PITTSBURGH (TNS) — Airbnb intends to file a civil suit against the person who rented the East Allegheny unit where two teenagers died and nine others were shot at an underage party early Sunday.
The company had said Sunday that the renter would be banned for life from renting through Airbnb, which has strict policies against guests holding parties.
”We will pursue legal claims and damages based on violation of Airbnb’s Community Standards and Terms of Service, nuisance, and that the guest booked the listing under false pretenses,” the company said in a statement.
Under its agreement with property owners, Airbnb insures them against damages by renters.
As part of its agreement with renters, Airbnb won’t publicly identify them and won’t say what the renter told the company it planned to do during the rental unless the company receives a court order.
Airbnb has taken down the rental listing for the property at 900 Madison Ave., which is owned by 900 North Group LLC. The owners could not be reached for comment.
The property continues to be listed through another rental service, Vrbo. Under that listing, the second and third floor of the building, plus a rooftop deck, rents for $599 a night.
It’s described as a 2,000-square-foot, three-story loft close to amenities such as sports stadiums, the Strip District and the National Aviary.
Here’s part of the owner’s description of the property:
”Facing the city skyline the loft has a rooftop deck and full view of Pittsburgh…Two of the three bedrooms [have] their own view of the city, as well as the common living areas, which include the living room and the third floor loft.
”The third floor loft offers a bar, wine cooler and lounge. Exposed brick and open ceilings give the space unique industrial character. There is plenty of lounge space on the rooftop deck, again with a stunning view of the city skyline. We are passionate about design and incorporate our favorite art and decor in the apartment.”
The apartment also features hardwood floors in many rooms, winding staircases between floors and a long balcony. Some rooms have partially exposed brick walls and a brick support column runs up the center of the space.