This weekend, the police will be on high alert across north texas for New Year’s shenanigans, just like the house rental company, Airbnbwhich is launching a new crackdown on unauthorized parties in the Dallas area.
Airbnb announces it is strengthening its defenses to prevent disruptive parties over the NYE weekend, as the company says it continues to take a hard line on disruptive parties and emphasize safe and responsible travel during a weekend when some may be more likely to try to throw an unauthorized party.
This weekend there will be a ban on some one night bookings during New Years Eve for whole house listings. These defenses are in effect for those who have no positive account history or no previous reservations on the platform
There are also tighter restrictions for the same customers trying to book two- and three-night reservations, with a focus on local reservation attempts.
Airbnb said this method was tested in Dallas last New Year’s Eve with success, preventing more than 2,400 one-day bookings. It has also been tested in other cities around the world since 2020, most recently in the United States during Halloween, resulting in a global drop in New Year’s Eve party incidents of 56%.
“Just because you don’t have an opinion doesn’t mean you’re doing no good. Everyone starts somewhere. But what we’re seeing is that the people who won this story of positive reviews have earned that trust or Airbnb, don’t all of a sudden and throw a 100-person party,” said Ben Breit, director of trust and safety communications for Airbnb.
The restrictions will be in effect over New Year’s weekend in 11 countries, including the United States.
“Stays are happening around the world every night on Airbnb, with the vast majority of guests and hosts being respectful of neighbors and providing benefits to their local community. These proactive defenses will help promote responsible travel and prevent rare cases. of unwanted behavior, and allow hosts, guests, and communities to enjoy their holiday celebrations with added confidence,” said Naba Banerjee, Director of Trusted Products and Operations at Airbnb.
These short-term rental companies have already come under scrutiny in several north texas cities like Dallas, Plano and Fort Worth. Many cities come up with their own restrictions to quell parties and other issues that occur in these rentals.
Airbnb officials told NBC 5 that these new restrictions happening this weekend are all part of the company’s anti-party prevention systems, including a focus on guests under 25, noise sensors for guests and a total ban on parties, which was codified over the summer.
“There will always be people who don’t care about the rules and try to break those rules,” Breit said. “We don’t want parties, or unauthorized parties in particular, to happen on our platforms. Even if it’s rare, it’s just not a good thing. can be disruptive to our neighbours.”
The city of Fort Worth is in the process of proposing ordinances which would ban short-term rentals, also known as STRs, in residential neighborhoods. The order would also require registration with an annual fee, payment of hotel occupancy taxes, landlord consent and 24/7 local contact. Only legal STRs can register.
The Dallas City Plan Commission is recommend the same proposals to the municipal council and define short-term rentals like Airbnbs like hotels, therefore having the same restrictions. The Dallas City Council has yet to add this to its agenda.
Both cities, as well as most of North Texas, are asking residents to call non-emergency numbers with any complaints.
Airbnb also operates a 24/7 Neighborhood Helpline. They encourage everyone in DFW to use it if they think a neighboring rental is breaking the rules.
You can read more about the 2022 New Year crackdown here.
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