Irish Court Denies Airbnb Account Restoration Request
The High Court rejected a request from a Medellin-based rental firm to restore its suspended account.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Sex Crimes
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An Irish High Court judge has denied an injunction sought by Colombian rental company Turisvivienda SAS to restore its suspended Airbnb account. The company faced termination following Airbnb's internal investigation into suspected violations of its sex tourism policy.
Why it matters
The ruling underscores the challenges short-term rental platforms face in balancing host disputes with strict policies against illicit activities. Airbnb cited specific platform communications as evidence, while the host maintained its own rigorous guest protocols.
Judge Marguerite Bolger ruled that Turisvivienda failed to establish a strong case that the suspension was unlawful. The court determined any incurred losses remain financial in nature and can be pursued through separate civil damages.
The players
Airbnb
An online marketplace that connects people who want to rent out their homes with people who are looking for accommodations.
Turisvivienda SAS
A rental management company operating short-term properties in Medellin, Colombia.
Marguerite Bolger
The Irish High Court judge who presided over the legal challenge regarding the platform suspension.
The details
Airbnb terminated the Turisvivienda SAS account after identifying usage of the phrase 'guest friendly' in platform messages. While Turisvivienda required guests to sign contracts prohibiting sex work, the court found these measures insufficient to override Airbnb's policy findings.
Timeline
September 2024: Airbnb began removing Medellin-based hosts from its platform.
June 21, 2025: Turisvivienda SAS filed a safety report regarding a guest.
June 23, 2025: Airbnb officially terminated the Turisvivienda account.
May 2026: Turisvivienda applied for a High Court injunction.
October 23, 2026: The Irish High Court denied the injunction application.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern of heightened regulatory and internal scrutiny regarding the short-term rental market in Medellin. It demonstrates how judicial systems treat the enforceability of corporate terms of service when host businesses claim lost revenue from account suspensions.
This ruling clarifies that platforms have significant latitude in enforcing safety policies, which may impact how rental operators communicate with guests on major booking sites. Travelers should remain aware that platform-wide policies regarding guest behavior are strictly enforced through algorithmic and manual audits.
The takeaway
Host companies must ensure their operational communications align strictly with platform safety policies to avoid account termination. Platforms maintain that the burden of proving compliance with anti-exploitation rules rests with the property management entity.
Further reading
For more on platform policies and investigations, visit the Sex Crimes section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Irish Times.
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