Airbnb is tightening rules aimed at reducing ‘unauthorized house parties’ at houses rented by guests. The new measures follow up on steps started after a shooting at a rental last fall in San Francisco.
The splashiest new rule bans renters under 25 who have fewer than three positive reviews from booking entire homes or apartments near where they live.“There will always be people who work to find ways around our trust and safety protections, and we know that people over the age of 24 are perfectly capable of booking a home for the wrong reasons, too,” the company said. “But based on the positive impact this policy has had on unauthorized parties booked by guests under 25, we believe this is the right action to continue to protect the safety of our community.”
The company says the new rules, which ban house parties that are advertised on social media or are open to the public, are intended to “protect the safety of our community” especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
In a press release, Airbnb stated that “reducing the number of unauthorized house parties on Airbnb has always been a priority, and it’s more important now than ever. With public health mandates in place throughout the country, we’re taking actions to support safe and responsible travel in the United States.”
