I’d like to share my experience about how I turn a complaining neighbor into a good cooperative neighbor.
Just as many hosts expected, neighbors are generally not happy with airbnbs in their neighborhood. One of my neighbors was like that. He came to my guests and complain, he texted me and complain, and he talked to the city and complained.
Finally, after 4 things I did, he stopped complaining and we are in an amicable neighbor relationship. He would even text me if he noticed something wrong on my property.
1) I told him I have mortgages to pay. I need to collect the rent to pay my mortgages and i’m slightly upside down.
2) I told him my choices are leasing to a long term tenant or short term rentals, but I would not sell the listing. It’s not gonna be as good as it was when it was my principal residence.
3) I asked if he has heard any noise or any parking issues at past 5 years . he said no. I told him it’s because i set up quite hours, party ban, no pets and no children as my house rules. so all people are here to work, not for party. This is for neighbor’s benefit. I could lease the home to long term renters. However, i personally think renters will have pets, children’s and they will mess up the yard next to his. I am paying gardeners, housekeepers and it’s a clean and well maintained or at least i’m trying.
4) He immediately calmed down after i’m telling him all my guests are here for work. And i offer special 20% discount to any neighbor’s families stay, as long as they mention that neighbor’s name to me.
5) at the very last thing, i told him i do have the right to turn off the music ban. I don’t want to do that since i care about my neighbors too.
After years of work, the neighbor found there wasn’t any big public nuisance at the house (except yellow grass) and he began to text me when he see things broken at the house. i even send gifts and drinks at xmas to them. I try to be very courteous and cooperative when i talk to him, but i defend my right to host airbnb in the house. It’s always nice to have the neighbors calm down. it’s understandable neighbors are concerned thanks to the party animal’s hub impression of airbnb.
sharing my experiences with folks.
