Airbnb sounds great in theory: homeowners make extra cash renting out their properties, and travelers get a taste of authentic local life.
In practice, though, it’s sparked backlash in many cities, with locals frustrated over tourist crowds and soaring housing costs.
One Redditor knows this struggle firsthand. They transformed their share of the courtyard into a cozy garden that neighbors love, but things changed when an Airbnb host bought units in the building. Now, tourists keep trying to use the space, and when the homeowner turns them away, the host is furious.
Are they being unfair, or simply protecting what’s theirs? Read on and judge for yourself.
An Airbnb host bought several apartments in the building
Young woman sitting indoors at night looking thoughtful, illustrating neighbor refuses tourists patio use and Airbnb discrimination.
But one neighbor isn’t letting tourists near their carefully kept courtyard, and it’s driving him mad
Alt text: Neighbor refuses to let Airbnb guests use patio causing dispute over discrimination claims by host upstairs
Text excerpt about a city becoming attractive to visitors, related to neighbor refusing tourists patio use and Airbnb host dispute.
Text showing a person describing their renovated building facade and unchanged prewar grey interior despite public funding.
Text about a flat opening to the courtyard and neighbors supporting turning the courtyard corner into a pretty space.
Group of tourists having a meal on a patio exterior, relating to neighbor refusing patio use and Airbnb discrimination claims.
Text explaining how apartment land ownership is defined but not delimited in buildings involving neighbor patio disputes.
Text excerpt discussing a neighbor refusing to share patio space with tourists and Airbnb host claims of discrimination.
Text saying a no parking space was turned into a mini garden patio with everyone’s enthusiastic agreement.
Text about neighbor refusing tourists patio use with Airbnb host upstairs labeling it discrimination and legal issues involved.
Text stating concerns about flats intended for low income people, highlighting neighbor dispute over patio, Airbnb discrimination claim.
Couple enjoying breakfast together indoors, representing a neighbor refusing tourists patio use and Airbnb host dispute concept.
Text excerpt about a neighbor refusing tourists use of their patio, causing conflict with Airbnb host upstairs.
Text excerpt showing neighbor claiming ownership of land, refusing tourists use of patio, related to Airbnb discrimination dispute.
Text excerpt about neighbor refusing tourists access to patio, Airbnb host accusing discrimination over patio use dispute.
Text on a white background stating conflict over not allowing tourists to use patio, highlighting neighbor refusal and Airbnb host dispute.
Almost a third of people would rather live next to their ex than an Airbnb
When everything goes right, an Airbnb stay can be incredible for both guests and hosts.
A truly passionate host can turn a stay into a memorable experience, offering a cozy, character-filled space along with tips on exploring the area.
Guests get flexibility, the chance to cook their own meals, and the feeling of being a traveler rather than just another tourist. Even without splurging, there are often budget-friendly options that beat hotel prices.
Hosts, on the other hand, can earn extra income while meeting people from all over the world.
But when things go wrong, it can get messy fast—steep cleaning fees, unfriendly neighbors, strict house rules, misleading photos, or simply an unpleasant host.
Beyond the rental itself, the rise of short-term stays has stirred tension with locals who feel overwhelmed by tourists and priced out of their own neighborhoods.
And it’s not just online complaints fueling this sentiment. Research shows many people aren’t thrilled about having Airbnbs as neighbors.
A survey from Anytime Estimate found that only 40% of Americans believe Airbnbs make good neighbors, while more than a quarter of homebuyers would even lower their offer on a home near one.
Only 30% of respondents think Airbnb guests care about the neighborhoods they visit, and just 36% have positive feelings toward short-term rental companies overall. The stats paint a clear picture: 42% don’t trust Airbnbs to follow rental laws, 52% feel less comfortable letting their kids play outside near them, and a whopping 82% want stricter regulations.
Over half of respondents said they’d rather live next to their in-laws, and nearly a third would rather live next to their ex.
It’s no surprise, then, that even travelers themselves are drifting back to hotels .
“I vote for hotels. Airbnb is too strict. When I stayed at an Airbnb, my host threatened to charge fees if anything went missing or out of place—I mean anything. I can’t relax under that kind of stress. I have good manners and take care of the places I stay. I’ve been choosing hotels since. I’ve also had several female friends complain about their male hosts hanging around when they weren’t supposed to be there—very creepy. Hotels all the way,” a woman named Melissa told Boston.com .
“I know what I’m getting into with a hotel. I don’t with Airbnb. The long lists of complaints about surprises—including rules, tasks, and fees that make the prices comparable—make it far less attractive,” added Donna.
Hopefully, these concerns can be addressed so that short-term rentals don’t have to feel like a gamble for locals or for travelers.
What’s your experience with short-term rentals, especially Airbnbs? Do you prefer them or stick to hotels when you travel?
Many readers felt it was entirely their choice who to let onto the patio
Comment criticizing Airbnb host over patio access dispute with neighbor refusing tourists use of patio.
Screenshot of a forum comment discussing neighbor refusing tourists use of patio and Airbnb host calling it discrimination.
Comment explaining neighbor refuses to let tourists use their patio with Airbnb host calling it discrimination.
Comment discussing neighbor refusing tourists patio use and Airbnb host upstairs calling it discrimination in a rental dispute.
Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing neighbor refusing tourists use of patio and Airbnb host calling it discrimination.
Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a neighbor refusing tourists access to a patio in an Airbnb dispute.
Comment discussing neighbor refusing tourists patio access and Airbnb host claiming discrimination in a property dispute.
Comment discussing neighbor refusing patio use by tourists and Airbnb host calling it discrimination in online forum.
Text comment discussing legal ownership and access rights related to a shared patio in an Airbnb rental dispute.
Comment discussing neighbor refusing tourists patio access and Airbnb host calling it discrimination in a residential setting.
Screenshot of a Reddit comment debating neighbor refusing tourists use of patio and Airbnb host claiming discrimination.
Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a neighbor refusing to let tourists use their patio in an Airbnb dispute.
Comment discussing neighbor refusing patio access and Airbnb host upstairs calling it discrimination in a dispute.
Screenshot of a Reddit comment advising to report the Airbnb host after patio access dispute labeled discrimination
Comment text discussing neighbor refusing tourists use of patio and Airbnb host calling it discrimination on a forum.
Comment on a forum post discussing an Airbnb host upstairs calling neighbor’s patio refusal discrimination.
Screenshot of a forum comment discussing a neighbor refusing tourists patio use and Airbnb host claims of discrimination.
Comment discussing Airbnb host upstairs accusing neighbor of discrimination for refusing tourists patio access.
Comment on a forum suggesting to put up a simple residents only sign amid neighbor refusing tourists use of patio issue.
Comment about neighbor refusing tourists patio access and Airbnb host claiming discrimination over shared space use.
Comment about neighbor refusing patio use with Airbnb host accusing discrimination over tourist access conflict.
While others argued that keeping tourists out was wrong
Reddit comment discussing neighbor refusing tourists patio use and Airbnb host accusing discrimination in shared property dispute.
Comment explaining commonhold rights and neighbor disputes about Airbnb guests using shared patio space.
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