Residents in the Masonville area of London, Ontario, are expressing frustration over a home at 167 Sunnyside Drive, frequently rented out on Airbnb for weekend parties. Neighbors claim the property, which has operated as a short-term rental for about three years, has disrupted the peace in their residential neighborhood.
This past weekend, busloads of university sorority members were dropped off at the home for a two-day event, adding to the ongoing concerns. Chris Prater, a nearby resident, described the scene: “They’d get off the bus, receive instructions from others in the driveway, head inside for about an hour, and then come back out chanting their sorority song. Then, another bus would arrive and the cycle would repeat.”
Prater, like many neighbors, is frustrated with the situation. “This isn’t what we signed up for in a residential neighborhood. It’s loud, it’s disruptive, and it’s a traffic nightmare,” he said.
Short-term rentals in London are required to be licensed and must be the primary residence of the person renting them. City officials confirmed that an investigation is underway into the property on Sunnyside Drive.
According to city data for 2024, there are currently 268 active short-term rental licenses, with 171 fines issued so far. However, some residents feel that more needs to be done. Marion Warren, who lives nearby, complained about the constant comings and goings at the property: “Every weekend, there are different cars and large groups. It’s noisy, and when the windows are open, we can hear everything from the backyard.”
The five-bedroom home, which can sleep up to 10 guests, is often the site of large gatherings, from family get-togethers to bachelorette parties — one of which reportedly involved a stripper.
“This kind of activity depreciates the value of our homes and disturbs the neighborhood,” Warren added.
The owner of the property, Jithin Das, a local realtor, expressed regret over the recent events. “I didn’t know this would happen,” he said, explaining that Airbnb is investigating. “I’m very sorry to the neighbors. I don’t want any more issues.”
Das said he was under the impression that smaller groups would be attending, not the large crowds that arrived by bus. He also maintained that it is his primary residence, though he rents it out on weekends to cover the mortgage. He has previously tried to sell the property but hasn’t been able to secure the price he wants.
Despite the owner’s efforts to control the situation, neighbors like Pawel Sypien, who lives behind the home, have had enough. “The noise is unbelievable. We can’t enjoy our weekends anymore,” Sypien said.
New neighbor Masood Hosa, who moved in earlier this month, admitted he might have reconsidered had he known about the constant influx of strangers. “I’d prefer to have a neighbor I can get to know, not new people every weekend.”
As the city continues its investigation, residents are hoping for a resolution to the ongoing disruption. Many are calling for stricter enforcement of regulations governing short-term rentals to restore peace to their community.( Source and Courtesy CBC News)