An Airbnb host in Perth has had his property left in shambles after a tenant invited more than 200 people to a party at his listing, 9News reports.
The gathering was so wild that the riot squad was called in to the Bennett Springs property at around 10pm, where they shut down the party.
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Although no arrests have been made at this stage, police said multiple fights had broken out, while other guests were throwing rocks at cars and police.
“The owner of the Airbnb was notified of the party who requested police assistance in removing the party-goers as there was no authority given for such a gathering,” a police spokesperson said.
Gilbert, the owner of the property, arrived home this morning to find his rental property completely trashed from the out-of-control party. He told 9News that this was the first time he’d seen something of this calibre in his time on Airbnb.
“We have [had] a few bad guests, but nothing like that.”
The 21-year-old culprit rented the property under a fake name, claiming he was coming to Melbourne for a wedding with his girlfriend. But in reality, he rented out the property, then charged guests to attend the party.
“How could someone give the wrong picture, wrong name and get into your property for a few hundred dollars … and then charge $10 to his own guests for a party?” Gilbert said.
Airbnb have come out saying they have a “zero tolerance” policy for bad behaviour and have permanently removed the account from the platform. But unfortunately it looks like somehow a dodgy user has slipped through the cracks of the policy.
“We have absolutely zero tolerance for bad behaviour and enforce strict policies to protect our hosts, guests and the wider community,” a spokesperson told WA Today. “We have removed the bad actors from our platform and stand ready to assist WA Police to ensure they are held to account.
Thankfully, Airbnb has also said that the host is fully covered under their Host Guarantee program that protects users from these sorts of incidents.
“We will also fully support our host through our Host Guarantee.”
Luckily, the renter has apologised for throwing the party at Gilbert’s property and has promised to pay for all of the costs associated with clean-up.
If you’re renting an Airbnb or any type of holiday home, maybe don’t trash the place by throwing a party for 200 people.
No charges have been laid at this point, but under Western Australian law, throwing an out of control party can cost you up to $12,000 in fines and possibly a year in jail.
