Airbnb Bans All Parties At Its Listings Worldwide, Citing Public Health Mandates

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Airbnb says rental properties have been misused to host unsafe get-togethers during the pandemic.

Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

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Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

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Airbnb Sues Guest Whose Sacramento Party Drew Gunfire Injuring 3

Catherine Powell, the company’s global head of hosting, said in a video message that an increase in local bookings, with more distant travel restricted, makes it easier for guests to bring more friends than they account for in their reservation.

While those guests make up a «very small portion of bookings, Powell said unplanned events put people at risk, hurt the company’s relationship with local communities and are «even more disheartening during a global pandemic.

She said there will be exceptions to the occupancy limit for certain hospitality venues such as boutique hotels.

The company’s statement clarifies that while part of its new policy caps guests at 16 people, it does not condone gatherings of any size. It said it will take action on both guests and listings if it receives reports from neighbors, and violators may face legal consequences.

Last week, for the first time, the company initiated legal proceedings against a guest for violating its ban on party houses. It also banned the guest from its platform.

Airbnb said the unnamed customer had booked a short-term rental in Sacramento County, Calif., «under false pretenses and hosted an unauthorized party, violating both company policy and local health orders. That party ended with three people injured in a shooting.