Short Term Rental questions...

[desamnik]

We live on a cul de sac (small) on a canal system. Of the 5 houses on the cul de sac, 1 is a short term rental, with the property owners living out of the state. Another house sold a couple of months ago. This house is next door to us, the new owners live about 5 hours away.

Both of these owners told the same story initially, "we have a business to sell". The first house is still a short term rental, 4 years later. The driveway to our "next door neighbors" goes right along our house and is the only separation from our back yard. There has never been a fence or anything separating us. We see lots of boats going by this way, so blocking the view isn't ideal.

I watched the new owners move in, lots of used furniture, and was pretty sure it wouldn't be their primary residence. So, the woman invited me over to see what she had done to the house. The couple has 3 grown children, no grandchildren, and they have made two bedrooms furnished with "twin beds". I say STR.
,
My husband asked the owner through a text and his answer was "at this time" they have no plans to do that. UGH.
My husband and I are at odds over this. We have had up to 5 pick up trucks at the first STR. And having this situation basically in my back yard "some day" doesn't appeal to me.
We bought this house and did a lot of renovation to it. It was originally going to be a "vacation" house for us, but things changed and we moved here full time 5 years ago. We never planned on using it as a rental.

This area is mostly retired age people, but these rentals seem to attract a different demographic. The small town has NO sidewalks and the cars are unaware of this. We walk our dogs multiple times a day, and have had several issues with strangers driving fast down the street not realizing they are driving into a dead end.

I guess my question is, will these STR's affect our property value? I would like to move, my husband has zero interest in leaving here. Our backyard was already open to the neighbors across the canal, with little to no privacy, and this potential situation has got me rattled. Thoughts?

 

[lanejudy]

You originally bought a “vacation home.” Is it safe to assume the rest of the cul-de-sac is similar “vacation” properties? I understand the concern about rentals and will the property be kept up, etc. But it sort of comes across that now you changed plans and moved into your vacation home as a permanent residence you don’t like the idea of distant owners. If they are good landlords, they maintain the property and have rules for the tenants. And an occupied property is probably better than one that sits vacant much of the time until the owner vacations a few times a year.

Does your community have any rules about STRs? Many are starting to put limitations and/or licensing requirements. You might speak to your local town council person about concerns.

 

[citruscurtis]

If the culture has changed in your neighborhood....get out!!!!! We are seeing that problem here in Yuma county wilderness subdivision..poor folks moving in with large families into what was a pure retirement community..year round or winter visitor... folks can no longer sell their homes because who wants to retire next to kids and trash yards...7 years ago no families or reckless young folks.. now we have four...and since the seniors can't sell at asking price... price falls and rental investments increase

 

[china mom]

Unless you are in and HOA or in a town where rules or ordinances prohibit STR, you are likely out of luck. But, I do concur with Lanejudy that a STR will likely see better care taken of it than a LTR or an empty house.

Potentially, you could file a civil nuisance case if the STR substantially affects your quality of life but let's hope that it does not come to that.

I have LTRs and one STR and it is hit or miss with the LTR tenants. Some take care of the property and others don't. But my STR is immaculate - because it has to be.

If it does become a STR, hope they have a good property manager and make sure you have their contact information so you can report any problems or concerns. And try to think of the positive. The house could have been purchased by terrible resident homeowners who are loud, messy and make your life miserable. At least with STR, any bad tenants will be gone in a week.

 

[clh2]

I was also going to ask about county and community rules about STR’s.

My dad sold a house in Door County WI last year, and while this is a hot real estate market, many homes in this area got sold to people/investors for AirBnb types of rentals. Many communities in this area (as well as the county) have instituted fees and regulations right up the wazoo.