Direct answer: to earn Airbnb’s Superhost badge you need, over the previous 12 months, an overall rating of at least 4.8, a response rate of at least 90%, a cancellation rate under 1% (with exceptions) and at least 10 stays (or 3 stays totalling 100+ nights) 1. Airbnb reviews the criteria every quarter, so you can win or lose the badge four times a year.
Superhost status is a trust signal shown on your listing and in search. For a Montreux apartment competing with dozens of similar lakeside listings it can tip a booking, and it is one of the few ranking levers fully in the host’s hands. Airbnb can change the programme at any time, so confirm the current rules on its Help Centre 1.
In a nutshell: 4.8+ rating · 90%+ response rate · under 1% cancellations · 10 stays (or 3 stays of 100+ nights) in the last 12 months. Checked quarterly (1 January, 1 April, 1 July, 1 October).
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The four Superhost requirements
| Criterion | Threshold (rolling 12 months) | What it means in Montreux |
|---|---|---|
| Completed stays | 10 stays, or 3 stays totalling 100+ nights | Easy on a well-booked flat; long stays can qualify you with fewer guests |
| Overall rating | 4.8 or higher | One 3-star review can pull a small sample down |
| Response rate | 90% or higher | Reply to every enquiry, ideally within the hour |
| Cancellation rate | Under 1% (exceptions apply) | Avoid host-initiated cancellations, especially in event weeks |
Airbnb assesses these on set quarterly dates and applies exceptions for extenuating circumstances, so read the Help Centre page for the current wording rather than relying on a summary 1.
Is it worth it? What the data shows
AirROI data, summarised in our pricing article, found that Superhosts in the US markets studied earned roughly 29% more in total annual revenue than standard hosts, despite charging around 11% less per night, because occupancy rose more than the rate fell 2. That is US data, not Montreux data, so treat it as a direction rather than a promise.
How to qualify and keep the badge in Montreux
- Protect the 4.8: the rating is an average, so a single weak review matters most when you have few stays. Fix the recurring complaints first — cleanliness, heating, noise — see our reviews and reputation guide.
- Reply fast: turn on notifications, use saved replies and cover holidays with a co-host or a manager.
- Never cancel lightly: a single host cancellation in a year can break a 1% limit for a small host. Block dates you cannot honour rather than cancelling later, and keep your calendar synced.
- Set a sensible minimum stay: longer stays accumulate nights quickly — see cancellation policy and minimum stay.
- Make arrival frictionless: a clear self check-in removes the most common source of low scores.
- Check each quarter: review your Airbnb performance dashboard a month before each assessment date so you can still act.
When Superhost is not the goal
For a small owner with a few stays a year, hitting 10 stays or 100 nights can be hard, and chasing the badge by discounting or accepting poor-fit guests can cost more than it earns. If you rent only for the Montreux Jazz Festival fortnight, optimise price and house rules instead. A manager can cover response times and cancellations; see how to choose a property management company.
If you would like us to review your listing and tell you honestly how far you are from Superhost, get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Airbnb Superhost requirements?
Over the previous 12 months: an overall rating of at least 4.8, a response rate of at least 90%, a cancellation rate under 1% (with exceptions) and at least 10 stays, or 3 stays totalling 100+ nights. Confirm the current rules on Airbnb's Help Centre.
How often does Airbnb check Superhost status?
Quarterly, on fixed dates (1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October), using the preceding 12 months.
Do Superhosts earn more in Montreux?
US data from AirROI shows Superhosts earning roughly 29% more per year than standard hosts, but it is not Montreux-specific, so treat it as indicative only.
Will one host cancellation cost me Superhost status?
It can. The cancellation limit is under 1%, so for a host with few stays a single host-initiated cancellation may break it unless an exception applies.
Can a property manager help me keep Superhost status?
Yes. A manager can handle fast replies, guest communication, cleaning quality and calendar control, which are the main things that protect the badge.
Sources
Base yourself in Montreux
RivieraHost’s apartments sit steps from the lake — with kitchens, more space and better value than a hotel for families and groups. Every one is right on this guide’s doorstep.