So what’s the solution? Is there anything the city, state government, owners, rental companies or others should be doing to address Airbnb party houses in Charlotte?
I've noted below things the owners could be doing. I used to own beach vacation rental homes and I have to tell you, I would never use ABB to rent my homes because they make it very difficult for owners and renters to connect prior to a booking being made - thus impacting an owner's ability to assess guests for suitability and purpose with a rental property. Also, ABB tends to be extremely renter-friendly in any type of dispute. So they have some culpability in this matter as well and are doing catch up to protect their brand.
I call BS on the owner claiming to have no power in this situation. Take the house off ABB - that will stop this in a minute. If that is impossible because they have to use it as a revenue source, implement a 2-night minimum rental period. Don't do one-night rentals to locals. ABB provides ratings/reviews of guests - don't rent to someone who doesn't have any reviews or for whom the reviews are negative. If the owner isn't local, then they need to have a local "caretaker" who can check-in the guests and check on them to be sure they are complying with the ABB rules. Or perhaps consider turning it into a long-term rental unit - that would ensure more stability in the property & neighborhood, better accountability from the tenant and help with the housing shortage.
Seems like a lack of leadership addressing the issue. Why zoning hasn’t been updated to reflect this, I don’t understand. Owners should be held accountable for whomever rents their property. I’d consider legal action even in a civil court against rental property owners whose tenants cause significant problems. Also think HOAs where applicable could write rules restricting such short term rentals.
I think the Planning Commission should draft an ordinance for Council that prohibits party houses and short term rentals in residential neighborhoods. How would you like to live next door to Animal House?!
Thankfully, our neighborhood's covenants require a 6 month minimum rental period. And it is enforced by the property manager.
So what’s the solution? Is there anything the city, state government, owners, rental companies or others should be doing to address Airbnb party houses in Charlotte?
I've noted below things the owners could be doing. I used to own beach vacation rental homes and I have to tell you, I would never use ABB to rent my homes because they make it very difficult for owners and renters to connect prior to a booking being made - thus impacting an owner's ability to assess guests for suitability and purpose with a rental property. Also, ABB tends to be extremely renter-friendly in any type of dispute. So they have some culpability in this matter as well and are doing catch up to protect their brand.
I call BS on the owner claiming to have no power in this situation. Take the house off ABB - that will stop this in a minute. If that is impossible because they have to use it as a revenue source, implement a 2-night minimum rental period. Don't do one-night rentals to locals. ABB provides ratings/reviews of guests - don't rent to someone who doesn't have any reviews or for whom the reviews are negative. If the owner isn't local, then they need to have a local "caretaker" who can check-in the guests and check on them to be sure they are complying with the ABB rules. Or perhaps consider turning it into a long-term rental unit - that would ensure more stability in the property & neighborhood, better accountability from the tenant and help with the housing shortage.
Seems like a lack of leadership addressing the issue. Why zoning hasn’t been updated to reflect this, I don’t understand. Owners should be held accountable for whomever rents their property. I’d consider legal action even in a civil court against rental property owners whose tenants cause significant problems. Also think HOAs where applicable could write rules restricting such short term rentals.
I think the Planning Commission should draft an ordinance for Council that prohibits party houses and short term rentals in residential neighborhoods. How would you like to live next door to Animal House?!