In a recent post, we talked about a few myths and fears about Airbnbs and other short-term rentals (STRs) in Nashville. One of the city’s residents’ biggest concerns is that STRs can bring a certain amount of unrest to otherwise peaceful neighborhoods. Residents picture their nice, quiet streets overrun with bachelor and bachelorette parties. It is our job as Airbnb hosts to change this perception over time.

Being community-minded is still vital, even if you own a property that functions as a business for you.

First, after neighbors have signed your paperwork acknowledging that they understand they’ll be living near an STR property, make sure to follow up. Consider popping some chocolate into mailboxes with your business card (or that of your property manager) tucked into a handwritten note about your constant availability for concerns or questions that arise.

Make sure neighbors know that guests are screened and will respect the neighborhood.

In your note, be sure to mention that measures are being taken to ensure that safety and good behavior are priorities. You may even consider giving them an idea of the types of rules you intend to enforce, keeping the neighborhood a safe and happy place to be.

Make your guests aware of their responsibilities by creating a clear list of house rules.

Be clear with guests in the listing that your house and your neighborhood are to be respected. Be open about the fact that they’re staying in a residential neighborhood. Remind them that you love your neighbors and if they are loud or inappropriate in any way that disturbs the neighbors, they will be evicted immediately. Consider house rules that will still offer good guest experiences while safeguarding neighbors. For example, no smoking (even outside); enforced quiet hours; no additional guests besides those in the reservation; and absolutely no parties on the property.

Celebrate your neighbors and go the extra mile just like you would if you lived in the home.

Be intentional about putting small gifts (like candy or even just cards) into mailboxes during the holidays. If there are block parties thrown, be sure to attend and interact with neighbors. If you happen to know any of them personally, hear of a baby being born, or a wedding taking place, acknowledge the event any way you see fit.

In 2016, Nashville was voted the friendliest city in America by Travel + Leisure, and featured on Huffington Post for the same reason. In the end, this is about preserving Nashville’s core values of kindness and respect for others—the people who live here and our guests.

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Still have questions about making your neighbors happy with their relationship with you as an STR owner or struggling with other things that have popped up? Don't hesitate to contact us now. We'll work together to see how we can solve any issues stemming from managing your STR! 

One of the top reasons travelers choose Airbnbs over hotels is that short-term rentals come with a sense of comfort.

When you walk into a well-curated Airbnb, there’s the soft smell of scented candles and fresh linen, comfy couches to sink into, and a feeling similar to the one you get when you come home after a long day. There’s no lingering cologne, no questionable stains on gritty carpet, or mass-produced art. Just a home waiting to welcome you for however long you happen to be in town.

So how do you achieve this feeling in your short-term rental?  

My favorite way to create this irresistible feeling is through well-thought-out design, giving the place a comforting, yet unique vibe worthy of another stay and, of course, a great review. Here are my top 5 tips for creating an aesthetic all guests will love.

1. Give the place personality.

First and foremost, you want your Airbnb to have personality. But you have to be careful—too many eclectic pieces can make the space feel cluttered and uncoordinated. I suggest choosing a simple color pallet (maybe 3-5 colors, using neutrals and one pop of color). Then choose sheets, pillows, and other textiles that go along with that pallet, without exception. Patterns are fine, just limit them and make sure they coordinate. Pinterest is a great tool to use to stay organized and on-task as you develop your home’s aesthetic.

2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Designing a space can be tough and intimidating. If you don’t feel like it comes naturally to you and is causing you stress, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Enlist a friend who has a good eye or invest in a design service. Check out Houzz for great Nashville recommendations. Just make sure the designer is able to achieve the aesthetic you’re going for and has a good track record of staying within budget. Ask for references and be sure to contact them.  

3. When it comes to art, shop local.

Nashville has a ton of great art and supporting local artists is something you could even mention in your listing. You might consider going to the Art Crawl on the first Saturday of each month and seeing what original work you can score. Or, you can visit Anderson Design Group, DCXV, or Hatch Show Print if you have something specific in mind and don’t want to hunt. Just make sure you invest in a nice frame consistent with the space’s aesthetic if you purchase a print.

4. Choose items wisely.

Whether you handle the design yourself or someone is choosing them for you and getting your approval, be sure you go for things that are unique, engaging, and functional. Aside from a television with cable or a streaming device (like a Roku), I love to include board games, short books around 128 pages that can be read in a weekend, and, as mentioned in a previous post, a Nashville guide so guests can chill out, flip through it, and decide what spots to visit. Remember, you’re welcome to use ours!

5. Envision a stay in your Airbnb, pretending it doesn’t belong to you.

Walk in the front door and try to pretend you’re seeing the space for the first time. Think of what you would like to have access to when staying somewhere. From sturdy coat hooks and an umbrella stand by the front door to easy access to a plug by the bed to charge your phone, every amenity is important. I like to include an extension cord and even a flashlight just in case a storm knocks the power out.

Just remember, each little choice you make adds up, eventually leading to an unforgettable guest experience. Those who stay in your short-term rental will be thankful to have a tranquil, well-curated space to stay in. If you do a good enough job, the experience may turn them off of hotels forever—now THAT we can get behind.

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Still feeling a little lost on what to have on-hand in your Airbnb? Don't forget to check out the checklist in our ebook! Haven't downloaded it yet? Let's fix that! You can get it free here. 

In a town like Nashville, there’s no end to the rumors that circulate. And when it comes to Airbnb and short-term rentals (STRs) in Nashville, it seems the rumor mill has been churning at an alarming rate.

Trust me, I’ve heard some doozies. So if you’ve been told things that have left you scratching your head, I’ve got you covered. Today, I’ll walk you through the four most common myths floating around and give you the real facts so you can help stop the madness.

Myth: Nashville may ban all Airbnb properties.

Owner-occupied STRs have never been in jeopardy. Yes, Metro Codes has proposed a ban on non-owner occupied STRs, but on October 3rd, they deferred the vote until January. A sub-committee has been formed to research and review the STR situation, and make a recommendation on the best way forward in January. As a phase out of non-owner occupied STRs is still possible, it’s incredibly important that you reach out to city council to voice your support of homesharing and personal property rights.  

Myth: The majority of STR owners are out-of-state investors.

This is simply not true. In fact, a whopping 88.8% of owners live in Tennessee. The majority of Airbnbs are run by people who not only live in the community but also care deeply about what happens in the community. They offer authentic local experiences to visitors and point them towards local businesses and independent restaurants, which supports and stimulates our city’s economy. By and large, Airbnb owners are not unconcerned outsiders but active, engaged, responsible members of the community.

Myth: STRs are causing a housing shortage in Nashville.

Nashville is a booming city—it’s experiencing all the typical growing pains that accompany this type of exponential growth. A shortage of affordable housing is definitely a concern, and it’s one that Mayor Barry has made a priority to address. However, it’s almost fashionable to blame STRs when folks can’t find exactly what they’re looking for on the housing market. The fact is, though, non-owner occupied STRs comprise just .4% of all housing units in Nashville. That’s certainly not enough to be causing the housing shortage.

Myth: STRs cause significant problems in neighborhoods.

This is one I hear frequently. Why? In part, because Nashville has become a wildly popular spot for bachelor and bachelorette parties. I’ve heard claims that these groups of visitors cause frequent complaints and police visits. While there are definitely problem guests (and, dare I say, problem hosts), the scale of these issues has been sensationalized beyond belief. In truth, STR homes comprise only .2% of all complaints to police and Codes.

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Undoubtedly, the STR industry is great for cities, and Nashville is no exception. As I shared in a recent post, in Nashville alone, $477 million has been generated in economic impact through STRs in a single year. This industry also helps drive traffic to local businesses: 50% of Airbnb guests spend directly in the neighborhood in which they’re staying. STRs have created more than 5,000 jobs and have generated $152 million in wages and benefits. These are all great things.

No matter how much truth we try to spread, rumors fly, so if you hear anything else wild, just shoot us a message. We just might address your question in a future blog post or ezine.

For more information or to get started with your own short-term rental, check out our new ebook. It's filled with great information on getting up and running with your STR in our awesome town. Check it out here!