The rise of short-term rentals has completely changed the housing landscape in cities across the country. What started as a way for travelers to find affordable alternatives to hotels has evolved into a global industry, reshaping neighborhoods, property values, and the day-to-day experiences of renters who simply want a stable home. While there are benefits to the flexibility and economic boost short-term rentals bring, the impact on long-term tenants is hard to ignore, especially in competitive rental markets like Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake where housing supply is already tight.
One of the biggest challenges long-term tenants face when short-term rentals move into their neighborhoods is reduced availability. Every home or apartment that is converted into a nightly rental is one less unit available for someone looking for a year-long lease. In areas with high demand, that reduced supply drives prices up across the board. Landlords who see the profits that can be made from short stays may decide to remove their units from the long-term market altogether, making it harder for renters to find a place that fits their budget. For military families moving into Hampton Roads or young professionals trying to get settled, this shortage makes what was already a stressful housing search even more difficult.
The pressure on affordability doesn’t just come from reduced inventory. The mere presence of short-term rentals often inflates property values in a neighborhood, which can trigger rent hikes for existing tenants. Landlords who watch their neighbors bring in double or triple their monthly rent by listing on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO may begin adjusting their pricing accordingly, even if they never switch to short-term rentals themselves. The result is a ripple effect where long-term tenants end up paying more, not because their home has improved, but because the market around them has shifted.
Beyond pricing, tenants also experience changes in the character of their community. Many long-term renters value the sense of stability that comes from knowing their neighbors. You might borrow a cup of sugar from the person next door, keep an eye on each other’s pets, or chat in the hallway on your way to work. But when an apartment building or condo complex has units constantly turning over with vacationers, that sense of familiarity fades. Instead of neighbors, you’re suddenly surrounded by strangers who may be here today and gone tomorrow. This can make communities feel less safe and far less connected.
Noise and disruption are another major concern. Tenants often share stories of trying to sleep while the unit next door hosts a bachelor party or a family reunion. Guests on vacation may not always have the same regard for quiet hours or property rules as long-term residents. For tenants who are working night shifts, raising children, or simply trying to enjoy a peaceful home, the constant parade of temporary neighbors can wear thin very quickly. Complaints to landlords or property managers often don’t go very far if the short-term rental income is flowing strong.
Another overlooked impact is maintenance. Short-term rentals experience more wear and tear than traditional rentals simply because of the higher turnover. Furniture, appliances, and common spaces may deteriorate faster, and when landlords are focused on keeping units guest-ready, they may delay addressing the concerns of long-term tenants. Imagine living in a building where the shared laundry room is always booked by cleaning crews flipping short-term units, or where hallways are crowded with luggage and delivery drivers. It can feel like living in a hotel lobby instead of a home.
For tenants who rely on predictability, the rise of short-term rentals introduces uncertainty. In some cases, tenants who have lived in a property for years are asked not to renew their lease because the owner has decided to cash in on short-term guests. Even worse, tenants may find their leases bought out early with promises of financial incentives, leaving them scrambling to find housing in an already expensive market. That lack of stability undermines what many renters are seeking most: a secure, affordable, long-term place to live.
It’s not all bad news, though. Some communities have implemented thoughtful regulations to balance the benefits of short-term rentals with the needs of long-term tenants. Caps on the number of short-term units allowed in certain neighborhoods, requirements for owner-occupied listings, and licensing processes with safety inspections can help ensure the industry doesn’t push out residents. In some cases, tax revenue from short-term rentals is even reinvested into affordable housing programs, giving back to the very people who feel the squeeze. When done well, these policies can allow cities to enjoy the economic boost of tourism without sacrificing the well-being of their long-term residents.
From a tenant’s perspective, knowing your rights is key. Renters should be aware of local ordinances, lease clauses, and property owner responsibilities. In Virginia, for example, the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act provides protections that can help tenants push back if they feel their rights are being compromised by shifting rental practices. Open communication with landlords also helps—sometimes owners simply don’t realize the extent of the disruption their decision to allow short-term rentals is causing.
For property managers, the challenge lies in balancing profitability with responsibility. At Atlantic Sotheby’s International Realty, where we manage properties across Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake and all of Hampton Roads, we’ve seen firsthand the tension between maximizing income and preserving livable, thriving communities. Virtual tours, online leasing tools, and strategic marketing make it easy to keep long-term rentals occupied without having to convert them into short-term stays. We’ve made it a priority to help both owners and tenants navigate these issues with fairness and transparency.
The debate over short-term rentals is unlikely to go away anytime soon. For some property owners, they’re a lifeline—covering mortgages, funding renovations, or supplementing retirement income. For travelers, they’re a more affordable and authentic way to experience a city. But for long-term tenants, the impact is personal and often painful. Higher rents, reduced availability, and community disruption can make it feel like the very idea of “home” is under threat. Finding a balance that allows both industries to coexist is one of the biggest housing challenges facing cities today.
At the end of the day, tenants want what they’ve always wanted: a stable, affordable, and comfortable place to call home. The rise of short-term rentals doesn’t have to destroy that dream, but it does require intentional policies, responsible property management, and an honest acknowledgment of how one industry affects another. With the right balance, it’s possible to have both vibrant tourism and healthy neighborhoods where long-term tenants can thrive. Until then, tenants will keep feeling the squeeze, and communities will keep wrestling with how to adapt to this new reality of modern housing.
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