Airbnb said today that it has removed more than 50 L.A. County properties — including at least one in West Hollywood — from its platforms either temporarily or for good since late last week, when it announced an indefinite ban on parties at the homes it lists.
The sanctioned properties were the subject of complaints “or otherwise violated our policies on parties and events,” according to a statement. They “have either been suspended or removed from the Airbnb platform.” Such parties also have raised concerns about the possibility that those attending them could infect others or become infected themselves with the COVID-19 virus.
Airbnb, one of the world’s largest short-term rental companies, said it could not release the addresses of the 50+ properties because that would violate the privacy of homeowners. But it said they are located in Burbank, Calabasas, Compton, Glendora, Hacienda Heights, La Canada Flintridge, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Malibu, Marina del Rey, Pasadena, West Hollywood, Whittier and unincorporated communities. Short-term rentals through Airbnb and other such platforms are illegal in West Hollywood unless the room being rented is in a house or condo whose owner is present during the short-term tenant’s stay. However, that ban is frequently violated.
Amid complaints about the occasional big party in the Los Angeles region, Airbnb on Thursday announced it is banning all parties and events at its global listings. It also restricted habitation to a maximum of 16 people, even on large properties.
Maximum of 16 people?! Even in a large property, I’d call that a hotel not a house.
De-facto hotels operating in residentially zoned neighborhoods is fundamentally wrong. Weho got it right by prohibiting the hotel business in places were people are meant to live.
Now the city has to stay vigilant at protecting residents from relocating night clubs and bars to other side of your fence.