You would think that renting out a cottage on your land for weekenders via AirBnB would be a good idea...turns out that many of those who rent are urban idiots, ever heard of cow tipping?
Turns out it's a thing for city dwellers when they come to the countryside, and it seems that in our area it's become a thing for Airbnb renters to go out at night and tip cows. It's all fun and game since they are mostly drunk idiots, but for the farmers is something else! Cattle get spooked and running cows at night leads to cattle injuries, either potholes or worse, crashing into fences.
Our farm has not been directly affected by this, because we don't have cottages to rent, and our farm is large enough that getting to our cattle (which is located mostly in the center of the property) is hard work, no one wants to walk 200 meters in a field to get to a cow.
It has been a problem for years, but it has been exacerbated by Airbnb, previously the owner would have some type of relationship with the renter, but with Airbnb, it's no longer the case. Disintermediation would be the correct word. As a neighbor who owns three rental cottages pointed out, prior to Airbnb, when it was a bunch of guys, clearly there for a bachelor party, he always informed the constabulary that would make a point of making rounds nearby., but with Airbnb, he doesn't meet them.
Our local solution was enacted last week, and Airbnb has been banned in the county. It is a small county, and it is easy to see which houses are available on Airbnb. As of January 1, 2024, no more Airbnb in our area. The farmers are happy. Granted those who own the cottages less so, but they were also tired of apologizing to their neighbors. Is it legal? I have no idea, but it's a county ordinance.
Will it work? Maybe, one thing for sure it will re-establish the personal relationship between the owner and the renter.
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