In response to disruptive short-term rentals, Long Beach resident Christina Nigrelli leads a movement to restrict un-hosted units, highlighting safety concerns and the lack of enforcement.
Emboldened by a recent ordinance, Long Beach residents are taking a stand against unruly short-term rental properties, particularly unhosted Airbnbs. Christina Nigrelli, co-founder of the Long Beach Safe Neighborhood Coalition, has emerged as a driving force behind this movement, spearheading a petition to ban such units in her neighborhood.
Nigrelli's personal experiences with rowdy tenants prompted her to seek a solution. "I haven't had many good nights' sleep since February," she told Fox News Digital. "Guests come at any time, slam doors, and smoke in the driveway under my bedroom windows."
A city ordinance passed in 2020 permits up to 1,000 un-hosted short-term rentals in Long Beach. However, a provision allows residents to circulate petitions and prohibit these types of rentals. Nigrelli and College Estates resident Andy Oliver initiated petitions in their respective neighborhoods after encountering similar issues.
Nigrelli raised concerns about the lack of city support, citing an understaffed complaint line and a high cost for filing a petition, exceeding the cost of an STR license. "It feels like the ordinance favors short-term rental owners over residents," she said.
Despite renters' concerns about potential income loss, Nigrelli remains adamant. "This is a residential neighborhood, not a place for businesses," she emphasized. "Hotels have security and managers; short-term rentals should be the same."
Oliver's petition gained support from over 800 homeowners in his area, leading to the implementation of new restrictions. College Estates rentals must either convert to supervised rentals or shut down. Nigrelli's petition and eight others from Long Beach neighborhoods are currently awaiting the city's response.
The coalition has expanded beyond Long Beach, with inquiries from other states and collaborations with neighborhood organizations. "We're sharing our resources and highlighting the issue of unhosted rentals," Nigrelli explained.
She emphasized the need for prevention and enforcement. "It's not a unique problem to Long Beach or the United States; it's a growing concern everywhere. Each city must address the lack of enforcement and infrastructure that allows these issues to escalate."
