Airbnb to Block Some Halloween Reservations in Arizona to Prevent Large Parties

Airbnb instituted anti-party restrictions across the U.S. and Canada for almost a full year. Now, the online vacation rental company is taking steps to block some Halloween weekend stays in Arizona to prevent large, unauthorized parties.

Airbnb has taken measures and will not permit one-night reservations over the holiday weekend for guests without a history of positive reviews.

In addition, some local and last-minute two-night bookings will also be blocked. All guests who are able to make a one- or two-night reservations over the Halloween weekend must agree to an attestation form saying they understand Airbnb’s party ban.

Airbnb enacted similar restrictions for Halloween in 2020, New Year’s Eve and the July 4 holiday weekend.

As a result of their restrictions, according to their press release, unauthorized parties dropped by 49% over Halloween and 51% on New Year’s Eve.

Airbnb said they were forced to suspend or remove 50 listings in Arizona last year for complaints received regarding parties or other policy violations.

One of those complaints came in Scottsdale in July 2020, when a teenager was wounded after gunfire was exchanged following a fight at a vacation rental house party.

Many neighborhoods have issued complaints that rental homes in their communities draw large gatherings that lead to issues.

“We also know that the great majority of guests are respectful of neighbors and treat their hosts’ homes with the utmost respect,” Airbnb said in the release. “We believe this plan will help prevent large gatherings while supporting the type of safe, responsible travel that benefits guests, hosts and the neighborhoods they call home.”

Short-term rentals remain a valuable tax asset for the state. Airbnb said it generated about $87 million in taxes for the state of Arizona between 2017 and 2020.