Hi Harriet! I am a host in Boise - so excited to see some other Idahoans out on the forum. I am on my HOA, so that is one avenue to consider. Our HOA tried to shut down an Airbnb in my neighborhood and racked up some legal fees doing so and wrote some threatening letters trying to bully them to stop. Realize your neighbors may be trying to exert some pressure on you, and they may not fully understand what you are doing or the nature of your business. Here are the things I have done to mitigate this feeling:
1- on the site description and in my materials I advise my guests to park on the driveway and observe the posted speed limits in the neighborhood. I really focus on all of the things that are tangible to someone outside my home as evidence of guests being a "nuissance".
2 - on the site description I emphasize that I am licensed and that I pay all appropriate state and local taxes. I want my neighbors to know I am playing fair.
3 - I stay involved and know all of my neighbors, and behave in neighborly ways. I didn't move to my neighborhood to open a hotel, after all - I live here and aim to be a part of my community.
4- know your rights - it sounds like you already do. But you are protected in Idaho. Your HOA cannot just grandfather in a law to prohibit short-term rentals. Let your representatives know how happy you are about that, and how much you are paying in taxes through your business, and how happy you are to have the opportunity to do so. I imagine your disgruntled neighbors might be writing letters too, so do your part to advocate for yourself!
