Airbnb announces a new decision to ban parties and events at the rentals on their platform.
Airbnb announced new terms to their listings banning parties and events as well as a new occupant capacity.
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The platform, which allows users to list rooms and properties for temporary rent has decided to create new rules to tighten up its official policies in the COVID-19 era.
In an official statement, Airbnb says the global party ban “applies to all future bookings on Airbnb and it will remain in effect indefinitely until further notice.”
The rule has some precedent, Airbnb states, explaining how unauthorized parties have always been prohibited and 73% of global listings already block parties and events.
“We’ve historically allowed hosts to use their best judgment and authorize small parties – such as baby showers or birthday parties – if they’re appropriate for their home and their neighborhood,” the statement reads.
The move to officially ban events from the platform began in 2019 when Airbnb introduced stricter guidelines on listings constantly used for gatherings.
“Last year, we began imposing much stricter limits – starting with a global ban on “party houses” – meaning, listings that create persistent neighborhood nuisance,” the company states.
“We also launched a 24/7 neighborhood support hotline in the U.S. and Canada – with plans for global expansion – to communicate directly with neighbors and help us effectively enforce the party house ban.
This complemented new initiatives to stop unauthorized parties – such as manual review of high-risk reservations, as well as restrictions on allowing guests under the age of 25 without a history of positive reviews to book entire home listings locally.”
The new set of rules and regulations were amplified by the coronavirus pandemic when travel slowed and social distancing became the new norm. Airbnb states its search terms changed, removing the “event-friendly” search parameters as well as “parties and events allowed.”
As society began adapting to life in the pandemic, large gatherings began again, despite the threat of infection in larger groups. Airbnb calls their decision to globally ban these types of events as people move their nightlife from bars and clubs to private homes a matter of public health.
“Some have chosen to take bar and club behavior to homes, sometimes rented through our platform. We think such conduct is incredibly irresponsible – we do not want that type of business, and anyone engaged in or allowing that behavior does not belong on our platform. Based on these developments, instituting a global ban on parties and events is in the best interest of public health.”
Details of the new ban include capping occupancy on larger listings at 16 guests. The company plans to explore options for potential exceptions for specialty venues.
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At the time of booking, potential guests will also be informed of the new policy and the possible legal action if the rules are broken.
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