Airbnb permanently bans parties at rental sites

Company says ban 'developed into a bedrock community policy'

The rental platform has gradually tightened its policies on parties after complaints and some high-profile trouble. Photo: Airbnb

Airbnb has made permanent its pandemic-era prohibition of parties at properties rented out globally through its app, saying the rules have been effective against problematic events.

The rental platform has gradually tightened its policies on parties after complaints and some high-profile trouble, including a 2019 shooting that killed five in California.

Airbnb provisionally barred events in 2020 as a measure against the spread of Covid-19, but it turned out to also be effective against large or disruptive gatherings.

“Over time, the party ban became much more than a public health measure. It developed into a bedrock community policy,” the company said on Tuesday.

In the past, property owners were given the room to use their best judgment on whether to allow parties, but rules tightened to bar “party houses” as well as large events advertised on social media.

After the pandemic hit, bringing the closure of many nightlife venues, people in some cases turned to hosting events at places rented through Airbnb, which in turn became a problem.

But Airbnb argued the tighter rules have been effective in reducing the rate of rowdiness complaints it has received.

Under the new policy, Airbnb will also lift its 16-person cap at rental properties, a rule enacted during the pandemic but which will now take into account that certain larger or outdoor sites are suitable for bigger groups.

The company said people breaking the rules face consequences including account suspension and full removal from the platform and added that in 2021, more than 6,600 guests were suspended over the party ban.