listing paused after "government official" contacts Airbnb

Louis2040
Level 2
Windsor, Canada

listing paused after "government official" contacts Airbnb

Hello, I'm Louis. I'm the "Superhost" of a nice house that sleeps 16 in Windsor Ontario. Today I received an email from customer service stating in part:

 

"We’re contacting you because one of governemnt official got in touch with us about your listing, Brand New mansion, sleeps 16 Downtown, Wifi, Pool, on April 16, 2022. Your listing is known to be a party house and creating parking and law and order problems.

Based on our review, your listing 'Brand New mansion, sleeps 16 Downtown, Wifi, Pool' will be paused for 30 days.

While your listing is paused, you’ll still be able to host your guests for any confirmed reservations, but you won’t be able to receive new reservations.

If there are no further reports after 30 days, your listing(s) will be reactivated on May 24, 2022." 

 

-- There has never been a parking a problem, ever

 

-- "Law and order problems" -- there have been 4 unauthorized parties since we opened the doors 2 years ago. Despite taking precautions (only book 5 star reviews guests or a thorough interview+ref check, no auto-book, security cams throughout, NoiseAware monitoring devices one inside one in back yard) , there have been 4 groups that slipped through the cracks as it were. Each time, I shut the parties down, there were noise complaints from neighbours, not good, but I do everything I can to avoid this situation from occurring and I have canvassed the neighbourhood apologizing and giving assurances. So back to "Law and order" , ok I suppose noise complaints are a thing, but there has been zero damage to others property or any kind of other "law and order" issue. 

 

-- As a loyal superhost with 50 5star reviews, why was I not even given a chance to provide my own information? I have security cameras that run 24/7. I have plenty of neighbours who are just fine with me and my business and would say so on the record. 


-- What kind of autocratic nonsense is it to arbitrarily pause my listing without even giving me a chance to speak to neither airbnb reps OR EVEN this gov't official who apparently has a problem with me? 

 

-- Note - short term rental regulation is coming to my city, by law is drafted but not yet enacted, which leaves a gap in the communication between hosts, neighbours, city govt, and airbnb customer service.  This gap should be addressed professionally - and it really has not been in this situation.


Does anyone have any experience or insight to help me please? I am seething with anger and disappointment 😞   

2 Replies 2
Emiel1
Level 10
Leeuwarden, The Netherlands

@Louis2040 

Airbnb suspends listings as soon they encounter a issue, which could lead to legal action.

You can read about several other "supension" cases in this community.

The value of a  (super)host can devaluate rapidly....

Inna22
Level 10
Chicago, IL

@Louis2040 four parties in two years is a lot to slip through the cracks. Imagine if you were that neighbor. My properties are big also and I used to be a target of party operators as well. Party Squasher device has been extraordinary helpful as well as very stern language in my listing. The most effective has been collecting IDs from absolutely all guests. It has been cumbersome and some are not thrilled but there have been no party attempts since I started this practice.

 

not sure if you have heard of yet another Airbnb shooting in Pittsburgh. Airbnb wants to avoid bad press and more regulations so this move makes sense