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Shared Accommodation Services
Shared Accommodation Services
The Security Conundrum
T
he idea of sharing your home, apartment or condo for profit is a relatively new concept. Yet the “shared” lodging/accommodations phenomenon seems like it is here to stay. It was first seen as a novel experiment that posed little or no threat to the lodging industry, but over time, it has grown. With companies such as Airbnb and others, this approach is becoming an option for consumers. Airbnb has grown into a booming business, the largest in this niche, and is now as large as some hotel chains (Mody & Gomez, 2018). With expansive offerings and variety of locations, plus the feeling of being at “home” as opposed to staying in a hotel, Airbnb has created a way to customize your stay. The company has grown to 7 million accommodations and is available in almost 200 countries (Airbnb, 2019). As with many new companies and business models, explosive growth has brought about some exciting opportunities, yet it has also brought some serious unexpected outcomes. Some of these issues are relatively straightforward (lost key, does not meet expectations, things not working, a consistent structure for collecting occupancy taxes, et al.). Other issues involve policies for lastminute cancellations and the legality of renting properties in certain cities and countries (Schlichter, 2018). The company has had to adjust and change their policies to fit a number of different scenarios. Some adaptations include: verifying guests, adding security cameras, obtaining required permits and licenses, etc. In its infancy, these organizations are in their earliest stages of learning how to do 32 SPRING
2020
business “right” and stay compliant with local, regional and national laws while simultaneously reducing the risk of litigation and negative publicity (Airbnb, 2019). The size, status and locations of some of the rental properties have now created an emerging — and somewhat alarming — type of consumer market. These are “Party Houses:” a term that has not yet been clearly defined by consumers or Airbnb type organizations. The company itself is struggling not only to define a Party House but also having difficulty determining which listings can properly classified as a Party House. Agreement seems to surround several key items: a large number of occupants, occupants not listed officially when making a reservation, a location and size conducive to a large event or party, etc. Often, these reservations are purposefully made without a large number of occupants listed as guests (Oliver, 2019). Properties are being used as a location for a way for friends to get together for special occasions or for large families to gather for reunions at great locations around the world. They are also rented out by individuals to purposefully invite a large number of people to an advertised party or other large event. The issue with large groups gathering at one location is that the intention of the renter may not always be good-natured. Stories of high school parties that include alcohol and drug use are becoming more common with rental properties, and it is difficult to become aware of these parties until they have already begun (Cole, 2019). The most recent tragedy to date occurred this year. It raises serious questions about
Airbnb and its ability to regulate these scenarios. A “Party House” in an upscale neighborhood near San Francisco, California, was the site of a shooting that killed five and injured several more. The property was rented through the Airbnb service (Oliver, 2019). The company responded by banning party houses and has vowed to use better technology and screening processes to combat the issue, but there seems to be many more ways to work around the issue than there are to solve it. Our industry has always put safety and security first. Indeed, the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), as well as its state affiliates like the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), encourages guest safety and security in multiple ways. They offer training and certifications to educate employees and are now focused on protecting associates as well as guests. It does not appear to be prevalent among the Airbnb rental properties. In conclusion, it seems unlikely and nearly impossible for the same level of guest safety and security as found in traditional hotels to be implemented by an organization that already has over 7 million locations. From small motels to mega-conference resorts and everywhere in between, including shared rentals, safety and security should be the priority. It is our hope that shared accommodations services will move in this direction. JB Ward is an instructor in the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). Peter Ricci is the Director and Clinical Associate Professor in the same program. FLORIDA RESTAUR ANT & LOD GING A S SO CIATION
PHOTO BY YAVORSKIY / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
By DR. JB WARD AND DR. PETER RICCI
