Converting primary residence to STR due to neighbor noise

San Diego, California
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Converting primary residence to STR due to neighbor noise

Heather Hall
Rental Property Investor · Fallbrook, CA (San Diego area) · Member since 2019 · 98 posts · 30 votes

Hi Folks, I scoured the boards but could not find previous posts specific to this issue . . . We live in unincorporated San Diego county and we purchased our primary residence 3 years ago.  One year ago, a business owner purchased the land next to us and now operates firearms weekly, sometimes 15-20 hours per week of shooting.  Because of the location, this is permissible per county regulations, even though the residential neighbors are having a tough time with it.

So, we have to move and convert our home into a STR (we cannot sell the property because it is 2 homes and an elderly family member lives in the other home and cannot move). Has anyone dealt with noise like this near your Airbnb? Or a similar situation ? Any suggestions for how to talk to guests so they know what to expect but the property is still appealing ?


It is a gorgeous, rural property with incredible views . . . Very peaceful . . . When there is no shooting. 

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Kristine Ann
Investor · WNY/CNY/Adirondacks, New York State · Member since 2024 · 151 posts · 133 votes
2y

Is it a firing range that the public can use? If so, market the STR to shooting enthusiasts and hunters. Maybe set up a bow and arrow target in the backyard.

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  • Mike GrudzienPro Member
    Lender · Eugene, OR · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    Heather,
    New headline for your STR: "Awesome place for hearing impaired individuals"
    That said, IMO every guest would complain, give you low ratings, etc.  It seems that this is literally a ticking time bomb with a known nuisance.   Have you considered LTR or maybe MTR (with explanations to the tenants)?
    My 2 cents,
    Mike

    2Reply
  • Kristine Ann
    Investor · WNY/CNY/Adirondacks, New York State · Member since 2024 · 151 posts · 133 votes
    2y

    Is it a firing range that the public can use? If so, market the STR to shooting enthusiasts and hunters. Maybe set up a bow and arrow target in the backyard.

    7Reply
  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    2y

    If you hate living here due to the neighbor, you think you will have a thriving STR with excellent reviews?

    4Reply
  • Dan H.Pro Member
    Investor · Poway, CA · Member since 2015 · 7k+ posts · 8k+ votes
    2y

    I have 2 STRs in Pt Loma.  As you may know it is in the regular flight path.  The break in talking due to plane noise the locals refer to as the Pt Loma pause.  

    We clearly indicate in our ads on the OTAs (airBnB, Vrbo, etc are OTAs) that there is plane noise.  So far the only bad review we have gotten due to it is from a guest who asked the PM company how bad it was and they indicated not that bad.  Guest considered it horrendous.  If someone asked me how bad it is, I would indicate different people have different levels of tolerance but the plane noise is loud enough to interrupt conversations.  

    My fear with a shooting range is that it likely is much more persistent than plane noise and that you may have a low occupancy.  

    Good luck

    4Reply
  • Heather Hall
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Fallbrook, CA (San Diego area) · Member since 2019 · 98 posts · 30 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Dan H.:

    I have 2 STRs in Pt Loma.  As you may know it is in the regular flight path.  The break in talking due to plane noise the locals refer to as the Pt Loma pause.  

    We clearly indicate in our ads on the OTAs (airBnB, Vrbo, etc are OTAs) that there is plane noise.  So far the only bad review we have gotten due to it is from a guest who asked the PM company how bad it was and they indicated not that bad.  Guest considered it horrendous.  If someone asked me how bad it is, I would indicate different people have different levels of tolerance but the plane noise is loud enough to interrupt conversations.  

    My fear with a shooting range is that it likely is much more persistent than plane noise and that you may have a low occupancy.  

    Good luck

    Thanks Dan- to clarify, it is outdoor horseback shooting and usually 2-3 hours at a time.  I definitely planned on being upfront and maybe even offering discounts.  Thanks for the input about emphasizing this to guests !
    0Reply
  • Heather Hall
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Fallbrook, CA (San Diego area) · Member since 2019 · 98 posts · 30 votes
    2y
    Quote from @John Underwood:

    If you hate living here due to the neighbor, you think you will have a thriving STR with excellent reviews?


    I hear you . . . It seems to bother me much more than other neighbors who say they just got used to it . . . But I just cannot.  

    0Reply
  • Heather Hall
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Fallbrook, CA (San Diego area) · Member since 2019 · 98 posts · 30 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Kristine Ann:

    Is it a firing range that the public can use? If so, market the STR to shooting enthusiasts and hunters. Maybe set up a bow and arrow target in the backyard.

    Look at you! That is super smart.  It is used in the rodeo community so I like that angle !
    1Reply
  • Heather Hall
    OP
    Rental Property Investor · Fallbrook, CA (San Diego area) · Member since 2019 · 98 posts · 30 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Mike Grudzien:

    Heather,
    New headline for your STR: "Awesome place for hearing impaired individuals"
    That said, IMO every guest would complain, give you low ratings, etc.  It seems that this is literally a ticking time bomb with a known nuisance.   Have you considered LTR or maybe MTR (with explanations to the tenants)?
    My 2 cents,
    Mike

    Bless you for the sprinkling of humor, Mike. It is much appreciated.  I would love to make this a medium term rental if you have ideas . . . We are not near any hospitals for nurses, etc. 

    Does that matter?  

    Also, if this were you,as a guest would you feel better if there was a published shooting schedule?
     
    1Reply
  • Bill B.
    Investor · Las Vegas, NV · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    2y

    Contact the neighbor, see of they are interested in buying with a lifetime rental agreement for the relative. Or if they have clients who would LOVE to rent right next door saving the trip and trailering of horses. You may find them excited about either option. Let me tell you. When the National rodeo comes to Vegas those people have money and their horses are closer to family members a most people’s dogs. 

    3Reply
  • Kristine Ann
    Investor · WNY/CNY/Adirondacks, New York State · Member since 2024 · 151 posts · 133 votes
    2y

    Thanks @Heather Hall  It's the same painting...you just needed a different frame. I love coming up with brainstorms like that.

    If you can make nice with those neighbors and let them know you'll send the STR guests to them to book an experience it's win-win. You could also make contacts with a local horseback riding place that offer lessons to see if you could refer guests for an experience. There might be other experiences you could market and refer your STR guests to, like rustic BBQ joints, a local brewery, and places with live country music.

    There is actually an option on airbnb where people can search experiences.  I'm not sure how to use it yet but it might be useful in your situation.

    3Reply
  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    2y

    I lived in N AZ near a world famous firearms academy. I was full every week with STR Guests using the facilities. Make this negative a positive. 

    I used to live in Lakeside, where are you? Out by Jamul?

    2Reply
  • Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
    Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    2y

    After 8 years in the Army Infantry Im sure I would sleep just fine, but your guests not so much.  Unfortunately if you cannot stop it I am thinking LTR or sell

    [email protected]813-563-0877
    Vacation Rentals of Florida53 Reviews
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    3Reply
  • Sarah KensingerPro Member
    Real Estate Consultant · OH · Member since 2023 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Mike Grudzien:

    Heather,
    New headline for your STR: "Awesome place for hearing impaired individuals"
    That said, IMO every guest would complain, give you low ratings, etc.  It seems that this is literally a ticking time bomb with a known nuisance.   Have you considered LTR or maybe MTR (with explanations to the tenants)?
    My 2 cents,
    Mike

    Absolutely love the headline! ;D
    [email protected]330-557-3021
    1Reply
  • Sarah KensingerPro Member
    Real Estate Consultant · OH · Member since 2023 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    The idea others came up with to market the STR to gun or hunter enthusiasts, is your best option as a STR. And good chance you'll make a pretty good go of it, so long as you tailor and market the property to that specific group of people. All other options especially nurses on weird sleeping schedules due to their shifts, is going to be a nightmare with all the noise complaints!

    [email protected]330-557-3021
    0Reply
  • Mike GrudzienPro Member
    Lender · Eugene, OR · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    Thank you for your vote, Sarah!

    0Reply
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