Airbnb Cracks Down On New Year's Eve House Rentals

OHIO — Airbnb is launching a new initiative to prevent New Year's Eve parties at properties in Ohio.

Airbnb guests who don't have a history of positive review will be barred from making one-night reservations on New Year's Eve in Ohio. There will also be new stringent restrictions on one and two-night reservations that may be reserved for parties.

One-night reservations made prior to Dec. 3 will be allowed to move forward, the company said. Airbnb data indicates that most party houses are reserved between Dec. 3 and Dec. 30.

"All guests globally with successful bookings must attest that they will not throw an unauthorized party and that they may be pursued legally by Airbnb if they break our rules on parties and events," the company said in a statement online.

Airbnb cracked down on 25 party houses in Cleveland in late November. The accounts of the homeowners were suspended after they allowed parties to be held during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We all have a role to play in reducing the number of parties and large gatherings during the pandemic,” said Alex Dagg, Northeast public policy director for Airbnb. “We hope to raise greater awareness of our 24/7 neighbor support line, which helps us strengthen the enforcement of our ban on parties in Cleveland and across Ohio.”

The company also announced last month new bans prohibiting anyone under 25 from renting a home in their own city. For example, if a 20-year-old in Cleveland tries to rent a home in Cleveland, AirBnB will block that rental. If that 20-year-old tries to rent a home in Cincinnati, the booking will go through.