Nov

Airbnb all but closes down for lockdown and says sorry to landlords

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Airbnb is curbing all stays in England until 2^nd December apart from long-term bookings made for specific reasons, vindicating many of its landlords’ recent switch back into more traditional lets.

While staying away from home overnight is outlawed during November, those guests booking long-term legally exempt stays can still use the homestay platform, including those travelling for work or those who are homeless or vulnerable.

Director of public policy, Patrick Robinson (left), says the move mirrors Airbnb’s actions during the first lockdown.

“As new lockdown restrictions begin, we want to be a good partner to communities and we’ve heard from hosts who want to help everyone follow the rules and stay safe,” says Robinson.

“Public safety is our priority, and we regret any impact for hosts and guests.

“We will closely monitor government guidance and keep the policy under review, and we look forward to when hosts can safely reopen their doors to guests.”

Party house clampdown

Meanwhile, Airbnb has announced that more than 800 UK listings have been removed or suspended in a crackdown on party houses.

It has also blocked more than 13,500 UK reservation attempts in a month after the introduction of a pilot scheme to tackle anti-social behaviour in August.

Its self-imposed crackdown on party houses bans under 25s from renting entire homes in their local area. Youngsters with fewer than three positive reviews can’t book entire home listings that are close to where they live in the UK.

Robinson adds: “Our measures are working and as the UK goes back into lockdown, our priority is to be good partners to communities and to help everyone stay safe.”

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