Neighbors put signs in their yard, what to do?!

[Amy1989]

We have been hosts since February 1st.  Never had any complaints, no messy guests, no trash out, most fly in, so two vehicles at the most at all times, we have a garage and driveway, so no parking in front of neighbors.  We spoke to one neighbor the other day, they had no idea that the house was even an Airbnb because it’s always so quiet they said. We have had issues with one neighbor parking in front of our property.  We have asked him twice to please not block the walkway to the front door.  Only issue worth mentioning. 

Well, we get a message from our current guest today about signs in neighbors yards.  Two different neighbors saying, “we say no to Vrbo”.

The guests reached out asking if this is normal?  I didn’t even know what to say?  I mean, we pay our taxes monthly, do everything right, just so unfortunate.  

Anyone else dealt with this?  If so, advice please🙏

[Linda108]

I believe the point of your post is how to interpret the sudden lawn signs.  Right?  I would assume the signs are indicative of a neighborhood sentiment related to the allowance of short term rentals in your area. It may not be directed at you in particular, but to the idea that a neighborhood that probably does not allow businesses does allow the business of short term rentals.

In my area of southern California, USA, there is a growing and more organized anti STR movement as promoted with signs that read, "Neigborhoods are for neighbors. Not for short term rentals."  Perhaps your city has had discussions about STR in your area and you could look up any archived meeting minutes or regulations about STR.  To avoid a severe backlash that could lead to a community referendum against allowing STR, cities are considering more and more restrictions, especially for entire homes with remote hosts.  Good luck in your area.

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Linda108  has a valid point. Depending on your local regulations you may need to jump through some hoops to get permitted and legal, if you have not already. For example: We went through a complicated process including public hearings to get legal. Inspections happened, as agencies had to sign off on neighborhood impact, zoning, parking, access roads, plumbing, water, public safety/fire safety, as well as the blueprints/plans for the building and the permits. In addition to the 10 fat presentation packets we spent $5000 in application fees and fees to the inspectors from the various agencies. We agreed, in writing, to many provisions around impact and safety concerns, including the requirement to have business insurance, and our availability 24/7 while guests are on the property. We collect, document and pay Transient Occupancy Tax on a quarterly  basis. Your neighborhood, like any other, may decide to protest your running a transient occupancy business in a residential neighborhood. This could be based on zoning and various potential impacts. @Linda108 wisely suggests doing thorough homework in your local government offices, to see what precedents  may exist.  Best of luck to you!

[Elizabeth-Perry0]

Airbnbs are ruining neighborhoods and they are a nuisance. I have one next door and I have signs and call the cops whenever there is an issue. The only people who like airbnbs are the greedy hosts/owners and the entitled guests. I am happy the guests next door feel unwelcome in our neighborhood, because they are. You have zero right to complain about your neighbors signs. 

[Yanivis0]

Now that I know signs are offensive to Airbnb renters I know what I’ll be placing in my yard this election year lol 

[Guy1108]

I am not being disrespectful by any means, but I am very happy I am not your neighbor!!!!!       it takes a lot less effort and it is so much easier to get along..........

PS: Airbnb's bring lots of $$$ to neighborhoods, and where I am from all businesses / restaurants / tourist locations LOVE the tourists money....    Not to mention the extra taxes the community makes from the rental itself, these posts are downright weird!

[Bethany265]

The businesses and the restaurants are not the ones that are living next to the AirBnb. They are not dealing with the constant stream of different people filtering through their neighborhood. The constant parties, the noise level. The people wandering onto our property because they are lost (some trying to enter our house), the fact that we can not have our children play outside in our front because the constant use of profanity, the feeling of your community being invaded. We live on a small driveway with multiple homes on it. We are on a mountain and the noise carries everywhere. This is an expensive area, we pay a LOT in property taxes. If the renters were not staying in Airbnbs, they would be in hotels, so the taxes and tourist money would still be there, just not the communities being ruined by these airbnbs

[Arielle290]

Every word is TRUE!

[Yanivis0]

It’s great that they put signs out. Not everyone enjoys living next to a motel where a bunch of strangers come in and out of a house next door to them. These short term renters come through family communities like tornadoes as if everyone around them is on vacation as well. When your renters ask you about them just tell them the truth. Not everyone appreciates living next to a motel with a revolving door. 

[Alysia15]

Amen sister.  Our private lake has been over ran.  I live next to 3.  4th is on way.  I teach and work  and come home to them blocking my parking etc.  Noises.  New dogs.  New people. Non stop.   This is my home  not a hotel.    I get no say in it and our peace has been sold.  

[Stacy433]

I'm very confused with some of the replies to your question. They are posting negative comments about STR and hosting, in general. Isn't this space dedicated to hosts? Why would someone who is hosting STR make desparaging comments about "revolving door guests", or "ruining family neighborhoods".

Am I completely missing something?

I am genuinely confused here.

[Zheng49]

This community circle is for anyone really. There are a lot of people who are against short term rental in general.

It's in our best interest to not interfere with our neighbors as hosts. 

[Lorina14]

@Stacy433 

The host circle is the only dedicated board for hosts to discuss issues/concerns/ideas/share insights with other hosts. All other topics on the community boards can be seen/replied to by guests or hosts. 

Sometimes you can see some people post who appear to be hosts but if you click on their profile name and look for their listing they will have none. Even if you are a cohost your listing should show up under your profile if it was set up correctly.

These boards are a helpful place for some, a place to vent for others, but mostly it’s people helping other people whether guest or host. All are welcome so long they follow the guidelines. Comments can be reported to moderators if they violate guidelines.

[Marie8425]

@Amy1989 

Just thoughts

Most reviews say groups stayed.

Ask your neighbors are the groups bothersome and why?

Mayne something easily addressed rather than combinative.

[Marie8425]

@Amy1989 

My reply to a Guest concerning my neighbors functioning on their property.  Is not my control and not my business.  Just like my agreeing to rent my property to you and your use of my rental is not in their control or their business.  Fair is fair.

[Marie8425]

@Amy1989 

You can also say " To respect privacy expectations, I don't discuss your group with my neighbor so I am giving my neighbor that same privacy respect."