We own a vacation rental, and are getting loud renters who disturb our neighbors. How do we discourage this?

Question

We do not live near the rental house. A typical rental period would be a weekend, or a week long rental. Apparantly the last two weekends there have been extremely loud bachelor parties - and our neighbors are furious (I can't blame them!) We have encouraged our neighbors to call the police, and have witheld security deposits, but need to figure out a way to better screen the potential renters, and a better way to deal with them if they get out of hand. Thank you for any advice you can provide!! :-)

Answer 1

I own a vacation rental company. We manage about 40 short term rentals so I CERTAINLY know what you're talking about.

There's nothing you can do about prescreening them. And you can keep their security deposits all you want (as long as they sign something saying they are aware of that possibility). However, this will not get them to shut up.

After much thought, I wrote in our rental policy that they will be immediatly evicted if neighbors complain.

I gave all the neighbors my phone number. When one of them calls me saying there is excessive noise, I call the police and have them evicted ON THE SPOT! I don't even have to get out of bed! (the local police have gotten to know my voice by now.)

I know this sounds harsh, but it's the only thing I could do to keep the peace. They were notified of the rules when they checked in. They choose to break those rules and thus, pay the price.

Answer 2

include in the rent a sort of deposit apart from the security deposit. Explain that you are tryint to keep the peace between neighbors and the deposit will only be returned if there are no complaint from neighbors within 2 months.

To help with the screening process have the renters provide the names and phone numbers of landlords, neighbors, etc. Use the internet to check addresses, and make sure that the neighbors actually live next door. ASk for a refrence from someone who they work with or for. Again this may be able to be verified through the interent.

If it is a rather quite neighborhood you may be able to install security equiptment or equiptment that records sounds over a specific decible (this would probably have to be done outside the house for privacy reasons). If it is possible to access this remotely (and I can't see why it wouldn't be) you could check on it every now and then and if there is a problem report it yourselves.

Answer 3

Screening the renters is most assuredly the way, but more than just "screening" it's learning to ask questions and give expectations. "What are you going to be doing during the time at the rental?" Then add "Reason I ask is that we absolutley prohibit loud parties (or loud renters) which will disturb the neighbors. We have told the neighbors. to call the police in such cases and we will support any legal actions on thier part." Lay it out and on the line. "Loud Noisy Renters = Lost Security Deposit" Put it in writing and make them sign it. Give them a copy and hold the signed copy with the rental agreement.

Those who don't like it can rent elsewhere...

Answer 4

Unfortunately, there's not a whole lot you can do to positively guarantee that your renters are going to be quiet, unless you only rent to senior citizens (and some of them can be quite loud!). Make sure it's part of your rental agreement that any complaints from the neighbors or police will cut their weekend short, with no returns on their deposit and a possible fine from the local police. You might have to find out if this is legal in your area before doing such. Someone just might try to sue you for the return of their money, and win. Go over this contract with them, letting them know that there have been complaints in the past, and that you will not tolerate this, nor will you rent to them again if there are any complaints. But, if this happens too much, you might want to consider having someone personally meet with potential renters and talk with them, and also getting addresses of their own neighbors so that they can be interviewed. I don't know if you follow up on any of the references they give you, but I would do so on the spot, not giving them time to prep their friends with what to tell you. But you'll still have to check out the legalities on what you can and can't put into your renters' contract. You might also try having a "noise deposit" in your contract, returnable within 30 days after their stay, if there are no police reports. You'll have to tell your neighbors to please call the cops, so that there will be a written police report, and that should be all you'll need for proof. You might just have to rent to seniors after all, if nothing else works out. <*)))><

Answer 5

as for references (prior places of residence, neighbors, etc.) and actually follow up with phone calls. That might give you an idea of the type of people who you are renting out to. However, that probably won't predict the loud bachelor parties and such that you've been experiencing.

I would make it a stipulation in the contract that if a noise complaint is filed that you don't have to return the deposit and inform them that the neighbors have called in complaints before. There is oppertunity to abuse this (obviously) but ethics are not the subject of this question :)

Answer 6

You didn't say whether the rental is near an ocean, or in the mountains etc. It sounds like it might be a place where young people are attracted to. I would raise the rent to try to get a better class (I hate that word) of people. Maybe you shouldn't rent at all to people say for instance under 30. They tend to be the partiers.
What about giving a discount (say 10%) for Family rates. It sounds like you need to get families in the rental rather than renting to bachelors and young adults.

Answer 7

Put your foot down! That is your property and you do not want to loose it. Write up a new rental agreement and let the renter know that all uncontrolled parties will be reported to the local police department. Also let the renters know that they can be charged with disturbing the peace..

Answer 8

A nasty problem. When receiving any such report, send a letter to the tenants detailing the complaint, noting that this is in violation of the lease, and further violations will result of termination of the tenancy. But you cannot withhold any part of a security deposit except to pay for damages. However, unrented time while you are searching for a new tenant may qualify as damages -- check with your local property owner's association to be sure.

Answer 9

Write it into the lease that security deposits will be withheld, if you hear any complaints. Continue to encourage your neighbors to call the cops. Maybe raise the rent as a last resort.

Answer 10

I would put on the advirtisement that you are looking for quiet renters.. and maybe say that because of past situations with neighbors, if there are complaints, they will have to pay a fine. Of course make sure it's in the contract. That'll sure keep them quiet. I hope!