My neighbor is an Airbnb host, not me. I tried to contact Airbnb regarding issues and questions I had related to my neighbor’s hosting, and it’s impossible to contact them through their website without providing the host’s listing information. Seriously? There is no email listed on their website. So, my questions relate to Airbnb’s verification process and how they protect neighbors if a guest damages the neighbor’s property, attacks the neighbor, steals from the neighbor, etc; and so, I called Airbnb. They planned to refer it to their legal department, but they refused to do so unless I provided my neighbor’s information. Seriously? In what universe would I trust Airbnb with my privacy if they can’t even provide an email or phone number on their website in which to contact them? I can’t allow my neighbor to know I contacted Airbnb. So, I asked to speak to the customer service representative’s supervisor; until I through a complete and utter hissy fit and repeated over thirty times “I need to speak to your supervisor” did I get to speak to someone who could take down my information to get back to me. I wasted 32 minutes on the phone trying to get a few simple questions answered on top of trying to go through their website.
We are suffering here in Chicago Il. Us for $90.00 a night you can have anywhere for 8 to 14 people over for an all night party, mind you in a quiet residential neighbor hood.
We have been airbnb guests in the past but never again. It seemed like a bargain until we found our peace and quiet invaded by airbnb guests in the apartment above. Airbnb is a lose lose proposition for hosts and guests when local and strata corp bylaws are blatantly ignored; airbnb.ca’s response to our complaint regarding noisy disruptive guests demonstrates a blatant disregard for laws, rules and by-laws. Airbnb has stated (below) that airbnb considers itself above the law.
Our strata corp, like most others, does not allow short term rentals.
Please note that although some well behaved guests went unnoticed, short term rentals are a huge liability for our corporations. Condo insurance will not cover “hotel guests”.
This is the exact response we received (from Leilani at airbnb.ca/neibours…ie complaints!!! regarding ongoing noise issues caused by consective guests above.
“We shared your complaint with your neighbor, but we’re unable to take further action or mediate disputes regarding violations of local laws or 3rd party agreements.
If you’re in the same building, we recommend contacting your landlord, homeowner’s association, housing authority, or other party to help resolve this issue.
We did not share your contact information with your neighbor, as you requested. However, whenever possible, we want to encourage hosts and neighbors to connect directly to resolve their issues. We’ve found this is often the fastest way to get the concerns addressed.
Thank you for helping to improve our community.
Thanks,
Leilani
http://www.airbnb.com/help“www.airbnb.com/help”
Ahhhh. I feel as if I’m hearing news from my fellow brethren. I knew this was spreading. I too am in a miserable situation as a neighbour of an ever growing Airbnb problem in London.
Estate agents are obtaining every flat that becomes available on my block and turning them into full time Airbnb units.
That in and of itself is not legit.
In London there is a limit of 90 days a year to rent out your property on sites such as Airbnb.
I attempted getting in touch with Airbnb directly. They pawned me off. It was awful. I don’t need a freaking Airbnb profile to divulge that one of their hosts is illegitimate.
The estate agents are rolling in it, they could give a toss about the long term tenants by becoming passive aggressive, or in one instance literally spitting at one of my neighbors. I am not kidding or exaggerating.
Go / phone / email your council. Complain to the PLANNING PERMISSION TEAM. Tell them these hosts are operating full time BUSINESSES and should be paying BUSINESS RATES. They should have appropriate health and safety precautions in place both for the guests and you.
Tell them you feel intimidated when parties of people occur without warning.
Keep a record. Record sound / video / photographs. Back up the BS. That is your leverage.
However it should never have to come to that. The councils are slow to cotton on, but they will. Hopefully London will do something about Airbnb like Berlin did.
There is not yet a resolution to my situation. The council are aware. The wheels are in motion. They are slow. But essentially they rule the land.
GO TO YOUR LOCAL COUNCIL. Expose what’s happening.
The council want money. And if people are illegally running businesses they will act.
If you’ve got proof that its been more than 90 days. Perfect. And you should be able to submit your evidence in privacy.
Ugh lets do something about this BS.
We’ve just bought a flat in a block in London. It was built by a housing charity ( charity tax status ) to provide cheaper options post olympics to those employed but in need.
Imagine our surprise when we find the charity had sold 4 floors (16 flats) to one Italian who air bnbs them.
Rubbish is dumped doors left open 5 burglaries due to this. Constant stream of keyless lost Europeans buzzing to get let in. Fires where they flick their cigarettes down onto balconies. Chucking shit into our river and littering our kids play areas
The housing association has offered us all gag money about this. Our leases prohibit letting at all.
We’ve contacted the man who owns the flats on air BNB but naturally they won’t help and he ignores us. One of us even booked it to try and speak to him.
This type of property- built with charity money for key workers is being exploited by air bnb and forcing London prices up.
Peabody HA and air bnb – crooks and charlatans
#genesis victims
In my area it illegal to rent. All sites but a couple ( and I assume they will be shut down soon) have gotten letters from the township solicitors that they are operating illegally. They need to be licensed as businesses and meet all the applicable zoning laws and statutes. Contact your mayor not AIRB&B.
No, you don’t have any protection from Airbnb. However, in case of damage and / or nuisance immediately file a complaint to the legal owner i.e. the Airbnb host. He/she is responsible for his guests. Then the host would have the possibility to claim a refund from guests. When it comes to sound/smell/dirt nuisance call the police and report the host. It’s very likely the host rents out illegally – as is the case with most Airbnb listings.
What about the infamous, lengthy Airbnb verification process? Total bogus!!
Im curious, since I as well live next to a airbnb, are we protected??
Thanks!