Business

Airbnb bans parties in properties listed on its short-term rental platform

The prohibition comes a day after Airbnb filed for an initial public offering with U.S. regulators, setting the stage for one of 2020's marquee stock market debuts

REUTERS/Charles Platiau

No more parties and events in homes listed on Airbnb, the short-term home rental company said on Thursday as it tries to enforce strict social-distancing norms to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new rules include a cap on occupancy at 16, with hosts or guests who try to skirt the rules facing a ban from Airbnb’s community and even legal action.

Instituting a global ban on parties and events is in the best interest of public health

Airbnb, in a company statement

READ ALSO: Airbnb launches online experiences of Mexican cuisine

Airbnb said 73% of its listings globally already ban parties in their house rules, while some hosts allow small parties such as baby showers or birthday parties.

Last year, Airbnb began imposing much stricter limits, starting with a global ban on “party houses” or listings that create persistent neighborhood nuisance.

READ ALSO: Airbnb director in Mexico bets in domestic tourism rebound in near future

Airbnb has also updated its policies in light of the pandemic, removing both the “event friendly” search filter and “parties and events allowed” house rules.

The global ban comes a day after Airbnb filed confidentially for an initial public offering with U.S. regulators, setting the stage for one of 2020’s marquee stock market debuts.

The potential IPO underscores a rebound in parts of the travel industry, which was battered this year by restrictions and shutdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

READ ALSO: Oyo partners up with Creditas to offer credit lines for Brazilian hoteliers during the pandemic

San Francisco-based Airbnb said in July that customers had booked more than 1 million nights in a single day for the first time since March 3, in part as U.S. travelers shy away from hotels and prefer to drive to local vacation rentals.

EBANX LABS
Get the best insights about Latin America market in your inbox