Tips for Spotting Airbnb Parties As A Host

As an Airbnb host, you need to be aware of everything that goes on within your property. It’s your job to make sure that both you and the guest are following the company’s rules and regulations. Part of this responsibility is to watch out for Airbnb parties.

Airbnb has a clear policy on parties which prohibits the following: 

• Holding any party or event that is not expressly authorized by the host
• Any parties that are open-invite, i.e., they must have a fixed and specific guest list
• Parties in apartment buildings or any other type of multi-unit housing (this doesn’t include very small get-togethers)

Some guests will be upfront with you about the fact that they plan to have a party. But unfortunately, others may try to hide it. Whether you want to allow parties or not, you should be extremely clear about your policy in your Airbnb listing. 

The best way to know if a guest is trying to throw a secret party is to look out for behavior that can clue you in. Here are some tips for spotting Airbnb parties as a host. 

1. Avoid one-night bookings 

Watch out for bookings that are only for one night, especially if it’s over the weekend. If a guest books just one night at your Airbnb, it makes it much easier to throw a party and get out quickly the next morning. They can leave your property a dirty mess and may cause damage, making it difficult to turn over for an incoming guest. 

Of course, not all one-night bookings mean that your guest will throw a party, but it’s for this reason that many hosts require a 2-night minimum stay. 

2. Be aware of party-related requests

Be wary if you receive a message from a guest or potential guest asking about things that suggest they are thinking about a party. For example, asking if there is a rule about loud noises or playing loud music could be one clue. Others could be asking if there is a sound system in the Airbnb or if there are any cameras on the premises. Others may inquire about the proximity of neighbors.

Asking about cameras does not automatically mean the guest is hoping to have a party; they could be concerned about security or privacy — that is totally normal. But if they ask about cameras, especially in conjunction with one of the other requests above, it could be a sign. 

3. Be careful about holidays

Bookings around the holidays can often be the most lucrative for Airbnb hosts. However, the holidays are also the time when people or more likely to throw large parties.  

Pay close attention to guests booking during the holidays, considering the holiday and where you’re located. Cinco de Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day, and Mardi Gras tend to be some of the bigger “party” holidays. 

4. Install a camera

A great and easy way to really know if parties are happening at your Airbnb is to install a camera. Although, this should be done outside, not inside. Many Airbnb guests are uncomfortable with cameras that are installed inside the space. Rightly so, they’d probably view it as a transgression of privacy and feel like they were being watched. 

Instead, place a camera on the outside of the property by the entrance, making sure that it shows the main entrance and exit doorway. This is a plus for guests because it gives them a greater sense of security while they stay, and it works to help you see how many people are coming in and out. 

One option for this is an Amazon Ring Video Doorbell.

Make sure you’re up-to-date on Airbnb’s policies for security cameras. Hosts are required to disclose if there will be any cameras and/or recording on the premises and recording going on. 

5. Install a sensor for parties

Many Airbnb hosts have found other options for spotting a party in their space. One way is to install a “party sensor” that can tell you if there is a large crowd of people in your home. 

These sensors do not record audio or video but go about detecting activity differently. For example, Minut is a home monitoring device that monitors noise level, temperature, humidity, and motion. You can track all of these levels from your smartphone, which will help you to know if there is a large number of people in your Airbnb. 

Another device is Party Squasher. Using their app, the Party Squasher hooks up to your internet and tells you how many mobile devices are currently at your location- even if those phones aren’t connected to the WiFi.

The Party Squasher is compact, tamperproof, and discreet. A subscription to the service is required. However, your initial purchase includes one year of service.

Final Verdict

In June of 2022, Airbnb officially codified their party ban of 2020. They have also created enforcements to help hosts prevent unauthorized and disruptive parties at their listings. Tools include anti-party reservation protection; safety hotlines for neighbors, hosts, and guests; holiday anti-party measures; and a collaboration with VRBO to share guest information for repeat offenders of the Party and Events policy.

It’s at the discretion of the host and the policies of Airbnb to determine if guests should be permitted to have gatherings at your location. Make sure that as the host, you do what’s best for you and your space, and using any of the above tips will help you to be fully aware of parties inside your Airbnb.