[NAGDU] Airbnb

Sun Dec 12 17:51:45 UTC 2021

Robert is correct, there is no exemption based on number of rooms or the owner being on the premises. However, the health and safety exemption is quite broad and not well enforced. In practice, hosts can deny us based on something like allergies and all Airbnb will do is help us find another location to stay at. Obviously we all know that this is a problem. I was denied by an Airbnb host backin December 2019 because the host claimed that someone in the upstairs apartment was allergic, and that my dog's fur would somehow get through the HVAC system and affect this person's allergies. I have been in contact with the NFB national office about this, and it was actually what lead to the partnership with Airbnb. Unfortunately I was completely cut out of the loop. It was really a horrible experience and am happy to provide details offline to anyone interested. I don't know what the NFB is doing if it is indeed the case that the service animal/pet search filter is new. If Airbnb is not being receptive to our feedback, then it is time to consider more drasttic action. I hope someone on the NAGDU board can shed some light on this.

-Mike

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 12, 2021, at 12:34 PM, judotina48kg--- via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Yes, Service dogs are apart of the ADA, however, My question has to do with policy as it pertains to public access when dealing with private vs corporate entities with respect to being accompanied by Guide/Service dogs? I'm going to copy the NAGDU Board on this issue, because I know that we have someone who can provide me with the information I'm seeking, as well as the written source that supports my question. 
> Thanks, 
> Tina            
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Tracy Carcione via NAGDU
> Sent: Sunday, December 12, 2021 7:37 AM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users' <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Tracy Carcione <carcione at access.net>
> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Airbnb
> 
> Service dog regs are part of the ADA regulations.  AirBnB no doubt has its own policy statements.
> You might try Googling AirBnB service animal policy.  That ought to get you somewhere.  And NFB AirBnB partnership might get you something, too.  Google is a mighty thing, if you can only think of the right words.
> Tracy
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of judotina48kg--- via NAGDU
> Sent: Sunday, December 12, 2021 9:43 AM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
> Cc: judotina48kg at gmail.com
> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Airbnb
> 
> Is there a written policy where this is stated that I and others can research this? 
> Tina 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Tracy Carcione via NAGDU
> Sent: Sunday, December 12, 2021 6:30 AM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users' <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Tracy Carcione <carcione at access.net>
> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Airbnb
> 
> It is my understanding that a privately-owned property with less than 4 rooms to rent, where the owner lives on the premises, can refuse a service dog.  In all other cases, the usual access rules apply.
> Tracy
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of judotina48kg--- via NAGDU
> Sent: Saturday, December 11, 2021 7:23 PM
> To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
> Cc: judotina48kg at gmail.com
> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Airbnb
> 
> Wow, I haven't heard of this policy. Now, I have heard of denials from other Guide/Service dog users, when it comes to hotels, B&B's. So, I guess my question would be, is there a differentiation between private rental properties vs. corporate owned properties with the respect to public assess laws? 
> Tina  
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NAGDU <nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Jody ianuzzi via NAGDU
> Sent: Saturday, December 11, 2021 3:44 PM
> To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Jody ianuzzi <thunderwalker321 at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [NAGDU] Airbnb
> 
> It is my understanding that a large B&B with four rooms or less can refuse service animals
> 
> JODY
> 
> To Boldly Go  🖖🏻 
> 
> 
> thunderwalker321 at gmail.com 
> 
> "What's within you is stronger than what's in your way."  NO BARRIERS  Erik Weihenmayer
> 
>> On Dec 11, 2021, at 5:02 PM, Rachel Grider via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Thank you for your note on this. I have recently had a similar experience, and I would like some more insight about our rights regarding Airbnb. It is my understanding that they are required to allow service dogs, but it is clear that many Airbnb owners are not aware of this. What work has been done on this in the past, and what is the proper protocol when we are denied access to Airbnb?
>> 
>>>> On Dec 11, 2021, at 13:00, Michael Forzano via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hi All,
>>> 
>>> Today as I was searching for an Airbnb, I noticed that when selecting the number of people staying as part of the search criteria, there is a dropdown labelled "pets, bringing an assistance animal". If one increments this option, the search results are restricted to Airbnbs that allow pets. I don't remember seeing this in the past though I can't be 100% sure if this is a new option or not. Either way, it is extremely disappointing to see Airbnb lumping together pets and service animals. Someone using this option might not even realize their search results have been limited. In my case, the filtered results did not even include any Airbnbs in the city I searched for, while the unfiltered results had several available options in that area. 
>>> 
>>> I know that the NFB and Airbnb have entered into a partnership. Does anyone know the status of this? I'm surprised and disappointed that we aren't taking a firm stand against this clear violation of Our rights as guide dog users.
>>> 
>>> Thanks,
>>> Mike
>>> Sent from my iPhone
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