Jan

Exclusive: Airbnb prepares to publish its reaction to growing anger over ‘party houses’ and other short-lets challenges

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Following reports of problems of a party house in Bolton this week, Airbnb has told LandlordZone it is about to reveal how it will tackle the growing criticism with the short-lets boom.

Airbnb is set to announce its
findings from a six-month roadshow to key cities around the UK to discuss local
concerns and possible licensing systems.

The platform has promised to
collaborate on proposals for a clear, modern and simple registration system for
short-term rentals in UK cities and will put together proposals in a white
paper due to be published this year. It has promised an update soon.

It follows reports of an Airbnb property in Bolton – the latest in a
long line of ‘party houses’ – angering neighbours, who say dozens of noisy teenagers pile into the
terraced home at weekends.

Fed-up residents often find litter in the street and report that music is played
so loudly that the house, in Blackburn Road, shakes.

Airbnb has
told LandlordZone it has “zero tolerance” for this behaviour. Adds a spokesman:
“The guest is no longer on the platform, and we’re providing the host with our
support. We prohibit unauthorised events and take action when issues are
brought to our attention.”

With many local authorities calling for
more controls, Scotland will be the first in the UK to take action.

From Spring 2021, councils north of the
border can run their own licensing schemes to introduce measures if it’s in the
interest of local communities.

Airbnb is also trialling a noise detector system in
Edinburgh properties to help reassure neighbours over visitors’ anti-social
behaviour. Once alerted via an app, the host can
choose to contact the guest directly about the noise level or despatch an
‘agent’ to visit the property on their behalf.

The Residential Landlords Association has told LandlordZone that problems arise when local authorities lack the resources to use the powers already in place to tackle properties causing disruption.

“The problem is not about there not being enough regulation,
but ensuring the rules already in place are properly enforced,” says policy
director David Smith.

“At a time when Ministers want to enable tenants
to access long term homes to rent, tax and other legislative changes have the
perverse incentive of making renting holiday accommodation more appealing.”

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