Airbnb extends lettings restrictions until the end of the summer

A global ban on parties in Airbnb properties, started back in August last year, has been extended until the end of this summer, despite relaxation in Covid restrictions in the UK.

The restrictions imposed 10 months ago included parties being prohibited, occupancy at Airbnb listings capped at 16 people, and new processes to tell guests of the ban - complete with a threat they may face legal action if they contravene the ban.

In the UK, France, Canada and the US, guests under the age of 25 have been barred from renting entire homes in their local areas.

Now a new statement from Airbnb says: “This policy has proven to be popular with our Host community – the vast majority of whom already prohibited parties in their own House Rules.”

Therefore the ban is being extended until “at least” the end of this summer, with Coronavirus risk being cited again as the reason. 

The statement continues: “Throughout the past few weeks, we have heard from members of our community who have sought clarity on whether the ban would remain in effect, particularly from community members in the regions that are gradually reopening. 

“We are announcing the extension of the ban through at least the end of Summer 2021 to provide them with that clarity, as well as to be as direct as possible that we will not tolerate behaviour that disrupts neighbourhoods or violates the trust of our Host community. 

“At the end of summer 2021, we will provide another update on the future of the policy.”

In practical terms, Airbnb will continue with the modifications it made to its booking sites to remove the “event-friendly” search filter and remove any references to “parties and events allowed.”