The increasing presence of short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods of Miami has sparked a wave of outrage among residents, who report significant disruptions to the coexistence and safety of their communities.
Neighborhoods like Brickell, Shenandoah, and Los Roads have seen their tranquility threatened by the constant influx and departure of temporary tenants.
According to a report by Telemundo 51, residents claim that platforms like Airbnb are turning private homes into "small hotels" without adequate control or supervision.
This has led to noisy parties, suspicious behavior, and a widespread sense of insecurity.
“At three in the morning, a group of strangers mistakenly arrived at my house. I have seen cars dropping off young girls who appear to be minors, and there are only men in the house,” Tuli Chediak, a resident of Los Roads, recounted indignantly to the cited media, having captured these scenes through her security camera.
In Shenandoah, the situation is similar.
"Before, this was a quiet neighborhood. Now, I see strange people every day, and more than once they have tried to enter my house thinking it was the rented accommodation," described Jennifer Belbusti.
“One day I woke up and saw a car with three unknown men smoking marijuana in my driveway,” he specified.
The complaints not only focus on noise and insecurity but also on other collateral issues such as waste management, drug use, and the massive influx of visitors.
"We have to deal with drugs, trash, and the constant traffic of strangers. These houses are supposed to be rented to a small group, but often double the number of people show up," stated Yvonne Bayona, president of the Miami Historic East Shenandoah Homeowners Association.
In addition to the deterioration in quality of life, experts warn about the impact on the real estate market, as the profitability of these short-term rentals is displacing those seeking permanent housing.
"The owners prefer to rent to ten different guests in ten days rather than to an older person looking for stability," lamented Belbusti.
Need for urgent measures
In response to this issue, community associations have begun to organize and demand stricter penalties.
"The penalties of $1,000 or $1,500 mean nothing when these people are making thousands of dollars from these rentals," lamented Ernesto Cuesta, president of the Brickell Property Owners Association.
"We need the city to help us and for the police to have more tools to intervene,” he added.
However, the solutions are not straightforward.
Residents claim that the police face legal limitations that prevent them from making arrests in many cases, while the city's code department is overwhelmed by the number of complaints received.
In light of this reality, the neighbors emphasize the urgent need for local reforms that more firmly regulate short-term rentals and restore peace to communities that have been characterized by their tranquil lifestyle for years.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Issues of Short-Term Rentals in Miami
Why are Miami residents concerned about short-term rentals?
Residents of Miami are concerned about short-term rentals because this type of leasing, facilitated by platforms like Airbnb, has disrupted community living and safety. Problems such as excessive noise, suspicious behavior, and a widespread feeling of insecurity have emerged, prompting residents to demand stricter regulations.
What impact do short-term rentals have on the real estate market in Miami?
Short-term rentals have negatively impacted the real estate market in Miami. Property owners prefer to rent to short-term tourists due to higher profitability, which displaces those seeking permanent housing and contributes to rising prices in the conventional rental market.
What measures are Miami residents taking to address the issue of short-term rentals?
Residents of Miami are organizing through neighborhood associations to demand stricter penalties and local reforms that regulate short-term rentals. They are seeking for the city to implement measures that restore peace to their communities and enable the police to intervene more effectively.
How does the short-term rental situation affect the quality of life in Miami?
The proliferation of short-term rentals has deteriorated the quality of life in Miami. Neighbors are facing issues such as improper waste management, drug use, and the constant influx of unfamiliar people, creating an atmosphere of distrust and discomfort in the neighborhoods.
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