AirBnB and Vacation Rentals

Want to start controversy at the next neighborhood 4th of July BBQ?  Bring up the topic of short-term vacation rentals and watch everybody turn eight shades of red, then purple, and finally explode. 

The arguments for weekend vacation rentals always claim that poor, retired nurse Judy would not be able to stay in her home if she could not rent it out via AirBnB and other online rental venues. 

I call bullshit.

If Judy *really* needed income she would rent out her home long term and actually have a relationship with the person she is sharing her beloved home with.  Judy would actually have to live with and tolerate the people she lets into the neighborhood -- not just rent out and run away.  If Judy can't be bothered with the renters, why should the rest of us as the neighborhood? What did Judy do prior to AirBnB? 

Nothing drives down property values more than that "rental" on the corner....and I'm talking long-term rentals.  You all know you've asked that question when purchasing your own home.  What is the ratio to owners vs. rentals?  Now we need to ask "What is the ratio to long-term rentals to short term vacation rentals?  How many houses on the block are weekend party pads for those coming up from LA for a bachelorette party, wine tasting weekend, or the like?"

It's not my fault you can't afford to live in your own home and need to rent it out to complete strangers who throw their empty beer cans and roach clips onto my property.  Sorry you made irresponsible choices and now want everybody else to suffer except YOU.  Sell it.  God knows there is a shortage of homes for real families who want to place real roots into the community.  You can move to Nevada, Utah, or wherever where you think you can afford whatever it is you think you need. 

I think there will be a backlash with those listed on AirBnB and so forth.  Watch for the ol' ding dong ditch with ignited bags of feces.  Stomp with care, neighbor.  We are only sharing your own shit with you.  Stinks, doesn't it?