They say home is where the heart is. However, if you live next to people who rent out their homes to strangers short-term, then we’d rather be anywhere but home. Apps like Airbnb and Vrbo are platforms that allow you to rent out your property for a short duration. It’s like regular renting, just handy and short-term and that’s where the problem comes in; since these platforms mainly facilitate tourists or people on vacation, you can expect them to not be on their best behavior.
Aleks Magnusson/Pexels | No one wants to live in a neighborhood where drunk people roaming around is a common occurrence
The Problem With Short-term Rentals
When your neighbors rent out their homes to strangers looking for a good time, it’s you who has to bear the brunt of it. From loud music shaking your walls to house parties and cops showing up in your neighborhood, activities such as these are not only bad for you but are also bad for the market value of your property. The question is, why do these problems occur? Well, think about the renters; they aren’t bound by any rules so they just do whatever they want to do, even if it means hosting a 50-person house party. The platforms allow homeowners to connect with random people looking for places to rent, which results in those random people ruining your neighborhood.
But hey! Don’t fret. This article tells you what you can do if you find yourself in a tricky situation.
1. Get On The Same Page
If there is an Airbnb property in your locality, then you aren’t the only one dealing with the rowdy crowd. Take this opportunity to speak with your neighbors, and come to a consensus about what should be done.
Christina Morillo/Pexels | You don’t want to be speaking on the behalf of people who don’t mind the loud music
2. Study The Rules On Short-term Rentals
Before you decide to reach out to the Airbnb host, make sure you’ve done your homework! Many states have introduced legislation regarding short-term rentals as it’s a growing trend. This can come in handy if the Airbnb host isn’t open to negotiating or listening to you and other people in the locality.
Polina Tankilevitch/Pexels | It is important to be informed before putting your argument forward
3. Start Contacting
Contact everyone, from the host to the mayor–anyone who’s relevant and could possibly help you in your journey to attain some peace. Your first step should be contacting the host. If that fails, it’s time to bring out the big guns.
Hopefully, this will do the job. However, if all fails then you’re left with no choice but to file a lawsuit!
