United States v Airbnb (N.D. Cal.)

On March 13, 2026, the United States filed an amended complaint in United States v. Airbnb, Inc., et al. (N.D. Cal.), alleging that Airbnb’s conduct, including allowing property rental hosts the option to designate a property as not suitable for children or infants, constitutes a pattern or practice of discrimination under the Fair Housing Act (FHA). The United States’ original complaint, which was filed on January 10, 2025, alleges that Airbnb and property owners Sandlot05 LLC and Jarrod Blake discriminated on the basis of familial status in violation of the FHA when they refused to rent complainants an apartment because they have children. On June 6, 2025, the United States entered into a settlement agreement  with defendants Sandlot05 LLC and Jarrod Blake, requiring them to implement a written nondiscrimination policy and a formal complaint procedure, comply with the FHA, include a statement that they are equal housing opportunity providers in any new advertising for their units, require virtual live training on the FHA, report regularly to the United States, and pay compensatory damages of $15,000 to the complainants.  On September 18, 2025, the court denied Defendant Airbnb’s motion to dismiss, rejecting Airbnb’s argument that venue was improper in the Northern District of California. This case was referred to the Division after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) received a complaint, conducted an investigation, and issued a charge of discrimination.  Litigation against Airbnb, Inc. is continuing.