Increase in Airbnb rentals associated with higher crime rates, study suggests

An increase in Airbnb properties is associated with higher crime rates in London, a study suggests.

A 10% rise in active Airbnb rentals in the capital would correspond to an additional 1,000 robberies per year across the city above 2018 levels, when the study data ends, researchers said.

The study suggested a “positive association” between the number of properties listed as Airbnb rentals and police-reported robberies and violent crimes in London neighbourhoods between 2015 and 2018.

The rapid rate crime increases in conjunction with new rentals suggests the link is related to more opportunities for crime, rather than other factors, urban sociologists say.

“We tested for the most plausible alternative explanations, from changes in police patrols to tourist hotspots and even football matches,” said Dr Charles Lanfear from Cambridge’s Institute of Criminology, a co-author of the study.

“Nothing changed the core finding that Airbnb rentals are related to higher crime rates in London neighbourhoods.

“While Airbnb offers benefits to tourists and hosts in terms of ease and financial reward, there may be social consequences to turning large swathes of city neighbourhoods into hotels with little regulation.”

An estimated 4.5 million guests stayed in a London Airbnb during the period studied.

The researchers found the link between active Airbnbs and crime is primarily influenced by entire properties to rent, rather than spare or shared rooms.

Their study found the association between active Airbnb rentals and crime was most significant for robbery and burglary, followed by theft and any violence.

There was no link for antisocial behaviour and bodily harm.

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Airbnb rentals ‘provide an easy potential victim’

“Crime seems to go up as soon as Airbnbs appear, and stays elevated for as long as they are active,” Dr Lanfear said.

“A single Airbnb rental can create different types of criminal opportunity.

“An Airbnb rental can provide an easy potential victim such as a tourist unfamiliar with the area, or a property that is regularly vacant and so easier to burgle.

“A very temporary occupant may be more likely to cause criminal damage.

“Offenders may learn to return to areas with more Airbnbs to find unguarded targets.

“More dedicated Airbnb properties may mean fewer long-term residents with a personal stake in the area who are willing to report potential criminal activity.”

Airbnb calls report ‘misleading’

Airbnb has taken steps to prevent crime, the study noted, including some background checks as well as requirements for extended bookings on popular occasions for one-night parties such as New Year’s Eve.

Airbnb said measures including its party ban were not introduced until 2020, after the study data ended in 2018.

A spokesperson said: “This report is misleading as it fails to account for a general rise in crime rates and seasonal travel peaks in London, which have a far greater impact on crime than the cited, decade-old data.

“Listings rented for more than 90 nights a year on Airbnb account for just 0.17% of homes in London.”