BRYAN, TX — Many AirBnB hosts put their own restrictions into place at the start of the pandemic. Now as the spread of COVID-19 continues, the platform has decided to make restrictions on parties official.
”A little harder for people to follow them, so we made the decision that it would be prudent to have a clean, consistent, stricter global policy that was to ban parties and events,” said Ben Breit, the head of Trust and Safety Communication for Airbnb.
Before this announcement, hosts took it upon themselves to make restrictions.
”The majority of hosts, they were already banning parties, so we allow and encourage host to set their own house rules on a number of issues,” said Breit.
Ashley Burnham, an AirBnB host, has experienced situations where her guests weren't very clear with their plans. She says having the platform's support would have assisted in taking action.
”It’s helpful to have AirBnB's help in controlling what guests could do in your property. It’s nice to have that backup,” said Burnham.
Many residents are appreciative of the support the platform is providing.
”The party issue is one we have been combating for a few years now,” said Breit.
Consequences will be applied if the new rules are ignored.
”Want them to know there will be consequences. One thing we have done recently as well is we announced for the first time intent to take legal action,” explained Breit.
The platform's utmost concern is the safety of their guests, hosts, and neighbors.
Some other added restrictions include a capacity limit of no more than 16 guest unless the listing accommodates it and regulating bookings of entire home renters to be 25 years or older.
To assist the platform in regulating these new rules, AirBnB has created a neighborhood watch assistance hotline. This new initiative allows neighbors to call in to help enforce the ban.
