EP150: This Week in the World of Airbnb
Summary
This article from 2017 discusses Airbnb's efforts to improve the traveler experience with features like offline access to trip information and its agreement with San Francisco regarding host registration. It also covers a misleading anti-Airbnb ad. Hosts should be aware of these developments and monitor regulations in their areas.
Key Insights
- •Airbnb is partnering with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) to screen hosts in California with three or more listings for racial bias using fake accounts. 6,000 of the 76,000 total hosts will be screened.
Action Items
- ✓Hosts in San Francisco should be aware that Airbnb and HomeAway reached a deal regarding host registration and understand the upcoming changes and registration process.Effort: mediumImpact: medium
Tools & Resources
- →nbcwashington.com/news/local/Woman-in-Misleading-Anti-Airbnb-Ad-Showing-Anacostia-Is-An-Actress-420752283.html: The article references several news articles.
- →fortune.com/2017/04/29/airbnb-california-racial-bias/: The article references several news articles.
- →marketwatch.com/story/airbnb-homeaway-reach-deal-with-san-francisco-over-registering-hosts-2017-05-01: The article references several news articles.
- →refinery29.com/2017/04/152318/airbnb-problem-solving-wifi-for-travelers: The article references several news articles.
Watch Out For
- ⚠Hosts in San Francisco who fail to register with the city may face steep fines, as the agreement seeks to impose consequences for non-compliance.
Related News
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A homeowner with an unusual listing feature (a shark on their roof) cannot use their property as an Airbnb, while a neighbor is apparently successful. This situation highlights the importance of understanding local regulations and their impact on listing eligibility. Hosts should carefully consider how their property's features might affect their ability to operate an STR.
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