Airbnb Unveils New Safety Measures, Will Verify Hosts and Listings

By Paul Riegler on 6 November 2019
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DSC_5258 (2)In the wake of a recent shooting at an Airbnb rental where five people were killed, the company announced the steps it would take to rebuild trust with those who stay at Airbnb-listed locations as well as with Airbnb hosts.

Airbnb said it will, over the next 12 months, audit all seven million of its existing listings to ensure they accurately represent the property, with a goal of completing the review by December 15, 2020.  The review will ascertain the accuracy of photos of the property, the address, and listing details and includes an inspection to ensure the property meets quality standards for cleanliness, safety, and basic amenities.

It will also establish a “guest guarantee” that comes into play should a guest arrive at a property that does not match the online description.

“Ultimately, we’re in the business of trust,” said the company’s CEO, Brian Chesky, at The New York Times DealBook Conference, adding that he believes the changes “will provide a lot more peace of mind.”

In addition, the company said it will create a “neighbor hotline” that is always staffed by Airbnb employees, and finally, it said it will conduct manual reviews of what it termed “high-risk” reservations, giving the example of a single individual booking a ten-room property in his own town or city for one night.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)

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