All parties and events at the rental properties around the world have been banned by Airbnb.
The temporary ban on house parties was put in place over two years ago by the San Francisco-based home-share company, after it proved to be effective.
The company believes that there is a direct correlation between the implementation of the policy in August 2020 and a 44% year-over-year drop in party reports.
The ban was in effect until further notice when guests started to partake in partying behavior at rented homes while bars and clubs were shut down or had restricted occupancy due to the pandemic.
In its Tuesday announcement, Airbnb said these parties were not only disruptive but also ran the risk of such gatherings spreading the disease.
As part of the updated policy, the company is removing its 16-person occupant cap after feedback from a number of Hosts who have listings that can comfortably house over 16 people. Guests who violate Airbnb's rules will face serious consequences, including being removed from the platform and getting an account suspension, according to the company.
In 2021, more than 6,600 guests were suspended from Airbnb for violating the party ban.
The company has introduced a number of anti-party measures to prevent unauthorized parties and party houses, including a 24 hour safety line. The company is also working with competitor Vrbo to share information on repeat party house offenders in the U.S.
The company is offering property damage protection for hosts through AirCover.
The ban has been well received by the Host community, and we have received positive feedback from community leaders and elected officials, according to Airbnb. As we build on this momentum, we believe that the time is right to codify this policy.