Airbnb makes party ban permanent
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Airbnb has permanently banned parties in its short-term rentals. This is a major move by the company that comes about two and a half months after a deadly mass shooting at one of its rentals in Pittsburgh.
On Tuesday, Airbnb announced it's permanently banning parties as the company believes its temporary global party ban that was implemented in 2020 has worked.
Windows remain broken at an Airbnb in the East Allegheny neighborhood on Pittsburgh's North Side. The damage is a reminder of a mass shooting that happened there on Easter Sunday. Two teens were killed and several others were injured when someone opened fire during a party, sending around 200 young people running from the bullets.
"I applaud them for their efforts. We've seen these parties get completely out of control, in particular that night," said Pittsburgh Councilman Bobby Wilson.
Wilson said he commends Airbnb for banning parties permanently. At the same time, he believes legislation needs to go into place to regulate Airbnbs in the city.
He provided an update about a piece of legislation he proposed after the Airbnb shooting. The bill would regulate short-term rentals in the city. It would require owners to report the number of guests and require them to provide contact information. This would also include placing a sticker with certain information on a rental window. The goal is to ensure public safety workers can reach owners and guests.
"This legislation goes further than just banning parties at an Airbnb. I applaud what Airbnb did today, but this wouldn't control a party that is actually growing as it's happening. My bill speaks to that; it ensures that if public safety is called that they do have a route to go to identify who the owner is and how many people should be at the property. We're putting more restrictions around where Airbnb can be and also how law enforcement can contact the owner," Wilson said.
Wilson believes laws are needed locally to prevent tragedies and ensure rentals are safe.
"I think the more accountability, the better that they're taking on themselves because for a company that is essentially a virtual company, unknown, faceless, the more steps they can take to scrutinize and be critical of how they are providing services in neighborhoods is important. I commend them for what they're doing but I need them to continue to work with municipalities, especially Pittsburgh, and across the nation to make sure there are laws in place that prevent any sort of dangerous activity that could happen at their properties," Wilson said.
Wilson said the proposed bill to regulate Airbnbs is being held until July 13 because they want to make sure it's the best bill possible. Wilson said he's hoping the amendments will be worked out by then, and if it's approved, it'll move on for a final vote.
Airbnb said in its announcement Tuesday that its global party ban will continue to include serious consequences for guests who attempt to violate the rules.
