For First Time, Airbnb Suing Customer Who Threw Unauthorized House Party

Airbnb plans to argue the guest was negligent, in violation of local health orders, in violation of Airbnb guidelines and “booked the listing under false pretenses.”

Airbnb will donate any money won from the lawsuit to nonprofits addressing gun violence in the Sacramento area.

This is the first time Airbnb has taken legal action against a customer for throwing an unauthorized house party.

No arrests have been made, and the shooting is under investigation.

Airbnb has tried to crack down on house parties during the pandemic, and recently banned customers under 25 from booking entire houses if they have a negative review or three less-than-positive reviews. 

Large parties have provoked the ire of local health officials across the country, with Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti pointing out last week that many are held in short-term rental properties. Garcetti also threatened to shut off water and power to houses that repeatedly flout local health orders.