SARASOTA COUNTY / UNITED STATES (WSNN) – Planning on ringing out 2020 at an Airbnb party house? Think again.
Holidays are times of coming together, celebrating, and occasionally going a little crazy. If any of that describes your plans at an Airbnb rental, the company says ‘No.’
We’re trying to do our part to the extent that we can to help protect Public health,” Airbnb’s Head of Communication, Ben Breit said. “We know the impacts of large maskless gatherings can have in spreading the virus and making communities unsafe.
The new rule stipulates if you don’t have a history of positive reviews on Airbnb, you’re not allowed to make a one-night booking in an entire home anywhere in the United States on New Year’s Eve.
“Doesn’t matter who you are, doesn’t matter what your age is if you don’t have that history of positive reviews and haven’t really earned that trust to show that when you make that booking you’re doing it for the right reasons, you can’t make a one-night booking,” Breit said.
This rule was placed on December 3rd. So, if you booked a rental before this time, you’re in the clear.
“Looking at our data historically, over New Year’s Eve and when certain issues have occurred with unauthorized parties, we don’t really see that happening via bookings that occur before December third,” Breit said.
Some hosts on the Suncoast aren’t happy about the new rules. Kimberly Martinez has four Airbnb’s off of Siesta Key.
“It’s just frustrating as a business owner when a corporation tries to make the decisions on us,” Martinez said. “We’re not employees of Airbnb right. They can’t make decisions globally in a blanket decision and really understand on a case by case basis what the smartest thing is.”
Responding to a post by Martinez in a Facebook group called ‘Airbnb’s Finest Hosts’, Ellen Nielsen comments, “They’re controlling the business. Someone trashes your place on New Year’s Eve, guess who you’re contacting first?”
Airbnb adds all guests with bookings must attest they will not throw an unauthorized party. If they break this rule, they may be pursued legally by Airbnb.
The company says it will be operating a virtual command center, along with trained safety agents on call throughout New Year’s Eve.
