<h1>Airbnb Bans Users with Criminal Records: A Deeper Look</h1>
<p>When Bernard Charles signed up for Airbnb to book accommodations for his family during his upcoming wedding, he never expected that his past convictions would result in a ban from the popular vacation rental service. Charles, a creative project manager from Pittsburgh, joined Airbnb and received an email stating that his account was under review. Soon after, he found himself locked out of his account.</p>
<p>Charles explained that his 2016 convictions were related to defending himself during a family altercation, and that he pleaded guilty due to being unable to attend the court hearing at the time. Airbnb discovered Charles’ convictions through Inflection Risk Solutions, a background check provider that uses information like name, date of birth, and phone number to generate consumer reports. Charles believes that these general background checks fail to consider important factors and can be unfair.</p>
<p>Charles is not alone in his experience. Many other Airbnb users have had their accounts suspended or placed under review due to their criminal records. Users are now speaking out and requesting that Airbnb reconsider their appeals process, as the current system lacks personalization and understanding of their unique circumstances.</p>
<p>Airbnb offers two types of appeals. If users believe there are inaccuracies in their consumer reports, they can appeal directly to Inflection Risk Solutions. If the report is accurate, the second type of appeal involves responding to Airbnb’s email and providing context and evidence of rehabilitation. However, users like Charles have found this process to be inadequate.</p>
<p>Pittsburgh Councilwoman Bethany Hallam, who also faced a ban from Airbnb, tweeted about her experience, which led to her account being reinstated. Hallam’s conviction was for drug possession, and she shared her struggles with substance abuse. She believes that her status as an elected official played a role in Airbnb reconsidering her case.</p>
<p>Another user, identified as Matt from New Mexico, claims that his wife was banned from Airbnb simply because she was associated with him and his criminal record. Airbnb justifies this action as a safety precaution to prevent banned individuals from using the platform through others’ accounts.</p>
<p>The background check process used by Airbnb is conducted by Inflection Risk Solutions, which must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This act ensures accurate reporting and gives consumers the right to see their background check reports. However, users like Matt have experienced difficulties with Inflection, with the company refusing to accept changes without demanding sensitive personal information such as Social Security numbers.</p>
<p>Airbnb has faced criticism for its background check policies and has made efforts to enhance safety precautions on its platform. However, there are concerns that these policies may not be inclusive and may discriminate against individuals with criminal records. Users like Veronica Horowitz, an assistant professor focused on criminal punishment, have called for Airbnb to be less exclusionary in its policies.</p>
<p>After reviewing the cases of Matt, Charles, and Horowitz, Airbnb reinstated their accounts on the platform. The company recognizes that background checks are not perfect and acknowledges the need for ongoing improvements.</p>
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