An extremely important area that must be factored into the decision-making on whether or not host an Airbnb out of your home is the consideration of your neighbors. How will your neighbors feel about you becoming an Airbnb host? Will the influx of strangers in any way influence the neighborhood? What factors should one ponder before moving forward as a host? How may I as the host avoid Airbnb neighbor problems?
Many potential hosts don’t consider the effects a listing may have on the area. They view hosting as an individual experience. I am here to tell you it is not. These guests will be using your home and the surrounding areas. Their behavior and usage of the property directly affects your well-being in the neighborhood.
This article covers contentious areas that could cause neighborly issues. Be sure to think about the various aspects below when setting up your Airbnb. It is vital that you attempt to avoid Airbnb neighbor problems. It is also recommended that you read “What are the Legal Challenges when hosting an Airbnb” before starting your hosting journey.
Parking
Does your property have parking available for guests to use? The issue of parking can make or break an experience. Determine the availability of parking for your particular listing. Be honest about its accessibility. Guests deserve an accurate representation.
Houses and condominiums typically differ with their parking options. Many homes may have driveways or ample street parking. Condos most frequently have a limited number of spaces. Some developments may assign spots to each unit. Consider these limitations and inform your guests upon arrival to avoid Airbnb neighbor problems.
The availability of parking also drastically changes according to location. Rural listings frequently possess plenty of opportunities for parking while urban residences can be sparse. If your listing location is in a metropolitan city, parking may be impossible! Be sure to be upfront of any parking challenges.
Another factor influencing the parking demand is the number of guests allowed in total for your listing. Not all parties arrive using the same transportation. For example, a group of 6 guests may use zero to 6 vehicles. Hosts cannot make assumptions. Excessive cars on your lot or surrounding areas can cause Airbnb neighbor problems.
Pets
Do you have pets? Some may think pets eliminate hosting opportunities. This does not have to be the case! It highly depends on your particular pet as well as your ability to clean after the pet. As spoken about in, “Can I be an Airbnb host if I have a pet?”, pets are not an automatic out for being a successful host. Some guests may actually appreciate your furry friend. As a host, I have personally received glowing reviews for the companionship my guests experienced with my pet.
You may ask, “What does this have to do with my neighbors?”. The ability of your pets to get along with guests can be felt by those closeby. Should your pet be easily started by newcomers, the noise levels may increase. Additionally, if you keep your pets indoors, you could run into difficulty should guests accidentally let them out. Yelling outside for your animal or knocking door to door more than usual could get old to your neighbors.
Smoking
If you yourself smoke inside your own listing, you must inform potential guests. Just as a hotel lets you know if the room is smoking or non, Airbnb expects hosts to let their guests know if pollutants such as smoke will be within the property.
If you smoke outdoors it is not necessary to mention this to guests. However, some of your guests may smoke. Please let them know where they may smoke outside. There is no way to know in advance which guests are going to be smokers and which are non-smokers. Although some may disagree, it is their prerogative to smoke outside should they choose to. Designate an area that won’t upset your neighbors.
If you are listing a single-family home, Have a designated area on the property where guests can feel comfortable when going to have a smoke. With condominiums and apartments most cases require guests to go outside to smoke. Regardless, let them know the location of the best smoking area to avoid Airbnb neighbor problems.
The area you designate as a smoking section should feel like a safe spot. Smokers may not be willing to go down a dark alley to comply with your rules. Make sure you give them an area they can feel comfortable. Additionally, be sure to offer something to catch cigarette butts. A higher probability of guests littering exists when no ashtrays are provided. No one wants to see cigarette butts everywhere. That is a sure way to upset your neighbors.
Lastly, be mindful of this area’s proximity to your neighbors. If you live close to your neighbors please beware and be mindful that the cigarette smoke travels easily. Your neighbors should feel free to open their windows without getting polluted.
Area Rules
As a potential host, you must consider if any rules exist that are specific to your property. Houses, condos, apartments, and trailer parks are going to have their own sets of rules. It is your duty to be aware of these requirements and communicate them to your guests.
Condo associations and apartments typically contain the greatest amount of rules. Restrictions can be endless. Be sure to inform yourself of everything from noise restrictions to building access areas.
If you allow guests to use the common access grounds, remember they are representing you. Inform them of all possible restrictions as well as let them know if there is a general understood code of conduct.
What to do if your neighbors complain
Hear your neighbor’s complaint straight on. If there is a problem, you want to know about it before it develops into something serious. Take their complaints seriously and empathize with them. See if there is a middle ground you can get on to attempt to rectify the situation moving forward.
For further information about how to responsibly host an Airbnb, check out this link.
After reading about the potential pitfalls, do you think you are prepared to successfully avoid Airbnb neighbor problems?