Airbnb– Something to consider as you search for a Tamaqua home?

With Airbnb gaining more attention and more traction throughout the country, its impact might be something you’ll want to consider as you search for your new Tamaqua home.

 

Not everyone is happy about having homes in their upscale condos, gated communities, or neighborhoods turned into short term rentals. But unless the zoning or HOA regulations prevent it, homeowners are free to either make their entire home available for part of the year, or to rent out a portion of the home to short-term tenants.

 

This was done in college communities long before we began doing everything on line – and long before anyone came up with the concept of online listings and bookings. The neighbors didn’t always like it, especially if the college kids were noisy, but if it wasn’t prohibited, homeowners were free to take in that extra income. The difference – for better or for worse, these tenants generally stayed throughout the quarter, the semester or the entire college year.

 

Airbnb tenants might change weekly.

 

If you don’t relish the thought of people coming and going in your neighborhood on a consistent basis, you should explore the regulations. Would your new neighbors  be allowed to do this? Are they already doing it?

 

If so, and if you aren’t opposed to the idea of living among short term rentals, maybe you should consider renting in the neighborhood for a few days yourself, just to see if the neighborhood agrees with you.  

 

What else might this mean to you? It might mean that you’ll never have neighbors who can become friends, because none of them are permanent. It might also mean that if someone is obnoxious, you can be comforted by the fact that they’ll be gone in a few days.

 

Perhaps you do think it’s a good idea and would welcome a means to increase your income to assist with your new house payment. If that’s your plan, then once again, you need to look into the rules and regulations.

 

Because short term rentals have become so popular, some builders and developers in tourist areas are now building homes with this in mind. They’re creating private mini-apartments and installing keyless entries. Some are including a communal space where homeowners and tenants can come together to socialize without intruding on private living areas.

 

Some may be purchasing these homes with an eye toward present income along with a future when they may need to furnish living space for a dependent family member. Some may need that space for family right now.

 

Whether you’re for or against living in a community with short term rentals, here in Tamaqua I can help you choose the right home. I have copies of the zoning regulations in all parts of the city, and can get the Homeowners Association regulations for any development that interests you.