Irvine AirBnb Complaints Increase 1000% in 1 year

Irvine, California - On May 24, 2016, Irvine City Council was presented with an update of Short-Term Rentals in Irvine. Though it was brought up at a normal meeting, there has been a significant increase of complaints regarding the impacts of short-term rental (STR) properties in residential neighborhoods.

The market for short term housing has not only increased in Irvine but also across the nation due to platforms such as Airbnb, HomeAway, and VRBO. Though it is still managed within the existing framework, the jump in complaints raises the issue for discussion. Currently short term rentals are defined as rental of a residence for 30 days or less. These terms are prohibited in residential zones unless considered a hotel/motel use.

For Irvine City’s fiscal year 14-15, the city received 6 complaints, up from one just two years before. For the fiscal year 2015-2016, the city received 62 short term rental complaints. Not only is the market growing, but the awareness of neighbors has also risen.

Across Orange County, there has already been programs or ordinances enforced in Newport Beach, Anaheim, Laguna Beach, etc. Traditionally, this is an ongoing issue in beachside communities where many visitors flock to during the summer time.

It does seem as though in Irvine, the supply for short term rentals still outstrips demand. It looks as though many of these Irvine homes have been empty or partially empty and homeowners are simply utilizing the new tools as ways to reduce their expenses. Whereas in beachside towns, demand continues to far outweigh supply.