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Airbnb just announced new rules designed to crack down on illicit New Year's Eve house parties.
If you're planning to book an Airbnb around New Year's Eve this year, be aware that these new regulations may make it more difficult.
According to Airbnb, these new rules were put into place to protect hosts from guests who might attempt to throw a rowdy party at their Airbnb to ring in the New Year.
While every Airbnb host is free to set their own rules, the vast majority of Airbnb hosts do not allow you to throw a large party at their property. It can be a huge liability to the owner and cause problems ranging from damaged property to noise complaints from the neighbors.
Many Airbnb hosts specifically do not allow bachelorette and bachelor parties, college students on spring break, and other groups who may be inclined to throw a party during their stay.
New Year's Eve is a particularly notorious time for guests to break the rules and throw a party at their Airbnb.
But these new rules will prevent it from happening. Here's what you need to know about how Airbnb is regulating New Year's Eve guests.
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Airbnb's New Rules For New Year's Eve Bookings
Airbnb has announced a ban on one-night stays on New Year's Eve for entire home listings for users who have a negative account history, or no account history at all.
This means that if you've used Airbnb before and have positive reviews from previous hosts, you'll be in the clear.
But if you're new to the platform, or have a history of negative reviews, you won't be able to book a one-night stay on New Year's Eve.
This rule is an attempt to curb unauthorized and disruptive parties on New Year's Eve, and it will apply to Airbnbs in 11 different countries, including the United States, Canada, Brazil, the UK, France, Ireland, and more.
In addition to the ban on one-night stays for users who have a negative account history or no account history, Airbnb will also be closely monitoring booking requests for two-night or three-night stays over New Year's Eve for similar reasons.
Additionally, they will be placing an emphasis on monitoring local bookings, which have a higher likelihood of leading to illicit house parties.
What Does This Mean For Guests?
Airbnb instituted these new rules to protect hosts and prevent guests who may abuse the rules of their Airbnb and throw a New Year's Eve party.
According to Naba Banerjee, the Director of Trust Product and Operations at Airbnb, these regulations are designed to be proactive:
“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. 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.”
If you don't have an established Airbnb account with positive reviews from past hosts, know that you will be unable to book a one-night stay over New Year's Eve, and may have difficulty booking a multi-night stay that weekend too.
Even if you weren't planning to throw a Project X-style New Year's Eve party at your Airbnb and just wanted a quiet getaway to ring in the New Year, these new restrictions may prevent that from happening.
In this case, you'll be better off booking a hotel to celebrate New Year's Eve rather than booking an Airbnb.
For guests who have a positive review history on the platform, you shouldn't have difficulties making an NYE booking.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Ananda
Tuesday 20th of December 2022
Ya I’m gonna give them a real negative review. Was planning to take my wife to the city on New Year’s Eve and watch the fire works and go on a real romantic date but because this is my first Airbnb book they won’t let me. We worked supper hard this year and deserved a treat, but no, instead I’m descriminares against for not having booked Airbnb before. Unbelievable you can get treated as a criminal for doing absolutely nothing wrong or illegal. They should at least follow up on the request and maybe get some damage deposits or passport picture or something. I honestly don’t know what else to say but this rule has to be one of the worst I’ve ever seen.
Kim
Monday 12th of December 2022
I agree with this new rule but honestly, Airbnb acts like they are doing guests that rent a big favor. This is a business and both parties benefit.I strongly disagree with the cleaning cost that have gotten out of hand. Every business has an investment and if it is too much trouble to clean (as hotels do) and turn it over the same day, then they lose a day as part of doing business. Many times the pictures do not match at all and the recommendations by airbnb are based on what? Just pictures. You need to have humans approve in person what is stated in the write ups.If there are too many to handle then cut the numbers. If this means more $ investment by the company then so be it. I won't use this service anymore after being very disappointed on several occasions with what I found upon arrival. When I report my findings, I get no response and nothing changes in the ads. PS. I did get money returned after a ridiculous place I used in Panama with the most unhelpful host on the property. Thank you for that.