PHOENIX — Airbnb said Tuesday that its party ban has been so effective, particularly in Arizona, that the vacation rental platform is making the policy permanent.
Since the policy was temporarily adopted in August 2020 as a public health measure during the COVID-19 pandemic, Airbnb said it saw a 44% year-over-year decline in party reporting globally.
The decline was even more pronounced in Arizona, at 55%.
“Over time, the party ban has become much more than a public health measure. This has evolved into a fundamental community policy to support our hosts and their neighbors,” the San Francisco-based company said in a statement. Press release.
More than 6,600 guests were suspended last year for related violations, Airbnb said.
Airbnb began cracking down on large gatherings in 2019 after a fatal shooting at a house party in California. At that time, the company banned publicity parties in Airbnb locations on social media.
The number of parties at Airbnb locations has increased during the pandemic, Airbnb said, as people moved gatherings from bars and clubs to rented homes. This led to the temporary ban in 2020.
While making the ban permanent, Airbnb said it would lift a limit of 16 people at rented properties. He said the cap was prompted by health concerns before COVID-19 vaccines became available.
Airbnb has an even stricter policy in place for July 4 and Memorial Day, limiting rental options during summer vacation weekends for guests with no history of positive reviews.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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