What Is the Policy on Airbnb Parties?
Released in 2020, the Airbnb party policy bans gatherings of more than 16 people, including disruptive and unauthorized parties. While the ban emerged when COVID-19 cases were still on the rise and vaccines hadn’t yet been approved, it has now been made permanent.
If a host authorizes parties or large gatherings, they may get suspended or completely removed from the platform. Similarly, if a guest doesn’t respect these Airbnb party rules, they can be reported for suspension or removal as well.
Airbnb party policies are enforced in many ways. First, Airbnb offers a Neighborhood Support forum where neighbors of Airbnb properties can report parties or disturbances. If necessary, they can also chat directly with the Neighborhood Support team.
Secondly, guests under 25 years of age are unable to book entire home listings in their local area. The attractiveness of a short-term rental for young partygoers is especially prevalent on a three-day weekend.
Finally, guests without a background of positive reviews cannot make one-night reservations or last-minute reservations for entire home listings on July 4th weekend. This is so that hosts can have peace of mind that their guests are certified Airbnb guests with a history of good ratings from other hosts.
How to Prevent Airbnb Parties at Your Rental
In a perfect world, you would provide a list of house rules and your Airbnb party policy, and guests would be courteous, responsible, and happy. In reality, parties happen — and when they do, they can be destructive and hurt your vacation rental’s reputation.
That said, there are ways to prevent guests from throwing unauthorized parties. Below, learn four tips on how to enforce your Airbnb no parties or events policy.
1. Communicate Prior to Check-In
Listing your house rules and party policy in your vacation rental listing is a great start, but it’s also important to communicate before check-in to clarify party restrictions during a guest’s stay.
When you contact your upcoming guest — usually via a message on Airbnb’s platform — reiterate the Airbnb no-party policy and other relevant rules, such as no smoking. Your guests may not read your full listing description or house rules before booking. But by reinforcing these regulations, you will be able to confirm they have agreed to all of them.
If they disclose or hint that they are planning to throw a party, this is your chance to remind them about the Airbnb party ban and that failing to respect the rules can get them suspended or removed from the platform. If they choose to throw a party anyways, you can report them directly to Airbnb.
2. Use a Reminder Sign
It’s helpful to put up a sign by the door to remind guests of your house rules and Airbnb policies upon arrival as another subtle nudge to respect your vacation rental property.
A reminder sign will also prevent misunderstandings and miscommunication. As stated, many guests skim important information when booking, so a sign right when they enter the door will help ensure clarity and understanding.
3. Be Available to Answer Questions
Make sure that you are available for any questions or concerns your guests may have before and during their stay. By staying in touch, you can help prevent problems from occurring and professionally address them if they do occur.
That said, messaging guests can be time-consuming, so we recommend that you utilize guest communication automation software. These tools will help you be proactive in reinforcing Airbnb’s party policy. And with scheduled and quick replies, they’ll show that you prioritize the guest experience.
4. Use Noise and Occupancy Monitoring Technology
To avoid noise complaints from your neighbors, you can remotely monitor noise and occupancy levels with smart devices from Party Squasher or Minut.
These tools send alerts if the noise or occupancy at your property exceeds a certain threshold, giving you the opportunity to remind guests about the no-party policy and noise complaint fines.
Keep in mind that Airbnb requires hosts to disclose any use of these technologies, and they must be placed in public and common areas. It’s also important to highlight that the devices are in no way recording.
Prepare Your Vacation Rental for Small July 4th Gatherings
Even though parties at an Airbnb are prohibited, there are still ways to ensure guests have fun and can celebrate special events like Independence Day. Here are some fun ideas to enhance the guest experience while maintaining a safe space during the 4th of July.
Promote Local Events
Whether it be a firework show, carnival, or local music festival, there’s a good chance that your area has some creative local events for the public to enjoy this July 4th.
Search for nearby events online or in your local newspaper and recommend them to guests in your listing description, guidebook, or simply through a message on Airbnb.
If you’re thinking of creating a guidebook, be sure to include the following points:
- Check-in and check-out times
- Party ban rules
- Maximum number of guests (16)
- Smoking rules
- WIFI instructions and password
- Emergency protocol
Provide Festive Party Favors
If the area where your vacation rental is located does not have any 4th of July events going on, find a local shop that sells fun party items, such as small American flags or sparklers, and set them out for your guests. Don’t forget to communicate any safety rules or tips though.
Fire Up the Grill
Barbequing is a staple for celebrating Independence Day. If your property has a grill and outdoor table, make sure they’re cleaned and set up.
After the holiday, politely ask your Airbnb cleaner to spend extra time on the grill because chances are it was heavily used.
Prepare Your Pool
If your property has a pool, make sure it is heated and cleaned. Consider providing guests with pool towels, toys, and floaties. Help ensure the safety of your guests by offering floatation devices, a first aid kit, and even protective fencing.
You can also provide guests with tips on how to avoid tracking water inside your property.
Happy Independence Day, From Turno
It’s important to enforce the Airbnb party ban policy so you have peace of mind that your guests are safe during the 4th of July holiday. By preparing your vacation rental to help guests celebrate Independence Day while still complying with Airbnb party rules, you’re building a safer Airbnb community.
For more hosting tips and ways to make sure your property is always in tip-top shape, check out our other resources on the Turno blog.
