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! 

Hello, and welcome to the Rest Easy Nashville blog, home of all things short-term rental in Nashville, Tennessee!

I’m Alece Ronzino, founder and owner of Rest Easy Nashville, hospitality enthusiast, and chronic car dancer.

Before moving to Nashville in 2011, I lived and worked in South Africa For 13 years, where I started and ran a nonprofit aimed at leadership development and AIDS prevention education. As a part of a comprehensive program, our team hosted thousands of short-term travelers over the years, providing them with an opportunity to experience South African culture in a unique and personal way. I’ve always had a passion for hospitality, and in this time, one of my favorite parts of my job was providing quality experiences for my guests. I was energized by witnessing great travel experiences produce real, lasting change in my lodgers’ lives.

In 2013, I purchased my East Nashville home and ventured into the world of Airbnb hosting. Not only did I find that it satisfied my love of hospitality, but it also, unexpectedly, helped me stay connected to the part of me motivated by my zeal for travel and experiencing other cultures.

As I delved into the world of short-term rentals in Nashville, my passions drove me to learn more than I ever thought I would about this business. As more and more people approached me looking for guidance, I started to see a real felt need in our community.

Short-term rental owners needed the opportunity to engage with a partner who can tackle the management, cleaning, maintenance, and landscaping needs of their properties. And that’s how Rest Easy Nashville was born, providing services and expertise that simplifies the mountain of stuff that sits between short-term rental owners and effortless income.

Whether you’re ready for a full-blown partnership or not, this blog is meant to serve as a resource for you as you navigate the choppy waters of short-term rentals here in Nashville. Every other week, we’ll provide up-to-date information on legislation & changing policies, address frequently asked questions, and give you plenty of tips and tools to take the guesswork out of short-term rental ownership. Each and every post will be informative. . .and fun! And, hey, make sure you follow us on Facebook so you’re notified when each post is live!

Lastly, I’m excited to announce that our new ebook, Nashville Airbnb Guide, is available now for FREE.

I'm so proud of this ebook. It's a comprehensive guide to getting your short-term rental up and running. We tackle everything from the icky subject of paperwork to the tough topic of finances, and we finish it all off with a checklist that will save the day as you set up your physical space.

Once you opt-in, the ebook will be sent straight to your inbox. You’ll also be signed up for our monthly e-zine, chock full of great information about powering your short-term rental, headache-free.

Thanks for reading. I can’t wait to teach you everything I know—you’re going to do great!