Airbnb has suspended or removed 50 short-term rental listings in Arizona that have received complaints or violated its party and event policies.
The move comes as the vacation rental company announced Wednesday that it has taken enforcement action against party homes across the state.
“While the vast majority of hosts in Arizona are taking significant steps to prevent unauthorized parties … our actions today are directed at the small minority of hosts who have already received warnings about responsible hosting,” said the company said in a statement Wednesday.
Most of the problem houses were in the valley
The suspensions were communicated to hosts beginning last Friday and continuing throughout the weekend. More than two-thirds of the affected listings were in Maricopa County, according to Airbnb spokesperson Ben Breit.
The suspensions and removals impacted listings in the following Arizona communities: Antler Crest Estates, Bisbee, Chandler, Flagstaff, Lake Havasu City, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, Surprise, Tempe, and Tucson.
Phoenix and Scottsdale had the most homes cited, Breit said.
The move comes as neighbors across the state grapple with the aftermath of a State Act of 2017 which limits how cities and towns can regulate short-term rentals.
Airbnb steps in to enforce the coronavirus pandemic
Residents have raised complaints about more noise, litter, and traffic in their neighborhoods since 2017 state law expanded protections for short-term rentals.
Last year, after growing complaints from neighbors and cities, Governor Doug Ducey signed a bill allowing more regulations. Renters can no longer host weddings or large events and must provide contact details for a person who can respond to complaints.
But some cities have had difficulty applying their own local noise and occupancy ordinances.
Last year, Airbnb implemented a 24/7 hotline for neighbors to call and report complaints about parties or disturbances.
In May, the company issued a warning to hosts and guests that parties would be prohibited as long as social distancing guidelines remain in place statewide.
And on Wednesday, the company announced that it was officially enforcing that policy.
Issues raised by Arizonans through the company’s hotline directly led to many of the registration suspensions announced Wednesday, the company said.
“It’s critical that hosts prioritize safety and ensure their guests behave in a way that respects public health,” said John Choi, director of public policy for Airbnb in Arizona. “We know there is still work to be done, and we ask neighbors of properties allowing irresponsible behavior to contact us as soon as possible through our neighborhood hotline and help us effectively enforce our house ban. Party.”
Neighbors concerned about a party or disruptions at a nearby Airbnb can call 1-855-635-7754 to report an issue.
Have a question about an Airbnb in your neighborhood? Reach journalist Lorraine Longhi at [email protected] or 480-243-4086. Follow her on Twitter @lolonghi.
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