Airbnb has made its ban on parties in the properties it rents out worldwide through its app permanent in the pandemic era, saying the rules were effective against problematic events on Tuesday.
The rental platform has gradually tightened its policy on parties after complaints and some high-profile issues, including a 2019 shooting that killed five in California.
Airbnb temporarily banned events in 2020 as a measure to contain the spread of Covid, but it also proved effective against large or disruptive gatherings.
“Over time, the party ban became much more than a public health measure. It evolved into a fundamental community policy,” the company said.
In the past, property owners were given the leeway to make their best judgment on whether to allow parties, but rules have been tightened to ban “party houses” as well as large events advertised on social media.
After the outbreak of the pandemic, which led to the closure of many nightclubs, people in some cases turned to hosting events in venues rented through Airbnb, which in turn became a problem.
But Airbnb argued that the stricter rules had been effective in reducing the number of scuffle complaints received.
As part of the new policy, Airbnb will also remove its 16-person cap in rental properties, a rule enacted against Covid but now recognizing that certain larger locations or outdoor spaces are fine for larger groups.
The company said those found violating the rules face consequences ranging from account bans to full removal from the platform, adding that in 2021 over 6,600 guests were suspended over the party ban.
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