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Airbnb bans parties at rentals, sees decrease in Arizona disturbances

By Vaughan Jones
Published: Friday, July 1, 2022 - 2:40pm
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Popular home rental app Airbnb is codifying a worldwide ban on using rental properties for parties ahead of the July 4 holiday weekend.

Ben Breit is with Airbnb. He says the ban started as a public health measure in 2020 and has been especially effective in reducing reported parties in Arizona.

“At a global rate, we've seen a 44%, year over year decrease in the number of parties that have been reported. In Arizona, it's even higher, it’s a 55% year over year drop,” said Breit.

For special holiday weekends, like July 4 and Halloween, Airbnb will institute a policy where guests without a history of positive reviews on Airbnb will be prohibited from making one-night reservations for listings to rent an entire house.

Breit says the new policy was influenced by a variety of voices, including those of lawmakers in Arizona, as the state prepares for major events like the Super Bowl in 2023.

“Not only from our hosts, but also from community leaders, local elected officials. We have constant communication with policymakers throughout the state of Arizona, including with city officials in Phoenix and some of the surrounding cities,” said Breit.

Glendale passed two ordinances targeting short-term rental properties earlier this year, as the city prepares to host the Super Bowl in 2023.

Glendale now requires homeowners who use services like Airbnb to register with the city, and police officers now have the authority to fine short-term renters who host parties that cause a public disturbance.

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