Being a host with tenants in the building

Dave1124
Level 2
Chicago, IL

Being a host with tenants in the building

We own a 3 flat in chicago and live in the top unit. In April of 2022 we plan on going to seattle but returning to chicago every few months.  How has anyone dealt with other tenants in the building? We would obviously let them know we will be aribnbing the unit out while we are away as it will be very obvious. Has anyone had issues with tenants complaining or leaving?

4 Replies 4
Linda108
Level 10
La Quinta, CA

While you are away, do you have plans for a local representative to be available to handle any issues that arise?  Are you in a situation where there are common rules agreed upon for the building?  If so, is subletting and/or short term rental allowed?  Other tenants will complain only if the guest or tenant acts in a manner to infringe on their enjoyment of their space, so having access to a responsible person representing you will be crucial.  Good luck!

Sandra126
Level 10
Daylesford, Australia

Maybe one of the tenants  would love to be a co-host? 

Inna22
Level 10
Chicago, IL

@Dave1124 yes, you might get complaints. The best remedy is to screen guests well and have clear house rules. 

have devices such as party squasher and noise monitor

 

on the flip side, you are allowed to make some noise so make sure your other tenants are not dictating the terms. Even if you stayed there personally, you could have guest over, watch tv a little too loud etc

Patricia1375
Level 4
Nederland, CO

@Dave1124  In my experience, the gains weren't worth the loss.  I have a 3 story log home in the mountains.  I live on the garden level.  No "shared" space.  I travel with my work, and can sometimes be gone several months at a time.  I left my apartment to work in Austria for 4 months, 2 years ago.  I paid someone to live in my apartment, and "co-host".  My ratings plummeted because the grad student made noise (was the primary complaint), and did not respond to the guests request for assistance in a timely manner.  I even had a couple guests complain that the host could be seen in the mornings outside doing yoga and they felt uncomfortable sitting on a full wrap around deck.   At least in our situation, most guests make reservations thinking they have the place to themselves.  They don't want to hear other people on the property, or a floor away, and the reviews going down to just 4 can really hurt.  I just take the hit financially and don't rent out my place when I travel.  My experience is guests on vacation don't get excited about "sharing", even when the properties/units are completely separate.