Retired Rutland homeowner considered selling up after Airbnb created in neighbour's outbuilding

A villager who considered moving after a neighbour converted an outbuilding into an Airbnb has called on Rutland County Council to look into an ‘alarming’ rise in holiday lets.

Airbnb has become a popular way for people looking to rent apartments and homes for holidays and short-term stays worldwide.

The retired homeowner, who wishes to remain anonymous, said she had looked into selling her home of 17 years because of the disruption caused by her neighbour’s guest who had agreed a four-month stay with four pets.

Although the guest cut short their stay, the homeowner did not feel able to sit outside because of the let at the bottom of her garden.

“I retired last year and was looking forward to a quiet peaceful time at my home,” she said.

“How many other people are going to be coming?”

She added: “It has had a serious impact on us. But I thought why should I be driven out of my own home?

“Other people who have bought their homes in good faith, we are sure, will be experiencing similar problems. I think it’s going to get worse and needs to be looked into.”

She said she has been told by estate agents and the council that the number of people letting out outbuildings for holiday rentals is rising.

“Apparently there are more and more Airbnbs coming up in Rutland every day,” she said.

“There is a shortage of affordable properties and they are taking away potential homes from people that need them. But landlords can make more money from Airbnbs.”

The council’s enforcement officer investigated this case and asked for a formal change of use application which was received last month and is being considered by officers.

A spokesman for Rutland Council said it classed Airbnb properties ‘if self-contained and independently used as a subdivision’, adding: “This would generally require planning permission. But this may not always be the case if the accommodation is not capable of forming a separate dwellinghouse.”