Air Bnb has ruined my life

[itsafan]

There is literally no way out of this situation 😢 other than for us to give up our jobs and relocate in the hope that we can find new jobs and a place to live. There are literally no other rentals available in the area even if we could afford the rents. A mortgage is out of the question as we would need at least a hundred grand deposit.
There are at least 1000 properties listed on Airbnb within a 5 mile radius, many of them would be ideal but the rents on them are extortionate and aimed at tourists we are talking at least a grand a week.
We have lived here for years in a residential complex (well before Airbnb and booking even got popular) we have jobs here and friends here and a life here. It is on the whole fine for 9 months of the year mainly local people living around us who all respect that we are living and just trying to survive.
Then the Airbnb people turn up and every week it’s new people above us below us next to us. The noise is horrendous and probably the worst problem. Being woken at all hours with people rolling suitcases along floors, lifts going up and down, shouting in the corridors and doors banging. It just goes on and on like this for months.
My anxiety with it all is now so bad that I’m having to take medication. The noise just feels constant.
Do people even realise when they are booking Airbnb that these are people’s homes that they are disrupting? Why don’t people go to hotels anymore ?
So yeah there is a huge housing crisis due to the airbnb situation and I’m just a small person in a situation that I can’t change other than to leave somewhere I call home. I suppose my AIBU is am I being unreasonable to feel like a company has ruined my life ?

@Justdontknowhow I’ve seen the prices of everything have shot up since Covid and the many many wars.

Do your local government have any rules about properties being listed with airbnb? Maybe restrictions on the number or for how much of the year they can be on short lets? Do you have contact with any neighbours who are owners and might have more power with the management company?
Are there any other properties to rent locally, not in such a large block, or in a block of mostly owner-occupiers? Although listed with airbnb, the owner might consider the advantages of long term tenants for less income.

I really feel for you. Your home should be your sanctuary. Hopefully the tide will turn and they will stop being so lucrative.

I am in my 50s and have never used one and I never want to. But I admit that my university student kids and their friends use them all the time when travelling around European cities. They find it a lot more affordable.

Whilst you are not in the UK, the issues are the same if on a different scale. Such as in Cornwall.

Simple legislation to stop short term lets, even just in specific areas, would make a difference. The second best option would be for those letting the property to have to pay any fines for unacceptable behaviour.

Sorry to read of OPs experience and being unable to offer any suggestions given they are not UK residents.

I think the reality is you put up with it for the 3 months of the year when it sucks, enjoy the 9 months when it’s fine, work on ways to change your financial situation so you more options in your area, or start thinking about moving to a non-touristy area.

But I’m sure you know all of that and are looking for an outlet. I’m sure it’s bad and don’t blame you for venting. I’m in the ‘what if’ stages of moving to a tourist destination in the next 5 years and this is my only cause for concern. Will have to some do some soul searching if I’m up for it.

We always go for an Airbnb over a hotel. It’s cheaper when you need three rooms (teenage kids of different sexes) and you get a lounge area to hang out in. Plus you can cook some nights to save money from eating out. Think they’re here to stay, though I absolutely sympathise with the OP.

Thanks to the people who mentioned talking to my neighbors. They aren’t directly in my block but yes I’m sure they are also having problems so it’s a good idea. Daughter is 13 for who asked (sorry I’m getting lost with who I’m replying to I didn’t expect so many replies 🙈)

Nothing as bad as your situation but our neighbours in London regularly Airbnb their place out. I hate not knowing if or when there are going to be strangers next door. There’s not much soundproofing so we can often hear them. There’s been parties, barking dogs for hours on end and a house cat that kept coming into our garden (!).

So I really feel your pain as your situation sounds far worse.

I'd like there to be a lot more council control over Airbnb.

Sounds horrendous, Op. I would keep looking for other rental properties, there might be a suitable one that comes up.

Aaand the obligatory knuckle dragger turns up with her wheelie-case of stereotypes.

Go on the Airbnb website, search for the properties, message the owners, it’s not that complicated!

This is all really helpful thank you. I think it is more a deep sadness about how things have changed more than anything. And yes we and thousands of others who rent are in a bad position. It’s just not always feasible to save up large deposits when you are paying rent every month in order to buy but I’m sure you know that.

I hear you.
Airbnb is a parasite.
The fact that there is no zoning and now leisure and residential is now mixed is a scandal.

Which country are you.in please?

That would be easy for me. Go in the cheapest smallest non popular town, rent a cheap house with whole yard, drive to work, grow vegetables and eventually buy one house like that. Cities aren't for everyone

Exactly this. We like having our own space, a separate living space and bedrooms for the kids, a washing machine, home comforts. A hotel doesn't work for us on family holidays, and definitely not on city breaks.

We are just as quiet and considerate as we are at home - no loud music, no slamming doors, no coming in hammered at 3am and waking up the whole neighbourhood.

As far as the rent thing is concerned there is nothing that tourists/visitors can do about that. Many cities are implementing very strict rules about short term lets and asking for licences - Edinburgh does this. As a British holidaymaker I have zero influence over the town council in Barcelona, Rome or Paris.

What kind of stupid name is Airbnb anyway? What does it even mean? It’s a rhetorical question, I’m just venting at the daft name.

I actually would go back to my own country if the need arise where you can buy houses for few thousands euros or just ask brother for one, because dad left is 4

Hi OP we are having this problem in a city in the UK. Not airbnb specifically though but flat owners changing the lease to holiday lets.

We have been here years and it has started in the last few years. First the ground floor flat changed to a holiday let, now another one wants to do it too.

It's increased the insurance premiums for the building. We're on the management committee and thinking of trying to stop it but unsure how that will go down.

The lease of the buildings / flats is from years ago before holiday lets were a thing, but they do say things like people should be able to live in peace and not bothered by others, and the flats are meant to be for one family only.

We're thinking of contacting the council to ask about it. It's a real problem.

Are you Spanish?

Even people on here who say they are being considerate, are still part of the problem. However, it's completely understandable because for many it's the cheapest and most convenient way to holiday. I still feel sorry for the residents who have to put up with it, though.

This will achieve nothing, what do you think sending an email will make the owner do?

Airbnb stands for “Air Bed and Breakfast,” reflecting its humble origins renting out air mattresses in a shared living space. The name captures the platform's early mission to offer affordable, personal alternatives to traditional lodging

Ridiculous. Hotels are “diversifying” because people stay in B&Bs now.