Airbnb Bans Some Users from Booking Stays for New Year’s Eve

Airbnb announced that it would tighten restrictions for travelers looking to rent a property for New Year’s as a way to stop “unauthorized parties.”

According to the New York Post, Airbnb users who don’t have positive reviews or any history at all on their account will be banned from booking a one-night stay on December 31. The rule change applies to travelers in 11 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and more.

The company said it would also add tighter restrictions for inexperienced renters who attempt to book two- and three-night reservations during the New Year’s holiday, citing a focus on protecting against “neighborhood disruption.”

“Stays take place across the world each night on Airbnb, with the overwhelming majority of guests and hosts being respectful of neighbors and delivering benefits to their local community,” Airbnb director of trust product and operations Naba Banerjee said.

“These proactive defenses will help to promote responsible travel and help to prevent rare instances of unwelcome behavior, and enable hosts, guests and communities to enjoy their end of year celebrations with added reassurance,” Banerjee continued.

Officials from Airbnb said 340,000 users were “blocked or redirected” after trying to book a rental on Airbnb during New Year’s Eve in 2020, with around 120,000 of those guests being in America.

In June, Airbnb officials revealed that “disruptive parties and events” would be permanently banned after more than two years of being temporarily banned. The company also said party houses would be outlawed moving forward.

Airbnb initially rolled out its ban on party houses in 2019 after five people were killed in a shooting at one of its bookings, and extended the order to all parties at properties around the world due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Company officials said the temporary ban resulted in a 44 percent year-over-year drop in the rate of party reports.