How to tell the new neighbors you’re running an airbnb

[Cameron Calvert]

So my girlfriend and I just bought a house with incredible mountain views and are planning on turning the property into a vacation rental.

The problem is, the new neighbors suffer from various mental illnesses and are very low income. They are far too nosy and intrusive to operate a relaxing mountain getaway. They’ve already requested we remove trees obstructing their view and to take down a large light on a power line pole. The previous owner had legal and personal feuds with them too. Just trust me...they’re way too close for comfort.

Ipso facto the decision has been made to build a 6 foot privacy fence in between the properties to separate our business and these neighbors. There are no restrictions on fence height. The big issue is going to be that the fence will mostly block the deranged neighbors’ view of the mountain range.

How do I prevent an atomic meltdown from the neighbors on Saturday when they see us outside building a 6+ foot fence in front of their view?

Second question: How do you break it to the neighbors when you buy a new property that it will strictly be vacation renters living there? Obviously people don’t want a new person staying next door to them every night.

All ideas and advice welcome!

[Sofia Sharkey]

@Joe Splitrock I agree with you 100%. In my sort term rental business, neighbors are a key deciding factor to onboard a new client or not because they can so easily cause bad reviews and it doesn’t even have to be extreme. I had a property in a residential neighborhood and the neighbors were all up in arms about it because “stranger danger”. Keep in mind that my guests had caused zero issues, were very respectful, and we lived in the house as well (just renting rooms). One day a guest parked a little too close to the neighbor’s driveway, neighbor came out and told the guest he wasn’t welcomed there and to move the car. Another day, guest was walking around the neighborhood and the neighbor walked behind them making them uncomfortable. That was enough to cancel operations because guests were uncomfortable and that wasn’t going to change.

I suggest you build a good relationship with them. Here are a few things I've done that have worked well. When the house is ready, invite them to tour the property (offer some snacks) and tell them you are very excited to turn it into a short term rental. You will make sure guests don't bother them and if they ever see something strange to call you so you can resolve it. Offer to have their lawn mowed and snow removed... small acts go a long way. Regarding the fence, you need to find a happy medium with them. Unfortunately you have to work with them for your STR to be successful. Good luck!