Airbnb admits that it bans users who are closely associated with previously banned users in the short-term rental service.
So if you are close to someone who has been banned on Airbnb, there is a chance that you might get banned as well.
(Photo : TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP via Getty Images)
The US rental site Airbnb logo is displayed during the company's press conference in Tokyo on June 14, 2018.
Airbnb Bans People 'Close' to Existing Banned Users
According to a report by Tech Crunch, Airbnb has confirmed that when it bans users, the prohibition might extend to their close associates.
The rental service bans its users when they violate the rules of the platform. Such a rule is similar to various online platforms, wherein users have to follow their policies or else they might get kicked out.
But it turns out that Airbnb is also banning some of its users even if they only have a close association with a user that has previously violated their rules and ended up being banned.
Why is Airbnb Banning Them?
Airbnb told Vice that they are banning people with close association to currently banned users for "necessary safety precaution." So the platform is implementing such a policy to further protect its other users.
The rental service further disclosed that in some cases, users who are "likely to travel" with banned users might get kicked out of the service as well.
Vice says that Airbnb failed to reveal when the service has begun banning users close to previously banned guests.
(Photo : JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images)
A woman browses the site of US home sharing giant Airbnb on a tablet in Berlin on April 28, 2016. - Berlin will from Sunday, May 1, 2016, restrict private property rentals through Airbnb and similar online platforms, threatening hefty fines in a controversial move meant to keep housing affordable for locals.
However, if ever the short-term rental platform ended up banning you out of nowhere, CNET notes that the service offers its users an appeals process. It should help them reverse course and continue using the service.
They need to prove that they are not actually closely associated with the previously banned user to get back to the service.
Airbnb Alternatives This 2023
But if Airbnb continues to ban you despite your appeal, you may use alternative services.
Travel Freak notes that there are several Airbnb-like rental services out there, such as Vrbo and FlipKey. The latter works best for smaller groups who are looking for a vacation home to stay in. On the other hand, Vrbo works similarly to Airbnb, allowing bigger groups.
If you are in the US, TurnKey is another Airbnb alternative to check out. For those who are meticulous about the quality of their next vacation home, Plum Guide offers luxury listings.
With these services, you may continue booking short-term rentals even if Airbnb decides to ban you due to your close association with another banned user.
Related Article: Airbnb Refund Policy Apparently Excludes Florida Hurricanes - But Why?
