Airbnb vs Islington Council

Islington Borough Council this afternoon served a Statutory Enforcement Notice on AirBnB UK. 

My understanding is that the notice relates to a property in which there have been repeated breaches of social distancing and other regulations. Despite repeated approaches from the council Airbnb have maintained their mantra of "Nothing to do with us guv" . This has been their standard (and successful) retort when confronted with any of the negative impacts of their business model on city communities. Not for much longer.

On March 30th in the first of his cozy little chats CEO Brian Chesky attempted to explain to a quarter of a million hosts why he had just shafted us. Of the decision to offer guests full refunds without consulting hosts he said:

"Please know this decision was not a business decision, but based on protecting public health...... I believe we did the right thing in prioritizing health and safety."

My 2020 earnings

Aww bless.... There's hoist by your own petard if ever I saw it.

Having endured almost four months of Airbnb's sanctimonious waffle about Frontline Responders, The Superhost Relief Fund, the 25% that was really 12.5% etc I am delighted that Islington looks like the place that is finally going to effectively and comprehensively call them out. Richard Watts, Leader of the Council this afternoon tweeted his fury.

He and other councillors are furious and there is now the political will to say enough is enough. No doubt a sledge hammer will be used to crack the nut but I suspect we will now see the beginning of the end of the ninety day exemption and a move back to Airbnb only listing proprties in which the host is resident.

Once that happens here in Islington there won't be a single candidate in next year's Mayoral elections who will oppose it on a London wide basis. If London lobbies for it then I'm afraid dear readers in the North (and other places) it will happen.

And because of the way Airbnb recommended constructing the legislation in the first place it cannot be repealed here and not in Brighton, Bridlington and Blackpool.

Open Letter to Brian Chesky - CEO Airbnb

Dear Brian,

I wonder if you remember the times we met in the very early days in London, probably 2008 after I signed up to be one of the first Airbnbhosts in the UK. I remember it well. Mostly for being struck by your honesty, integrity and enthusiasm for this strange new project of which I had immediately grasped the potential. You gave me the confidence to keep faith with Airbnb as it has evolved into the global brand it is today.

That faith is now sorely shaken and looking to you as CEO to rebuild trust and confidence is proving very difficult.  Your actions (and ommissions) are making things worse and give the impression that neither you nor the company are going to be able to restore the bond of trust you have broken.

That trust is the vital  component in the  extraordinary way I have bden able to lead my life over  the last twelve years.In the trade union movement, and in The Green Party as an activist, national officer and parliamentary candidate).  Most recently, that life has been lived within Extinction Rebellion as we have changed the global discourse, and sought to disrupt national and international 'business as usual' as we continue to hurtle towards the peak of the climate catastrophe and ecological disaster that frankly, unless averted, will make Covid -19 appear to have been a walk in the park.

I had begun writing to you at the time you spoke to us on April 3^rd. Despite the incalculable harm you have overseen perpetrated on us, Airbnb’s, hosts I was much encouraged by your promises. It is desperately sad and of very great consequence that you have not kept your word.

At a time of desperate financial hardship, the early April  has now passed and there is still no word on when the 12.5% of cancelled online booking value will be paid. While I an unaware of any effort by Airbnb to contact my previous guests my own attempts to contact cancelled guests has been prevented by Airbnb. Even guests who have offered me support have had their attempts to get in touch thwarted by the company. The company continue to believe that the value to them of keeping guests and hosts separate and unable to communicate is two high to relinquish.

Unable to pay rent in March, it looks as though April and May will be the same. No sooner do I pass on to my landlord promises and information given to me by you and Airbnb then deadlines pass and trust is further eroded.

I was unable to join your second call on Thursday and have now spent five days looking at a screen promising a video “shortly”.

 And so, if you are unable to meet the commitments you have made voluntarily, and without urgent and immediate financial support then it looks as though my twelve year journey with AirBnb will be over. With will go my home and my income and at 57 with three years to go before any provision for my retirement becomes available, that is not a prospect I welcome.

I hope you are staying well.

Best,

Sebastian