CAPE CORAL, Fla. — It’s no secret that Halloween is a big party weekend. That’s why Airbnb is using artificial intelligence to restrict rentals that raise the red flag for unauthorized parties in someone else’s home.
While hosting a party at your home, using someone else’s might be a tad bit better. From the luxury accommodations to the ability to wipe your hands free of whatever might happen during the party, Airbnbs have become a popular spot for parties.
That’s why Airbnb is rolling out a high-tech AI to detect, deter and stop these rentals from happening in the first place.
“I’ve certainly had cases of a couple parties,” said Andrew Miller, owner of Shady Palms Property Management. “Vomit near the bedrooms. Guests trying to clear it up, washing them, drying them with the stains in the comforter.”
Miller manages six properties in Cape Coral and Fort Myers. He’s walked into his fair share of homes that are evident of a party the night before.
The increase in parties over the last few years has led to Airbnb upping its efforts to combat these types of unauthorized rentals.
“To do this, the system looks at many, many factors. Hundreds in fact,” said Nabarupa Banerjee, the Head of Trust and Safety at Airbnb. “Some of the factors, for example, are the length of the trip, the distance to the listing from the booker and if the booking was made at the last minute.”
Banerjee takes her job seriously. So much so that her unofficial title is the “Party Pooper”.
“Disruptive and unauthorized parties are banned on Airbnb,” said Banerjee.
This isn’t the first time that the AI tech is being used. Other holidays, like the 4th of July, New Year’s Eve and Memorial Day, are all big party weekends.
The results from Airbnb are even bigger. Banerjee reports a 55% decrease in party reports since the AI was implemented.
“Only 0.039% of reservations in 2022 resulted in even the report of a party,” she said.
“It kind of takes the work off of me having to vet all of these guests,” added Miller.
While the AI is good, it’s not perfect. So, if a party pops up, Airbnb has a neighborhood support number that you can call 24/7.
Plus, if you’re thinking about throwing a party, just know what could happen if you’re caught.
“If they break this rule, they risk suspension or removal from Airbnb,” said Banerjee.