‘My lovely neighbour was turfed out from her home for a stream of Airbnb strangers – I’m furious’

A homeowner has sparked debate online after a neighbour converted a flat into a short-term holiday let

Living alongside familiar faces is something many homeowners often overlook. However, one resident claims that feeling of community has vanished almost immediately after a neighbour supposedly converted their property into an Airbnb.

The frustrated homeowner posted their concerns on the Am I Being Unreasonable? forum on Mumsnet, where they questioned whether they would be in the wrong to report the flat. It rapidly garnered significant attention, with numerous users offering their views on whether short-term holiday rentals have a place in residential blocks.

Outlining the circumstances, the poster explained: “The flat opposite ours has recently started being used as an Airbnb. We live in a block of flats with a secure entrance, but now there’s a constant stream of strangers coming and going.”

They clarified how the visitors had not been troublesome. Rather, they accused the landlords of “turfing out” the “lovely woman” who had resided there before: “[This] caused her a lot of financial and other stress, so that they could make way more money than with a regular tenancy.”

The poster went on: “Should I tell the management company? I think my motives maybe are a bit vengeful (and obviously it’s too late for my lovely ex-neighbour) and I probably won’t do anything, but what does everyone think?”.

Numerous users contributed their own perspectives in an attempt to offer guidance to the uncertain homeowner. One commented: “No, don’t. I expect the old tenant has found somewhere new, so this would just be a vindictive move.

“Also, Airbnb is not a guaranteed income so your presumption that they will make more money is completely wrong. The owner will now be liable for council tax or business rates, plus being a landlord brings a lot of stress in management though, Airbnb far less so in my experience.”

Meanwhile another commented: “I would. Once one person is seen to be getting away with ignoring the rules, it encourages others.”

Others, nevertheless, recommended they examine their lease to establish whether this commercial activity would be permitted: “We own a seaside flat and we are allowed to rent ours out Airbnb style but none of the other flats in the block are. We specifically had that put in our lease when we bought it new from the developer to ensure that was an option if we ever wanted to use it.”

The discussion mirrors broader anxieties surrounding the expansion of short-term holiday lettings in residential neighbourhoods. According to Airbnb, there were more than 100,000 active listings across the UK in 2024, while campaigners and residents have progressively voiced concerns regarding noise, security and the effect on local housing availability.

Whether measures can be implemented frequently hinges on the property’s lease or local planning regulations. Property specialists suggest numerous residential leases forbid short-term holiday lettings, meaning proprietors who list on platforms such as Airbnb may potentially be violating their lease, though each situation depends on the precise wording of the agreement.

Would you be content if your neighbour converted their property into an Airbnb? Share your views in the comments below.