Airbnb unleashes new rule for customers that could ruin your next stay

It’s not hidden news that many people hire out Airbnb properties to host parties despite the rental provider having a no-party policy, but for those who think they can get away with hosting a large gathering this New Year’s Eve, you may want to think again.

Airbnb is introducing anti-party technology to prevent “unauthorised and disruptive parties” that are set to take place over New Year’s Eve.

The measures were also used around late December 2023 and were reported to have stopped nearly 74,000 people around the world from booking rentals around New Year’s Eve.

But how does it work?

The company revealed that the new tech uses machine learning to identify and block potentially “higher-risk” bookings of entire home listings from being made.

It assesses various signals, such as the length of the planned trip, the type of listing, how far the listing is from the guest’s location and when the reservation is being made.

With all of that information, it then determines whether there is likely to be a chance of a party happening. If the company believes that is the case, the guest will be blocked from booking or given alternative accommodations to choose from on the platform.

Airbnb revealed that in the UK, around 7,800 people were blocked or redirected on its platform last Christmas Eve – approximately 2,900 guests were in London and 470 in Manchester.

Amanda Cupples, Airbnb’s General Manager for the UK and Northern Europe, said: “While issues are rare, we want to do our part to help reduce the risk of unauthorised and disruptive parties. Airbnb is committed to supporting hosts and the communities they live in, and we hope these defences allow guests, hosts and neighbours to celebrate the holiday with added assurance.”

For guests in the UK who are planning to book an entire home on Airbnb for New Year’s Eve, there will be restrictions on one to three-night reservations, with the platform’s systems blocking any higher-risk bookings.

Guests will also have to confirm they are aware and understand that unauthorised and disruptive parties are forbidden on Airbnb. If the policy is violated, they face suspension or removal from the platform.

As well as the UK, the anti-party technology will be effective in Spain, the US, Puerto Rico, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. it will be effective leading up to and on New Year’s Eve.