HOUSTON – Fourth of July celebrations are right around the corner, which is why Airbnb is reminding residents of its continued efforts to crack down on summer holiday parties.
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Since Airbnb launched its anti-party technology, officials said, via a news release, there has been a nationwide decline in reported incidents over the summer holidays.
In Houston alone, Airbnb said about 1,160 people were deterred from booking an entire home listed last year across both Memorial Day and Fourth of July weekends. Statewide, it was about 8,000 people deterred.
Overall, Airbnb said that the global party ban policy has resulted in a 45% decrease in parties reported since it was launched in 2020.
This also comes on the heels of the Houston City Council approving a new ordinance to regulate short-term rentals (STRS) like those on Airbnb. This ordinance will enable the city to enforce regulations at STRs, such as noise and sound regulations, payment of hotel occupancy taxes, compliance with building and fire codes, and addressing criminal offenses.
MORE: Houston’s new short-term rental ordinance: What businesses need to know and when it takes effect
2 Investigates noted that it also requires registrants to display a 24-hour emergency contact number and an approved registration certificate.
SEE ALSO: Airbnb has collected nearly $35 million in tourism taxes on behalf of Houston hosts
STRs are prohibited from advertising as event spaces, and applicants must provide proof of completion of human trafficking awareness training.
“As the City implements their new short-term rental registration system, we’re committed to working with all stakeholders to help ensure Houston residents can continue to share their home and support the City in accommodating a surge of visitors for major upcoming events,” Luis Briones, Senior Policy Manager at Airbnb said in a written statement.