One of the most common challenges short-term rental (STR) hosts face isn’t inside the property, it’s outside. Neighbors. Even if your guests are respectful, friendly, and simply enjoying a backyard BBQ, it can feel disruptive to neighbors who aren’t used to short-term visitors. In some areas I’ve traveled, Palm Springs, CA and even in parts of Washington State’s Puget Sound, I’ve seen neighborhoods with signs in their front yards that say “No Vacation Rentals.” That tells you just how much tension can brew between STRs and locals.
Imagine being the guest, filled with excitement to have finally arrived, ready to dive into the swimming pool and relax….only to notice the next door neighbor seems to have a strong opinion with a yard sign that reads “Neighborhoods are for neighbors NOT vacation rentals.” For me, I felt instant disappointment, and like we were not welcome.
But here’s the good news: as a host, you have more power than you think to prevent conflicts, protect your business, and still give guests the freedom to feel at home.
Why Neighbors Get Frustrated
Not all complaints come from wild parties or disrespectful guests. In fact, many neighbors call the police or city hotline for things you and I might consider normal:
- Backyard conversations during the afternoon
- A couple of cars in the driveway
- Kids splashing in the pool
- Suitcases rolling down the sidewalk at 10 p.m.
The issue is often perception. To a neighbor, these things signal “strangers in my neighborhood” rather than “friendly guests enjoying their vacation.” And once that frustration builds, even small annoyances can escalate.
So what can we do?
Best Practices for Proactive Neighbor Relations
The easiest way to handle complaints is to prevent them in the first place. Here are some best practices for building goodwill with neighbors:
1. Introduce Yourself in Person
Before your first guest checks in, walk over, knock on the door, and introduce yourself. Explain that you’ll be hosting a short-term rental and that you’re committed to keeping things respectful and quiet. A small gesture like bringing cookies, a gift card to a local coffee shop, or even a handwritten note goes a long way.
2. Provide a Direct Contact Number
Give neighbors your personal phone number (or a dedicated host line) so they can call you before escalating to the police or city. Assure them you’ll respond quickly if there’s ever an issue.
3. Establish House Rules That Respect the Neighborhood
Be clear with guests about quiet hours, parking locations, and pool use. A friendly house manual or welcome binder can cover these bases without making guests feel restricted.
4. Monitor Without Being Intrusive
Cameras at entry points (never inside, of course) can help you verify guest behavior if neighbors raise concerns. Just make sure to disclose cameras in your listing, as required by Airbnb and local laws. Additionally, noise sensors/detectors are gaining popularity and helping hosts make a case for themselves in situations of parties and broken house rules around noise. Take a read of my other in-depth article, “Best Noise Monitors for Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals in 2025 (Top Picks & Reviews).”
5. Show You Care Year-Round
Keep your property’s landscaping tidy, bring in trash bins promptly, and handle maintenance professionally. A well-kept STR blends in and minimizes resentment.
When Complaints Still Happen
Even with preparation, complaints are bound to arise. The key is to respond quickly and calmly. Here’s how:
With Guests:
- Don’t panic them. If a neighbor calls you, relay the message calmly: “Hey, our neighbor mentioned the noise carries more than we realized. Would you mind lowering voices in the backyard after 9 p.m.?”
- Frame it as a team effort. Guests usually want to be good visitors. If you position it as helping you keep good relations with neighbors, they’re more likely to comply.
With Neighbors:
- Acknowledge their frustration. Even if you think it’s unreasonable, saying, “I hear you, and I’ll take care of it” validates them.
- Follow up. After you address the issue with guests, check back with the neighbor to let them know it’s handled.
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: The Pool Complaint
A host in Palm Springs had guests enjoying the pool in the late afternoon. A neighbor complained about “excessive noise” from splashing. The host quickly contacted the guests, explained the local pool rules, and provided floating loungers as an alternative for quieter pool time. The neighbor appreciated the fast response, and the host avoided a city fine.
Lesson Learned: Proactive communication and creative solutions (like providing quieter pool options) can de-escalate tension.
Scenario 2: The Parking Problem
In the Puget Sound area, a host received repeated complaints from a neighbor about guests parking along the shared street. Instead of ignoring it, the host invested in clear signage on the property directing guests to the driveway and updated the listing description with a “driveway parking only” note. The host also dropped off a thank-you note and coffee gift card to the neighbor, acknowledging the inconvenience. Complaints stopped.
Lesson Learned: Sometimes a small investment in signage and goodwill can solve recurring issues permanently. Yes, these types of issues can be annoying, and in my opinion, if it takes a few extra bucks (like a gift card) to help a neighbor feel better, it’s worth it to keep your short term rental business moving forward.
Finding the Balance
As STR hosts, we walk a fine line: we want guests to feel at home while also respecting the community they’re temporarily joining. That means setting realistic expectations, building good neighbor relations, and addressing problems head-on with empathy and professionalism.
At the end of the day, happy neighbors make for a happier hosting experience – for you and for your guests. A little effort now can prevent big headaches later, and it helps keep the door open for STRs in your community for years to come.
Have you experienced a neighbor issue? How did you resolve?
