AIRBNB is clamping down on raucous New Year’s Eve parties to protect homeowners and local residents – a move welcomed by Dorset hosts.
For two-night reservations, Airbnb said it will restrict “certain local and last-minute bookings using technology to detect potential issues”.
Guests who have received a number of positive reviews from previous bookings will not be affected.
Dorset is expected to be a popular destination over the festive and New Year period, with dozens of Airbnbs already booked during this period with many more still available.
Airbnb hosts across the county have shared their thoughts to the Dorset Echo, as one owner said he would ‘never’ rent out his property for a single night while another said the new rule ‘would not affect us’.
He explained: “We have a minimum three-night stay policy and, with a two bedroomed country-cottage, this (hosting New Year’s parties or gatherings) would not be our market.
“I understand why Airbnb would introduce this policy, specifically in regards to protecting local residents.”
Treena Hewson, host of 'Quirky Cottage' in Durweston, was unaware of the rule change, but welcomed the new approach.
Her accommodation, which contains a double bedroom for two guests, also doesn’t host guests over the New Year period.
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She said: “To be honest, I wasn't aware that this was happening. We don't have guests over New Year period anyway.
"I can see the reasoning behind Airbnb's decision. You don't really want your house trashed or your neighbours being disturbed.
“Especially when you can have some join the day before with no feedback and just turn up at your house the next day.”
She theorised that Airbnb introduced the clampdown on New Year’s parties after hearing hosts’ negative experiences with guests over the period.
Mrs Hewson added: “I personally wouldn't be happy having someone who has no feedback coming to party in my home. Feedback is critical for both hosts and guests.
“I always read up on guests’ feedback who are arriving just so I can sleep easy.”
The host of a coastal Airbnb shared he would not welcome any New Year’s gatherings at his accommodation.
He said: “We have a minimum of three nights stay and I value my home too much to have it used for other than a family vacation stay.”
Airbnb’s general manager for northern Europe, Amanda Cupples, explained these ‘additional proactive safety measures’ will help curb problematic stays at Airbnb homes.
She said: “There are thousands of stays taking place across the UK each night with the overwhelming majority of guests being respectful of neighbours and delivering benefits to the local community.
“These additional proactive safety measures will help to block reservations that we know from experience can pose a slightly higher risk, and help to ensure hosts, their guests and communities can enjoy their end of year celebrations with added reassurance.”
The measures will also be used in several other countries, such as France, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, the USA and Canada.
Since August 2020, the firm has prevented bookings by customers aged under 25 attempting to reserve entire homes in their local area if they have fewer than three positive reviews.
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