Post by High Priestess on Sept 20, 2015 8:39:46 GMT
Deborah shared on New Hosts Forum 7 months ago
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-163066
Think of your neighbors when you host
Someone posted a thread on here, which they later deleted, which I think was important because it illustrates the kinds of problems that can be created not only for hosts themselves, but also for their neighbors, and then for other hosts, and Airbnb as a whole, when hosts aren't in control of what happens in their homes.
A host accepted a booking of 8 people in the house where the host also lived. The host was surprised and disturbed when 20 people showed up. I don't know just what happened -- perhaps these others slipped in the back door later on, but somehow, the host's home was overrun. The host was in shock, and from what I recall, described hiding in the bedroom, not sure of what to do.
A few days later, that same host got a note from their neighbors (in an HOA community) essentially demanding that this host stop hosting.
Now you can be pretty sure that if you have 20 unwelcome people hijacking your home in an HOA community, it's likely the neighbors are going to find out.
I saw some themes here that I think are important for us all to consider.
Mostly, before you start hosting, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE consider your neighbors!!
Before you even put up a listing, think about your community and what concerns it tends to have. IF this is a community where there is a little old lady or little old man (or young one!) sitting at their window all day across the street from you, watching everything that you do, does it seem that maybe doing short term rentals for large numbers of people might start some gossip? ANd that the gossip might not be positive? You would be well advised to know the politics and attitudes of your neighbors, as well as condo association or HOA rules, before you start hosting, and/or any city laws that upset neighbors might use against you.
If you think there might be an "issue" that any of your neighbors would have with your hosting, how about starting small-scale - invite a maximum of ONE guest at a time, and do this quietly for some time. Don't start out inviting 8 or 10 guests at a time.
SEcondly, from the time I have spent on political advocacy for short term rentals in several cities in my area, I can tell you that one of the worst possible things for any host to do, for themselves, their neighbors, their city, for the host community, and for Airbnb, is to allow parties at their home, which bother neighbors or get out of control. ANd by parties I mean not only loud music parties, but also, large gatherings of people. In each of the cities where I have done political advocacy work, there are some neighbors are fighting Airbnb hosts, trying to get short term rentals banned, because of only ONE or TWO incidents of a loud or out of control party that was tied to a short term rental (Airbnb or VRBO). And believe me, cities listen to these complaints, and (unfortunately) often a person gets a whole lot of mileage out of ONE complaint, meaning that any one hosts' poor judgement can have ripple effects on a large number of other hosts.
Of course we all know that long term tenants have loud parties all the time that bother neighbors. NEighbors don't care about that, because they are powerless about that. But they know from reading the news that anything tied to AIrbnb is more vulnerable. If they can put Airbnb in the crosshairs and pin the blame for such things on AIrbnb (the convenient scapegoat for all community ills these days, in many places), they most certainly will.
So do yourself a favor and do your neighbors and other hosts a favor, and stay in control over what is happening in your own home. If your neighbors are fine with parties, then you're blessed -- but unless you know this in advance, please take care and host responsibly, which means, with your neighbor's concerns in mind.
11 comments•24 likes
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Nic and Rach
Nic and Rach7 months ago
The best advice I have read pertaining to this subject. Thanks Deborah.
Reply Liked 4 likes Delete
Susan
Susan7 months ago
it seems to me that people are stepping up to Host, filling in the blanks on the listing description, putting up some photos and waiting to make $. it's not that easy and from all the issues/difficulties/damage/complaints and so forth it is evident that Hosts do not always think things through very well. this forum is a nice touch to help with various hosting questions, but there is a plethora of information on airbnb which should be mandatory to read prior to putting a listing on airbnb. back in 2011 there were no forums, there was not much help from airbnb nor information available and when I started out it was an "interesting" time. yet, as a fraud examiner, I had some idea that I should "control" how I host and whom and, thankfully, things have turned out well. I, too, after four years find help and wisdom on the forums. please please new Hosts, sit down and think about what you are doing, think long and hard about what can go wrong (damage, theft, accidents etc) and how you can avoid this - and avoid the airbnb Resolution Center when problems arise.
Reply Liked 5 likes Delete
Nic and Rach
Nic and Rach7 months ago
Check out the new comment posted to 48 hours to stop your operations with Airbnb:
I really appreciate all your comments. But I really have not been a nuisance to anyone. I have vacant lots across and on both sides of me...
I think the reason why she deleted her posting it's because.. she is getting negative feedback's from hosts that prompt her to delete.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like Delete
Susan
Susan7 months ago
well, the ONLY thing that can be done is for the Host to discuss the situation with the HOA and to stop hosting until this is sorted out. we fellow Hosts can't help with that but only to advise to do so
David
David7 months ago
This is one of the most important considerations - in my opinion - to consider as a host. If you check comments sections on Airbnb articles and features, neighbours are totally sick and tired of random strangers arriving at all hours of day and night, dragging cases and slamming doors. One of our properties is in a quiet square - so although we have to turn down a lot of bookings - we have no bag drops before 9am and no late check ins after 10pm. Also offer 2 night minimum, to lessen impact on our neighbours.
Reply Liked 3 replies•5 likes Delete
Susan
Susan7 months ago
discretion is the better part of valor. it's not all about the Host, it's all about the World around the Host as well.
David
David7 months ago
susan. Totally agree. I have lived in this square for over 20 years and have very nice neighbours. So I need to respect them too. So far they are being fine about it, but I know if I push my luck it would cause issues.
Susan
Susan7 months ago
as a renter and a Host, I am VERY discreet about my guests and do not host more than the allotted days that guests may stay overnight according to my landlord's policy. my building's residents have never had occasion to ask any of my guests what they are doing in the complex. I've been told by guests that I'm very "chill" but in all reality I have specific House Rules and my listing description describes the type of guest that fits my Hosting style, my lifestyle AND that will be discreet and respectful in the apartment complex. I've had a couple of odd guest occurrences through the years but nothing that directly called attention to my guests' comings and goings.
Evelyn
Evelyn7 months ago
Well said Deborah. What we also have to remember when a host is renting an entire apartment. They will behave differently than when a host is in the house. The guest is on a vacation, staying up late, coming home late, while your neighbors have to go to work the next day.
Reply Like 1 like Delete
Trine
Trine7 months ago
After reading this thread, I have tried to get rid of the misleading ; extra guests are free. Because I only accept two guests as a max. But on my PC it says in 'the place' that extra guests are free, how do I change it? I have not been able to figure that out!
Thanks in advance.
Reply Like 1 reply Delete
Bridget and Mark
Bridget and Mark7 months ago
I have the same issue, Trine. It needs to have the choice"none" in addition to free and prices!
Trine
Trine7 months ago
it is naturally under 'prices', not 'the place'.
Reply Like Delete
Caroline
Caroline7 months ago
What is HOA?
Reply Like 1 reply Delete
Joyce
Joyce7 months ago
Home Owner's Association.
Linda
Linda7 months ago
You are so right about considering your neighbors Deborah! I didn't consider parking as a problem with ny first guest and didn't explain the culture of hording parking spaces in my neighborhood. My first guest parked his car three houses down the street and before I knew it I w as getting those dagger eye glances from my neighbor. I had to put where my guest are to park in my rules, just in case I get another guest who don't want to park under my trees.
Reply Like Delete
Sonja
Sonja6 months ago
I've just watched my neighbour's airbnb guest smoking at an open window and they are noisy past 10pm (looked out because of the noise and I'm going to bed). Yes, please do consider the neighbours! Thankfully those of us who host are all in touch and I've just warned my neighbour about the smoking issue.
Reply Like Delete
Kristi
Kristi6 months ago
My neighbors brew beer all day long. They don't seem to notice anything.
I guess I'm lucky!
www.airbnb.com/groups/content/content-163066
Think of your neighbors when you host
Someone posted a thread on here, which they later deleted, which I think was important because it illustrates the kinds of problems that can be created not only for hosts themselves, but also for their neighbors, and then for other hosts, and Airbnb as a whole, when hosts aren't in control of what happens in their homes.
A host accepted a booking of 8 people in the house where the host also lived. The host was surprised and disturbed when 20 people showed up. I don't know just what happened -- perhaps these others slipped in the back door later on, but somehow, the host's home was overrun. The host was in shock, and from what I recall, described hiding in the bedroom, not sure of what to do.
A few days later, that same host got a note from their neighbors (in an HOA community) essentially demanding that this host stop hosting.
Now you can be pretty sure that if you have 20 unwelcome people hijacking your home in an HOA community, it's likely the neighbors are going to find out.
I saw some themes here that I think are important for us all to consider.
Mostly, before you start hosting, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE consider your neighbors!!
Before you even put up a listing, think about your community and what concerns it tends to have. IF this is a community where there is a little old lady or little old man (or young one!) sitting at their window all day across the street from you, watching everything that you do, does it seem that maybe doing short term rentals for large numbers of people might start some gossip? ANd that the gossip might not be positive? You would be well advised to know the politics and attitudes of your neighbors, as well as condo association or HOA rules, before you start hosting, and/or any city laws that upset neighbors might use against you.
If you think there might be an "issue" that any of your neighbors would have with your hosting, how about starting small-scale - invite a maximum of ONE guest at a time, and do this quietly for some time. Don't start out inviting 8 or 10 guests at a time.
SEcondly, from the time I have spent on political advocacy for short term rentals in several cities in my area, I can tell you that one of the worst possible things for any host to do, for themselves, their neighbors, their city, for the host community, and for Airbnb, is to allow parties at their home, which bother neighbors or get out of control. ANd by parties I mean not only loud music parties, but also, large gatherings of people. In each of the cities where I have done political advocacy work, there are some neighbors are fighting Airbnb hosts, trying to get short term rentals banned, because of only ONE or TWO incidents of a loud or out of control party that was tied to a short term rental (Airbnb or VRBO). And believe me, cities listen to these complaints, and (unfortunately) often a person gets a whole lot of mileage out of ONE complaint, meaning that any one hosts' poor judgement can have ripple effects on a large number of other hosts.
Of course we all know that long term tenants have loud parties all the time that bother neighbors. NEighbors don't care about that, because they are powerless about that. But they know from reading the news that anything tied to AIrbnb is more vulnerable. If they can put Airbnb in the crosshairs and pin the blame for such things on AIrbnb (the convenient scapegoat for all community ills these days, in many places), they most certainly will.
So do yourself a favor and do your neighbors and other hosts a favor, and stay in control over what is happening in your own home. If your neighbors are fine with parties, then you're blessed -- but unless you know this in advance, please take care and host responsibly, which means, with your neighbor's concerns in mind.
11 comments•24 likes
Following
Like
Nic and Rach
Stephen
Francisco
Raymond & Elaine
Andrew
+19
more
Edit
Delete
Nic and Rach
Nic and Rach7 months ago
The best advice I have read pertaining to this subject. Thanks Deborah.
Reply Liked 4 likes Delete
Susan
Susan7 months ago
it seems to me that people are stepping up to Host, filling in the blanks on the listing description, putting up some photos and waiting to make $. it's not that easy and from all the issues/difficulties/damage/complaints and so forth it is evident that Hosts do not always think things through very well. this forum is a nice touch to help with various hosting questions, but there is a plethora of information on airbnb which should be mandatory to read prior to putting a listing on airbnb. back in 2011 there were no forums, there was not much help from airbnb nor information available and when I started out it was an "interesting" time. yet, as a fraud examiner, I had some idea that I should "control" how I host and whom and, thankfully, things have turned out well. I, too, after four years find help and wisdom on the forums. please please new Hosts, sit down and think about what you are doing, think long and hard about what can go wrong (damage, theft, accidents etc) and how you can avoid this - and avoid the airbnb Resolution Center when problems arise.
Reply Liked 5 likes Delete
Nic and Rach
Nic and Rach7 months ago
Check out the new comment posted to 48 hours to stop your operations with Airbnb:
I really appreciate all your comments. But I really have not been a nuisance to anyone. I have vacant lots across and on both sides of me...
I think the reason why she deleted her posting it's because.. she is getting negative feedback's from hosts that prompt her to delete.
Reply Like 1 reply•1 like Delete
Susan
Susan7 months ago
well, the ONLY thing that can be done is for the Host to discuss the situation with the HOA and to stop hosting until this is sorted out. we fellow Hosts can't help with that but only to advise to do so
David
David7 months ago
This is one of the most important considerations - in my opinion - to consider as a host. If you check comments sections on Airbnb articles and features, neighbours are totally sick and tired of random strangers arriving at all hours of day and night, dragging cases and slamming doors. One of our properties is in a quiet square - so although we have to turn down a lot of bookings - we have no bag drops before 9am and no late check ins after 10pm. Also offer 2 night minimum, to lessen impact on our neighbours.
Reply Liked 3 replies•5 likes Delete
Susan
Susan7 months ago
discretion is the better part of valor. it's not all about the Host, it's all about the World around the Host as well.
David
David7 months ago
susan. Totally agree. I have lived in this square for over 20 years and have very nice neighbours. So I need to respect them too. So far they are being fine about it, but I know if I push my luck it would cause issues.
Susan
Susan7 months ago
as a renter and a Host, I am VERY discreet about my guests and do not host more than the allotted days that guests may stay overnight according to my landlord's policy. my building's residents have never had occasion to ask any of my guests what they are doing in the complex. I've been told by guests that I'm very "chill" but in all reality I have specific House Rules and my listing description describes the type of guest that fits my Hosting style, my lifestyle AND that will be discreet and respectful in the apartment complex. I've had a couple of odd guest occurrences through the years but nothing that directly called attention to my guests' comings and goings.
Evelyn
Evelyn7 months ago
Well said Deborah. What we also have to remember when a host is renting an entire apartment. They will behave differently than when a host is in the house. The guest is on a vacation, staying up late, coming home late, while your neighbors have to go to work the next day.
Reply Like 1 like Delete
Trine
Trine7 months ago
After reading this thread, I have tried to get rid of the misleading ; extra guests are free. Because I only accept two guests as a max. But on my PC it says in 'the place' that extra guests are free, how do I change it? I have not been able to figure that out!
Thanks in advance.
Reply Like 1 reply Delete
Bridget and Mark
Bridget and Mark7 months ago
I have the same issue, Trine. It needs to have the choice"none" in addition to free and prices!
Trine
Trine7 months ago
it is naturally under 'prices', not 'the place'.
Reply Like Delete
Caroline
Caroline7 months ago
What is HOA?
Reply Like 1 reply Delete
Joyce
Joyce7 months ago
Home Owner's Association.
Linda
Linda7 months ago
You are so right about considering your neighbors Deborah! I didn't consider parking as a problem with ny first guest and didn't explain the culture of hording parking spaces in my neighborhood. My first guest parked his car three houses down the street and before I knew it I w as getting those dagger eye glances from my neighbor. I had to put where my guest are to park in my rules, just in case I get another guest who don't want to park under my trees.
Reply Like Delete
Sonja
Sonja6 months ago
I've just watched my neighbour's airbnb guest smoking at an open window and they are noisy past 10pm (looked out because of the noise and I'm going to bed). Yes, please do consider the neighbours! Thankfully those of us who host are all in touch and I've just warned my neighbour about the smoking issue.
Reply Like Delete
Kristi
Kristi6 months ago
My neighbors brew beer all day long. They don't seem to notice anything.
I guess I'm lucky!