Airbnb says it’s using screening technology to weed out anti-social tenants this summer.

The short lets platform has launched what it calls a Summer Safety Action Plan with the new technology to try to identify renters who are likely to host parties in their rented properties, or who are likely to conduct other anti-social behaviour. 

Since introducing a global party ban in 2020 Airbnb claims there has been a 75 per cent drop in the rate of party complaints in the UK.  

The screening technology looks at factors relating to the guest’s account and their booking that may indicate a higher risk for this type of incident. These factors include whether guest review history, the length of their trip, the distance to the listing, and if the booking is on a weekend or a weekday, among other considerations. 

A statement from Airbnb says: “We want to be good partners to local communities and continue to proactively take action on issues that we know raise concerns. This month, we are issuing summer safety packs to over 75,000 hosts in the UK, equipping them with information and tools on how to be responsible and considerate.”

The platform continues: “Airbnb has long led calls for a national host register, which will give authorities a clear picture of short-term letting activity in their area, allowing them to identify and take action towards antisocial behaviour and bad actors, and inform planning decisions around local housing.”

Amanda Cupples, general manager of UK & Northern Europe, says: “Local communities are as important to us as our hosts and guests. We are committed to ensuring the people who use our platform are good neighbours, and our new technology and neighbourhood safety measures – coupled with new rules for short-term lets – will help tackle local concerns where they exist.”