Airbnb extends party ban through summer 2021

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – Airbnb is extending its party ban through the end of the summer — at the earliest.

The company says it received questions from community members in recent weeks about whether the ban would be lifted or not. It notes it’s extending the ban “to provide them with that clarity, as well as to be as direct as possible that we will not tolerate behavior that disrupts (neighbourhoods) or violates the trust of our Host community.”

The global policy took effect last August to prevent people from gathering in large groups during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At that time, vaccines had not yet been approved and virus cases were spiking.

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While the situation has improved in B.C. since then, the company says there are other factors impacting this decision — like neighbourhood disruptions.

People who don’t follow the rules face possible suspensions or even bans from the Airbnb platform.

The company says it’s also taken steps to hinder big parties, and brought in a number of measures, such as expanding its Neighbourhood Support Line to Canada so people can contact Airbnb directly with any concerns about listings near them.

Last summer, B.C.’s top doctor moved to restrict the number of people allowed at short-term rental properties and other vacation rentals.

Airbnb says it will provide another update at the end of the summer on whether the ban will stay in place post-pandemic.