Neighbours furious over wild Sydney party

Neighbours say shocking footage of a wild police confrontation is the aftermath of a party at a short-term rental they are trying to shut down.

Fed-up residents in a Sydney apartment building have filmed the shocking aftermath of an out-of-control party, which they say caused about “10 police cars” to show up.

Dramatic footage shows multiple officers trying to control a large group of people in an alley in Surry Hills at about 4.30am on July 17, with one man in handcuffs appearing to try to headbutt an officer before being pushed to the ground. Pepper spray was also used.

“When we looked up and looked out the window, we saw 10 police cars and a young woman being bundled into the police car and had no idea what had happened,” Andy Quan, who lives in the same apartment building as the party, told news.com.au.

“The woman that took the video just said she was petrified to have all of this commotion outside.

“Somebody from quite far away, but could still hear it, said she woke up and thought because there were screams, people were being assaulted.”

Two people were arrested. Picture: Supplied

Police used OC spray on the crowd. Picture: Supplied

NSW Police told news.com.au officers first attended the property at about 3.30am following a noise complaint and the people inside were cooperative and quietened down.

But at 4.30am police were back again.

“Due to ongoing complaints from the area, officers attached to Surry Hills and additional officers from Sydney City, Kings Cross and Eastern Suburbs Police Area Commands attended the home and were given permission from the owner to enter the unit,” a spokeswoman said.

“About 20 people were inside the unit and were directed to leave, with a number of attendees attempting to hinder police.

“OC spray was deployed to disperse the crowd, who continued to resist police direction. The group eventually dispersed.”

Two people were arrested.

A 24-year-old man was charged with assault police officer in execution of duty and hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty.

A 22-year-old woman was charged with assault police officer in execution of duty cause actual bodily harm, hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty and armed with intent commit indictable offence.

The Surry Hills property is advertised as a three-bedroom converted warehouse that can sleep 16 people. Picture: Vrbo

Dozens of people spilled out of the property onto the street. Picture: Vrbo

Mr Quan said despite the building’s by-laws – seen by news.com.au – not allowing short-term rentals, there was one owner who continued to advertise their three-bedroom unit as an “entertainer’s dream” which sleeps 16 guests on Airbnb and Vrbo.

He said there had been loud parties and issues previously but it had never been this bad.

After sending letters to the owner via the building’s strata management with no luck, Mr Quan said he was calling on Airbnb, Vrbo and even the council to help shut it down.

“I’ve benefited from Airbnbs myself when I’ve travelled. I think in some circumstances they can be fantastic for travellers but in the wrong situations … people who stay in an Airbnb have no obligation whatsoever to be kind, considerate and respectful to other people in the building,” he said.

“To have all the police out, it’s terrible for the neighbours, it’s terrible for the building.

“I’m hoping that he will stop. That we will get this under control and it won’t be allowed to be used as an Airbnb again.”

City of Sydney said it had received a complaint and the matter was being investigated.

Airbnb and Vrbo both confirmed on Tuesday they were also investigating the matter. It appeared Airbnb removed the property after being contacted by news.com.au.

After further investigation, Airbnb provided an updated statement to news.com.au on Wednesday that said “the party that occurred was not a booking that was made via the Airbnb platform.”

“In NSW, all hosts and guests must adhere to the NSW Code of Conduct for the short-term rental accommodation industry,” Airbnb Australia manager Susan Wheeldon said.

“The Code of Conduct establishes clear expectations of behaviour for both hosts and guests and allows NSW Fair Trading to address any complaints.

“In June 2022 we codified our party ban on all parties and events at Airbnb listings, including a cap on occupancy at 16. If nuisance behaviour does occur, neighbours can get in touch with our team via our 24/7 Neighbourhood Support Line.

“In August 2020 we announced a temporary ban on all parties and events in Airbnb listings globally – which at the time was in effect ‘until further notice’ – to deter the very rare cases of hosts who do not operate responsibly, or guests who try to throw unauthorised parties.

“The temporary ban proved effective, and in June 2022 we officially codified the ban as our policy.

“When repeated or severe violations of our ground rules for hosts are reported, listings may be suspended or removed. More than 12,000 Airbnb listings have been removed globally since April this year.

“Everyone should be free to enjoy their home in peace, regardless of who’s staying next door.”

Vrbo responded to Mr Quan’s complaint saying there was “nothing further we can do” until they heard from local authorities, but a Vrbo spokeswoman told news.com.au it was investigating and would take the appropriate action, which may include dismissal from the platform.