A May 2025 research study shows that 49% of Americans think short-term rentals such as Airbnb and Vrbo should be banned completely in residential areas. The study surveyed 1,000 people and received 489 responses; some respondents live in neighborhoods where such rentals exist and some have stayed in them.
When Airbnb first went online more than 15 years ago, it represented a dramatic change in the way people traveled, not to mention the opportunities it presented to homeowners with extra space and real estate investors in tourist-friendly markets, writes Nick Pisano for Anytime Estimate.
“The proliferation of Airbnbs in some communities has dramatically transformed the experience of those living there full time, who often face the negative impacts of short-term rentals with little direct benefit beyond the hope of added tourist dollars for local businesses.
“It’s a distinction that has many asking: Do Airbnbs really make good neighbors, and how should residential communities handle those who want to operate one there?”
Anytime Estimate surveyed 1,000 Americans, including 33% who have stayed in an Airbnb and 24% who have or had one in their community, about their views on Airbnbs and other short-term rentals such as Vrbo, their potential impact on their neighborhoods, and more.
Support for regulations on short-term rentals is strong:
- 83% say short-term rentals hould be held to hotel tax and safety standards.
- 82% believe hosts should need a business license.
- 78% want background checks for renters.
- 71% think hosts should have to notify neighbors of every booking.
Highlights of the report
- Roughly 40% of Americans believe a neighbor converting their home into a short-term rental would decrease the quality of life for local residents, more than four times the number who say it would improve it (9%).
- About 60% consider the presence of a nearby short-term rental as a negative when buying a home; 28% would offer less on the home, and 32% wouldn’t make an offer at all.
- About half (49%) think short-term rentals should be banned outright in residential areas.
- Over half of Americans (52%) say they’d be less comfortable letting their children play outside with a short-term rental next door.
Some of the specific concerns were listed by the survey participants, in order from highest concern to least concern:
1. Loud parties/events
2. Increased crime or safety issues
3. Strangers staying in the neighborhood
4. More trash or litter
5. Loss of privacy
6. Decreased property values
7. Increased difficulty finding street parking
8. Decreased sense of community
However, when asked “In general, do you have positive or negative feelings about Airbnb and other short-term rental companies?”, 43% of respondents said they had “neutral” feelings, while 36% had positive feelings and 21% had negative feelings.
Summary
The survey shows clear evidence that, despite more than a decade of existence in many markets, most people still haven’t firmly made up their minds about whether short-term rentals are a good or bad thing for their general area — even if they’re certain they don’t want one on their block.
Read the full research report here.
