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OFF BEAT: Airbnb offers host protection for trashed homes

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The possibility of coming home to “meth pipes” or the aftermath of an “XXX freak fest” might deter some people from renting out their living space through Airbnb, but the apartment-sharing service is hoping to set the minds of U.S. hosts at ease by offering an additional liability insurance program.

Airbnb’s new host protection insurance program, which is expected to take effect on Jan. 15, covers up to $1 million in liability for renters and homeowners that host travelers through the service, the San Francisco-based company said this week.

And if a guest is injured in a listing or on the building property during his or her stay, liability insurance provides coverage for hosts and, where applicable, landlords and homeowners associations, according to Airbnb.com.

“Over 25 million guests have had safe, positive experiences staying on Airbnb, but we know that accidents happen,” the website says.

More widely reported “accidents” include a “XXX freak fest” that Airbnb host Ari Teman said took place when he rented out his New York apartment in March.

“Aside from the illegal orgy destroying my apartment, it was a lovely weekend,” Mr. Teman tweeted.

Another Airbnb host, Troy Dayton, wrote in the comment section of a techcrunch.com story that he came home to find “meth pipes” everywhere after renting out his apartment in 2011.

However, the host protection insurance program doesn’t cover liability that arises out of intentional acts by the host; nonphysical injuries, such as slander or emotional distress; and injuries caused by drywall problems, mold, bed bugs, asbestos or pollution, according to the website.

Airbnb already offers a host guarantee that would cover up to $1 million in damages to eligible property — “an unmatched level of protection in the travel industry,” the site says.