With summer holidays rapidly approaching, Airbnb is stepping up efforts to prevent “disruptive” gatherings across the country through its advanced anti-party system. As Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends draw near, the short-term rental service is leveraging “machine learning technology” to block renters from hosting parties at Airbnb homes, according to a recent news release.
The anti-party system, first implemented last summer, examines various factors when a customer attempts to book a home. These factors include the type of listing, the duration of the stay, the distance from the guest’s location, and whether the booking is last minute, among other indicators. This approach aims to identify and prevent potential party scenarios before they occur.
“The overwhelming majority of guests and hosts on Airbnb are respectful neighbors and travelers, and disruptive parties are rare,” said Tara Bunch, Airbnb’s Global Head of Operations, in the release. “Our aim is to reduce the risk even more, and we’re optimistic these efforts will have a positive impact for hosts and local communities.”
During the Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends in 2023, Airbnb’s anti-party system blocked approximately 67,500 people across the United States from booking. In Colorado alone, around 850 people were deterred from booking entire home listings during these peak times.
Although Airbnb highlights that disruptive parties are uncommon—citing that only 0.035% of reservations globally resulted in a party report in 2023—Colorado has experienced tragic outcomes from such events. In March 2023, an 18-year-old named Rigoberto Esparza was shot and killed at a rented house party near 84th Avenue and Washington Street in Adams County. The house, labeled the House of Vibes, was booked through a rental app and removed from Airbnb shortly after the incident.
“We have some experience with these types of properties being rented out and utilized for larger events, parties, for various occasions,” said Sgt. Adam Sherman, public information officer for the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, to The Denver Gazette’s news partner, 9News. He emphasized the unpredictable nature of such gatherings, noting, “Those messages get spread through social media, and as soon as that happens you never know who will show up. It could be gang affiliation, or other types of opportunities to where maybe the person hosting wasn’t expecting.”
The Denver metro area has seen a series of other party-related shootings over the past year. On October 14, 2023, three men in their early 20s were shot and killed at a Halloween party at an industrial complex on E. 39th Avenue, with three others injured. In March 2024, a 16-year-old boy was arrested for shooting and killing a 19-year-old man at a party in Aurora. Another tragic incident occurred the same evening in Commerce City, where one person was killed and two others injured during a house-party shooting.
While the details of whether these events were facilitated through rental platforms like Airbnb remain undisclosed, the connection between rented properties and large, unregulated gatherings is clear. By implementing and enhancing its anti-party measures, Airbnb aims to mitigate these risks and ensure safer, more peaceful neighborhoods.
As the summer holiday season approaches, Airbnb’s proactive stance serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible hosting and renting practices. The company’s continued efforts to prevent disruptive parties demonstrate its commitment to protecting both hosts and guests, contributing to safer and more enjoyable experiences for all.