The neighbor of a airbnb

[Tracey702]

Im really looking for info or advice. I have lived on a quiet street for 30+ years.  The street is small with 6 houses on each side. The road itself is small with  cars barely able to pass each other. My next door neighbor is now  running 3 airbnbs out of his parents house (he lives next door to them; which he also is renting 3 rooms out of this house). Cars are lined up bumper to bumper, with strangers pulling in day in and day out. They park their cars inches away from my driveway. They have simply taken away everything that makes a neighborhood sacred. I think about how this brings down our property value (who wants to live next door to this). It has caused me a lot of anguish as I feel I am trapped by their legal right to do this. I will be forced to sale my home, what I loved the most, which they say they want to buy (never happen).  

There are no party's. It just feels like New York City.  Does this matter at all? 

I will take any comments or advice

Thanks

[Joan2709]

@Tracey702 

Please create an Airbnb account so you can easily communicate with them about the issues with your neighbor's Airbnb's (noise, parking issues).

After you create an account:

Click the Menu Icon top right (3 lines)

Click Help Center

Scroll down to the bottom left of page

Under Support Choose Report a Neighborhood Concern

[Frances3408]

@Tracey702. Have you investigated exactly what the local short term rental laws are? Here hosts are required to be registered and the council and state authorities can log complaints which can lead to suspension if warranted.

It sounds like your neighbour is now running a commercial enterprise- is this permitted within local zoning laws, especially when relying on street parking? Here you can ask council to put white lines on road to indicate permitted parking spots and your driveway clearance.

Start a diary of cars and people movements etc and after two weeks include this in a report to Airbnb and authorities.

[Thembelihle1]

@Tracey702 

It's clear you're really frustrated with the Airbnb situation in your neighborhood. And, given your long history with the community, it's understandable you'd have concerns.

But...have you considered talking to your neighbor directly about the issues you're experiencing?

Since you've lived there for over 30 years, you might have a relationship with them that could help facilitate a constructive conversation. Sometimes a respectful conversation can help find a mutually beneficial solution, whatever the case may be.

Additionally, it might be worth checking local regulations regarding short-term rentals to see if there are any specific rules or restrictions in your area that could help address your concerns.

Perhaps a combination of direct communication & understanding the local laws could help find a resolution that works for everyone.

I see others advising you to also report the neighbor to Airbnb. I'd caution you against that.

Airbnb is super strict, especially of late, and something that might seem as harmless as this might lead to serious damage to this host's reputation and her entire livelihood...and not only that, but also a whole chain of people who depend on that venture...housekeepers, etc. Plus, it could also create unnecessary tension and potentially make an enemy out of your neighbor, which might not be worth the stress.

If you've exhausted all other avenues & still feel compelled to report the issue, be prepared for potential backlash. They might retaliate or pose a safety and security hazard, so it's crucial to prioritize your safety, well-being, and that of everyone else who may be impacted by such decision.

Best of luck!

[Joan2709]

@Thembelihle1 

It did seem that @Tracey702 has some contact with the neighbor, as she mentioned wanting to buy her home. It is always good to have a discussion first, but it does appear that her neighbor must be aware of the disturbance the Airbnb is causing with the parking and noise, since they live in one of the Airbnb properties.

I do think her neighbor could have contacted her first and explained they were going to be using the properties for Airbnbs and asked her to let them know if there were any issues...doesn' appear they did that. 

[Tracey702]

Thank you for your reply. I believe in the importance of getting along with your neighbors and that means tolerating some things. I sent a text re parking so close to my driveway and he kindly said they will watch for this. I don't want to shut them down. Do I wish it is once awhile and not all the time yes. My guess is the other neighbors will start losing their cool and eventually say that's it. Thank you again, Cape Town!