Gatherings

[Genoveva25]

my listing is a large home with a large backyard. Lately guests have been asking me if they can have additional people for gatherings like barbecues with family. 20+ more people for the day. How do some of you handle that as far as extra fees how to make sure more people other than the ones booking wouldn’t be staying also. Thank you as of now since I’m new so would love to hear what others do 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Genoveva25 Airbnb maintains a party ban (aka a gathering ban). So if you want to keep listed I suggest you say no to these requests referring them to Airbnb's rules.

[Joan2709]

@Genoveva25 

Wellll....that is tricky. Airbnb used to ban "parties" and "events". They have since removed the word "events" from the ban. Of course this is all semantics until there is an issue. 

I work with a Host with a very large property that can sleep 16+ guests. They have allowed "Visitors" like a few family members over for just an evening meal and they do not stay overnight. Any visitors must be approved FIRST by the Host, the Host charges $10/visitor as they will be using the amenities and consumables. They must leave by 10pm, they may not bring pets, etc. etc. The Host has all this information in the House Rules.

Some Potential Issues

1. Visitors have not agreed to your House Rules as they are not listed as guests on the reservation

2. Visitors don't even know what the House Rules are

3. Damage caused by visitors is most likely NOT covered by Aircover as they are not listed as "guests" on the reservation

4. Can your septic system handle 20+ people?

5. Where are all these people going to park?

6. Will your neighbors be upset about all the cars and noise?

7. Do you have your own STR liability and damage policies?

8. What if alcohol is served to minors at the gathering? (this can get you in a lot of hot water) 

9. How are you going to handle a "BBQ" that gets out of control? 

These type of large gatherings are not really appropriate for an Airbnb. We usually suggest those inquiring they rent areas in a public park with BBQ facilities, public restrooms and picnic tables, or rent an Event facility that has all the appropriate licensing.

I also suggest you put a camera overlooking your large back yard, just in case a guest decides they are gonna host a party anyway and invite all their friends (properly disclosed on the listing of course).

[Genoveva25]

Thank you for all those examples greatly appreciate it. I have said no before. I’m a little confused because Airbnb does have a checked box, should I say, that asks x to events or ✅ to events. That has me confused. Of course I have it checked as no to events. I have been getting a lot of requests to have family over for dinners 

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Genoveva25 

We just say "no" and let it go. 

[Joan2709 · Accepted solution]

@Genoveva25 

Yes, Airbnb has Yes/No in House Rules under Events. That said, if you allow an "event" and it turns into a rowdy "party" then all bets are off and your listing can be suspended for allowing a "party". 

Having a handful of family over for dinner (3-5 people) is a big difference compared to a large outdoor BBQ with 20+ people and your guest maximum is only 10.

Up to you as far as allowing a few family members to come by for dinner, but I would set some Rules and you can decide if you want to charge a Visitor Fee or not. Some Hosts don't, but require the guests to ASK FIRST before inviting family or friends over for dinner. Keep in mind that anyone on your property that is not a guest on the reservation is NOT covered by Aircover; so there is some potential for risk although probably minimal.

Put yourself in your neighbors shoes and think what possible issues might come up...you really do not want your neighbors to be unhappy...trust me on that.

[Genoveva25]

Thank you for the clarification.