(CNN) – Addressing a persistent issue with unauthorized parties in Airbnb ads that was exacerbated by the pandemic and public health risks, the rental behemoth on Thursday banned parties at properties worldwide.
“This party ban applies to all future bookings on Airbnb and it will remain in effect indefinitely until further notice,” Airbnb said in its announcement.
The new policy also includes an occupancy of 16 guests.
The company notes that 73% of Airbnb ads worldwide already ban parties in their house rules.
Previously, hosts could authorize smaller parties such as birthday parties and baby showerers, Airbnb said.
But in 2019, the company set stricter boundaries on parties, banning ‘party houses’ that consistently cause disturbances in the neighborhood.
With the pandemic and the rise of social distance to protect public health, Airbnb introduced new policies that require guests to follow all local Covid-19 health mandates and remove filters such as “event-friendly” searches.
But because local rules around the world have changed in a patchwork mode, with restrictions on restaurants, bars and clubs fluctuating, “some have chosen to take behavior from bar and club to homes, sometimes rented through us platform, “said Airbnb.
“We think that such behavior is irresponsible – we do not want that kind of business, and anyone who engages in it or does not allow that behavior does not belong on our platform,” the company said in its announcement that parties are completely banned.
Airbnb community bans and possible legal action could result in hosts or guests breaking the new rules.
On Wednesday, the company announced that it had filed confidential paperwork with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for an initial public offering.
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