to avoid cancellations:

Block dates you're unavailable BEFORE they're booked

Don't accept bookings you're unsure about

Have a backup plan for emergencies (co-host, property manager)

If you must cancel, contact Airbnb to explain circumstances

When Superhost Status Is Assessed

Airbnb reviews your metrics quarterly:

| Assessment Date | Review Period | |-----------------|---------------| | January 1 | Previous 365 days | | April 1 | Previous 365 days | | July 1 | Previous 365 days | | October 1 | Previous 365 days |

You'll receive an email after each assessment letting you know whether you've earned or maintained status.

Important: The assessment looks at a rolling 365-day window, not the calendar quarter. A bad review from 11 months ago still counts.

How to Check Your Superhost Progress

Open the Airbnb app or website

Go to your hosting dashboard

Look for "Superhost" or "Performance" section

View your current metrics vs. requirements

Airbnb shows your progress toward each requirement with visual indicators. Check this monthly to catch issues early.

Strategies to Earn Superhost Status

Strategy 1: Nail the Basics

Before optimizing for Superhost, ensure fundamentals are solid:

Spotless cleaning — Hire professionals if needed

Accurate listing — Photos and description match reality

Reliable check-in — Self check-in with backup access method

Essential amenities — WiFi, toiletries, clean linens, kitchen basics

Strategy 2: Communicate Proactively

Don't wait for guests to reach out:

Before booking:

Respond to inquiries within 1 hour when possible

Answer questions thoroughly to prevent follow-ups

Before arrival:

Send check-in instructions 24-48 hours ahead

Confirm arrival time and any special requests

Provide local recommendations

During stay:

Check in after first night: "Hope you found everything okay! Let me know if you need anything."

Be available but not intrusive

After checkout:

Thank them for staying

Ask if they enjoyed their trip

Gently remind about leaving a review (don't beg)

Strategy 3: Prevent Bad Reviews

Most negative reviews are preventable:

Set accurate expectations:

If stairs are steep, mention it

If street parking is tricky, explain it

If walls are thin, acknowledge it

Address issues immediately:

If something breaks, fix it fast or offer compensation

If a guest complains, listen and act

A $20 Uber Eats credit can save a 5-star review

Screen carefully (if not using Instant Book):

Read guest profiles and reviews

Trust your instincts on red flags

It's okay to decline bookings that feel wrong

Strategy 4: Recover from Bad Reviews

One bad review won't sink you, but how you respond matters:

Respond professionally:

Thank them for feedback

Address specific concerns factually

Explain what you've improved

Don't be defensive or argumentative

Bury with volume:

More 5-star reviews dilute the impact

Consider promotions to increase bookings

Focus on delivering exceptional experiences

Strategy 5: Avoid Cancellations at All Costs

Cancellations hurt more than bad reviews:

Block your calendar proactively — Holidays, personal trips, maintenance

Have emergency backup — Co-host who can cover, nearby property manager

Don't overcommit — Better to have fewer listings running smoothly

Maintain your property — Prevent emergencies with regular maintenance

Common Superhost Mistakes

Mistake 1: Chasing Volume Over Quality

More bookings mean more chances for bad reviews. It's better to have 15 excellent stays than 30 mediocre ones.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Small Issues

That loose towel bar? The WiFi that sometimes drops? Fix these before guests mention them in reviews.

Mistake 3: Delayed Responses on Weekends

Response rate doesn't pause for weekends. Set up notifications and check messages daily.

Mistake 4: Assuming You'll Keep Status

Superhost is re-evaluated quarterly. One bad quarter can cost you the badge. Stay vigilant.

Mistake 5: Not Reading Your Reviews

Reviews contain specific feedback about what to improve. Read every one and act on patterns.

What Happens If You Lose Superhost Status?

If you fail to meet requirements in a quarterly assessment:

Your Superhost badge is removed

You lose priority search placement

You can't filter into Superhost searches

You keep your reviews and ratings

You can earn it back at the next quarterly assessment if you meet all requirements again.

Is Superhost Worth the Effort?

The benefits are real:

Studies show Superhosts earn 20-30% more than comparable non-Superhosts

The badge builds instant trust with hesitant bookers

Priority search placement means more views

Superhost-filtered searches bring high-intent guests

But consider your market:

In oversaturated markets, Superhost is table stakes

In underserved markets, you may do fine without it

Some guests don't filter by Superhost at all

The verdict: For most hosts, Superhost status is worth pursuing. The requirements align with good hosting anyway—respond quickly, deliver great experiences, don't cancel.

Superhost Action Plan

This Week

Check your current metrics in the app

Identify which requirement needs the most work

Enable all notifications for the Airbnb app

Review your last 5 reviews for patterns

This Month

Respond to every inquiry within 1 hour

Implement proactive guest communication

Address any recurring guest complaints

Block calendar dates when you can't host

Ongoing

Check metrics weekly

Respond within 24 hours—always

Follow up with every guest after checkout

Maintain property proactively

Conclusion

Superhost status is achievable for any committed host. The requirements aren't about perfection—they're about consistency:

Respond promptly — 90% within 24 hours

Deliver quality — 4.8+ stars

Stay committed — 10+ reservations, no cancellations

Focus on these fundamentals, and the badge will follow.

Related Guides

First-Time Host Guide — Complete checklist for new hosts

Guest Reviews Guide — Maintain your 4.8+ rating

Booking Settings — Response rate and Instant Book

Search Ranking Guide — How Superhost affects visibility