Airbnb blocks 80,000 bookings in the UK

AIRBNB has blocked nearly 80,000 UK reservations in a crackdown on anti-social behaviour, the home-sharing firm has revealed.

Bookings have been prevented through an automated measure introduced in August 2020, which stops customers under the age of 25 reserving entire homes in their local area if they have fewer than three positive reviews.

The restriction follows incidents where hosts have had their homes trashed during large gatherings.

Airbnb has already taken legal action in the United States over unauthorised parties, in one case filing a lawsuit alleging breach of contract, fraudulent misrepresentation, and fraudulent and unlawful business practices.

In the past six months it has removed or suspended 1,000 UK listings because their descriptions indicated that parties were allowed, which is against the firm’s policy, as it attempts to clean up its reputation.

The company announced a series of additional steps aimed at stopping anti-social behaviour at UK properties, including discounts for noise detection devices, bolstering its community support workforce, and making house rules more prominent.

Airbnb director of public policy Patrick Robinson said: “While the overwhelming majority of guests are responsible neighbours, we are committed to tackling potential issues of anti-social behaviour on the Airbnb platform.

He added: “Today’s measures mark another step towards ensuring that stays are mindful and considerate of the communities that hosts call home.”