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Neighbors concerned over number of Airbnbs in Boca Raton

Airbnb removes users affiliated with rally
Posted at 4:34 PM, May 06, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-06 22:42:08-04

BOCA RATON, Fla.-- Short-term rentals are causing concern for some neighbors in Boca Raton.

Those rentals are not allowed in the city according to city code. However, if you look for a vacation rental on Airbnb it is not difficult to find one that is available.

“There are probably three or four just on my street,” said one man who did not to be identified. He said the short-term rentals on his street are out of control.

“You never know who is next door to you, people are always coming and going down the side of my house because they can't figure out how to get the front door to work,” he said.

The city said the Airbnb or vacation rentals are considered motels. Those are not allowed in a single family neighborhood.

Mayor Scott Singer said code enforcement will be proactive and reactive when it comes violators.

“It is much easier to spot the impact where you have multiple cars and noise complaints,” said Singer. He said they need people to report homes that are acting as an Airbnb.

“Just because someone has listed the property as available doesn’t mean it is being used,” he said.

The city said it has had 15 violations for short term rentals so far this year, but a quick search on Airbnb will show at least 15 rentals this week.

Violators can be fined $1,000 a day until they comply.

Delray Beach limits rentals to three times a year while Boynton Beach has no regulation.