Airbnb to cooperate and not allow new reservations in Truckee or El Dorado and Placer counties

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Airbnb has responded to a letter written by local officials who asked for assistance in stopping short-term rentals (STR) during the current Stay at Home Order. From December 28 through January 1 the vacation home rental reservation platform said they are blocking guests from booking in Placer County, El Dorado County and the Town of Truckee.

"In response to your letter, we are taking further action to support your efforts to discourage visitors from using short-term rentals, hotels, and alternative lodging during the current stay at home order." said Adam Thongsavat, Airbnb program director. :We recognize that with ski resorts remaining open during this period of time, there is a unique demand for lodging in the Tahoe area."

The letter was sent by Cindy Gustafson, District 5 Supervisor of Placer County, Sue Novasel, District 5 Supervisor of El Dorado County, and Truckee Town Manager Jen Callaway on December 21 (see their letter here).

"I want to thank Airbnb for their quick response and positive reaction to our request," said Novasel. "I urge all residents and visitors alike to follow the CDC guidelines and our Governor’s Stay-at-home orders in order to help get us out of this pandemic as soon as possible."

Thongsavat told the officials they hope the measures they have taken will dissuade and prevent non-essential travel during this current regional stay at home order.

"We continue to communicate with hosts about the importance of checking local orders with a link to our travel restriction directory page," added Thongsavat."We continue to monitor the state and local orders closely and will also continue to notify our community of important updates and changes."