The True Impact of Airbnb on Manchester Residents’ Quality of Life

According to a Manchester city councillor, unruly Airbnb visitors have a huge impact on people’ lives, generating an environment of fear and unease in their own homes. Marcus Johns, who represents and lives in the Deansgate ward, has expressed worry about the frequent disruptions created by short-term leases (STLs) in his apartment building, which he claims cause “issues every weekend.”

The problems associated with short-term rentals in Manchester are not isolated to Deansgate. Councillor Marcus Johns has highlighted instances where guests have damaged property, including smashing lifts and kicking doors. Such behavior has led to growing frustration among residents, who feel their quality of life is being severely compromised.

The increase in short-term lets has been notable, with a council report indicating that around 3,600 properties or spare rooms in Manchester were listed on Airbnb during the winter. This number is expected to rise with listings on other rival websites. Last summer saw a peak of 3,911 listings, a significant increase from the pre-pandemic level of 3,429.

Manchester City Council is aware of the situation and has already initiated measures to address the problem. Councillor Irene Robinson, representing Ancoats and Beswick, pointed out that many city center properties are being rented out solely as Airbnbs, often without the landlord’s knowledge. She emphasized the need for regulations to curb antisocial behavior associated with these rentals.

Ms. Robinson clarified that while there is no intention to eliminate STLs entirely, it is crucial to address the issues they bring. “Even where there are clauses in the building leases that prohibit subletting, these rules are often ignored,” she stated. “We need the authority to shut these down when necessary.”

One of the major hurdles in managing STLs is the lack of planning permission required for such use. This has contributed to the unchecked growth of short-term rentals, making it difficult for the council to enforce regulations effectively. Fiona Sharkey, the community safety enforcement lead, mentioned that the absence of a formal register for STLs hampers the council’s efforts.

“We have to rely on intelligence from residents and councillors,” Ms. Sharkey added. The council has actively worked with landlords to encourage good neighbor advice, issuing closure warnings and partnering with sites such as Airbnb and Booking.com. Despite these attempts, the absence of an official registry impedes enforcement.

Ms. Sharkey added that when the council does contact hosts about issues, the problems generally do not recur. However, there have been instances where enforcement was necessary against repeat offenders.

The disturbances caused by short-term rental guests are not just a minor inconvenience but a significant disruption to the lives of many residents. Councillor Johns’ account of regular issues every weekend underscores the severity of the problem. The antisocial behavior linked to these rentals has made residents feel unsafe in their homes, a sentiment echoed by many living in affected areas.

The situation in Manchester reflects a broader issue seen in many cities worldwide, where the rise of short-term rentals has led to conflicts between residents and transient visitors. As more people choose to list their properties on platforms like Airbnb, local governments are grappling with the need to balance the economic benefits of tourism with the rights of residents to a peaceful living environment.

To address these challenges, Manchester City Council is exploring various measures. These include strengthening the enforcement of existing regulations and considering new policies to manage the growth of short-term rentals. The council’s proactive stance on working with landlords and major rental platforms is a positive step, but more needs to be done to ensure that residents’ concerns are adequately addressed.

The issue of unruly Airbnb guests in Manchester highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to managing short-term rentals. While platforms like Airbnb have revolutionized the travel industry, offering flexibility and new income opportunities for property owners, they have also brought significant challenges for local communities. Manchester City Council’s efforts to curb antisocial behavior and ensure the safety and well-being of its residents are commendable, but the lack of a formal registry for STLs remains a significant obstacle.

As cities worldwide continue to deal with similar issues, Manchester’s experience underscores the importance of finding a balanced approach that supports both the economic benefits of tourism and the rights of residents. Moving forward, enhanced regulation, better enforcement, and continued collaboration between the council, landlords, and rental platforms will be crucial in addressing the ongoing challenges posed by short-term rentals.

This latest development serves as a reminder that while short-term rentals offer many advantages, they also require careful management to prevent them from disrupting local communities. Manchester’s actions may well serve as a model for other cities facing similar issues, as they seek to protect the interests of their residents while accommodating the evolving landscape of the travel industry.

As reported by the BBC in their recent article