Stop Having Fun on Your Airbnb
We’ve been experiencing a global pandemic for months now (have you heard?) With no end in sight, and although it doesn’t need to be talked about, please: stop throwing private parties. And definitely don’t throw a party at your rented Airbnb – if you do, you may be banned from booking with that service in the future.
Airbnb largely banned parties long before COVID-19, banning “unauthorized” gatherings. Most organizers also prohibit events in their house rules. But since the pandemic began, Airbnb has removed the option for listings that explicitly allow parties and events, and the platform has now imposed a global ban on parties at all listed properties.
What this means in practice: You will not be able to book a property for more than 16 people.
Airbnb’s announcement also states that “parties are prohibited on all future bookings.” It does not explicitly prohibit you from spending time on a rental with one or two strangers, but notes that Airbnb does not authorize small gatherings and enforces rules against “groups of any size.”
If you are hosting a party and are reported by (for example, a neighbor), you will most likely be banned from using Airbnb in the future. The company has also sued a guest who threw a party in Sacramento earlier this month and does not seem to hesitate to do so against future intruders. Organizers who allow big parties unhindered can also face repercussions.
In general, don’t be irresponsible. You shouldn’t be having big meetings or attending large meetings anywhere right now, and you definitely shouldn’t be throwing parties or parties in your rented home. If you’re on Airbnb, book a property that allows the number of guests you expect to join and follow the host’s policies.