Airbnb bans ‘party houses’ after Halloween shootings

The home rental service said it will take steps to “combat unauthorised parties and get rid of abusive host and guest conduct”.

Five people were killed and three were injured on 31 October in Orinda, California, after a shooting. There were said to be about 100 people at the Halloween party.

Airbnb chief executive Brian Chesky said: “What happened on Thursday night in Orinda was horrible. I feel for the families and neighbours impacted by this tragedy. We are working to support them.

“Starting today, we are banning ‘party houses’ and we are redoubling our efforts to combat unauthorised parties and get rid of abusive host and guest conduct, including conduct that leads to the terrible events we saw in Orinda.

“Here is what we are doing: First, we are expanding manual screening of high-risk reservations flagged by our risk detection technology.

“Second, we are creating a dedicated ‘party house’ rapid response team.

“Third, we are taking immediate action against users who violate these enhanced guest policies, including removal.”

The four-bedroom home had been rented on Airbnb by a woman who told the owner her dozen family members had asthma and needed to escape smoke from a wildfire, a person with knowledge of the transaction said.

The owner was suspicious of a one-night rental on Halloween and before agreeing reminded the renter that no parties were allowed.

Airbnb spokesman Ben Breit told CBS the renter had been banned.

NBC reports a person with knowledge of the transaction said the owner found the one-night booking suspicious and reminded the renter that no parties were allowed.

In 2018, Airbnb permanently banned a man who had more than 250 people in an Airbnb rental in Seven Hills, Ohio, for an unauthorised New Year party, while the host hid in the bathroom.

In July, two people were killed during a party at an Airbnb in Pittsburgh.