Court rules on Airbnb partying complaints

16 May 2016 - 08:45 By ©Daily Telegraph

Riot police were called to a London penthouse flat at which Airbnb guests were having a massive party. Around 150 people turned up at the event in Brixton, which resulted in the Airbnb host being taken to court.In what is thought to be the first case of its kind, a court ruled against the tenant of the flat, who listed the property on the holiday accommodation website, after neighbours complained about raucous visitors.Airbnb has become increasingly popular in the short-term rental market, so much so that it is expected to soon overtake Europe's biggest hotel chain in number of bookings.Earlier this year the site asked neighbours to report guests for bad behaviour with an online feedback form.Residents in Brixton complained of chaotic parties, with one saying a partygoer had fallen and landed on his balcony, before knocking on the window asking to be let back inside.The host was found to have breached several terms in his lease agreement, The Times (UK) reported.UK property lawyer Giles Peaker, said: "Until recently we hadn't seen any of these cases but now we have several. It's turning out to be a substantial issue."The website has soared in popularity since it was established eight years ago.An Airbnb spokesman said: "We remind hosts to check and follow local rules before they list their space."..

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