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Airbnb clamps down on house parties as protective measure against coronavirus spread

AirBnb

Airbnb is taking steps to reduce “unauthorized house parties” thrown by guests in rental homes. The San Francisco-based lodging company announced that it has sent out guidelines to US hosts to “protect the safety of our community” as coronavirus cases rage throughout the country.

“Reducing the number of unauthorized house parties on Airbnb has always been a priority, and it’s more important now than ever,” Airbnb read. “With public health mandates in place throughout the country, we’re taking actions to support safe and responsible travel in the United States.”

Under the policy, US guests under the age of 25 who have less than three positive reviews and any negative reviews will be restricted from booking entire homes in areas close to where they live. They will be allowed to book “any type of listing outside their local area” and can book private rooms and hotel rooms anywhere. 

A similar policy was enacted in Canada this year and led to a “meaningful drop” in parties, the company said. “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,” Airbnb concluded.

“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.”