19 Jun A Guide To Airbnb Noise Monitoring Devices

Unwanted parties are one of the biggest concerns when hosts rent a property on Airbnb. It is well-known that some guests book Airbnb’s specifically for this purpose – while most hosts want to avoid parties at all costs. This guide to noise monitoring devices will notify you of any unwanted behavior.

Renting out apartments and homes to guests carries risks. Instantly confirmed bookings only increase the perils because there’s no way to ‘screen’ guests. Even if you try to screen or profile potential guests there are no guarantees. The guests you think are staying at your property might not be the only ones there. It’s a risky game to play. And it only takes one bad guest experience to seriously damage your reputation.

Problems Easily Avoided With Noise Monitoring Devices

1) Property Damage

There are so many potential problems that arise from unwanted parties. For a start, parties can cause damage to the property. Spilled red wine on a carpet is just the tip of the iceberg of potential damage. Furnishings can be stained or ripped. Windows and appliances broken. Toilets and plumbing clogged.

2) Theft

Parties invite large numbers of strangers into the house. This increases the risk that someone might steal furnishings or other property from the building. Party guests have no obligations or ties to the property. Guests also may not even know it’s rented.

3) Noise Complaints

Gatherings with loud noise can attract unwanted attention from neighbors or even police. Unhappy neighbors can become a big problem, especially if your property is in a multi-family residence with an HOA. This includes condos, apartments or townhouses.

It’s for these reasons, and more, that most owners don’t want their properties used for parties.

Is Your Property At Risk?

People can have parties at any kind of property. However, if you live in a party hotspot or have a luxury property you have even more cause for concern. Imagine you have a Palm Springs villa available for bookings over Coachella weekend. Or a central New Orleans apartment available on New Year’s Eve.

There are some locations that are particularly popular with guests who have parties in mind. You should be aware of the “scene” in your neighborhood and the types of guests who book with you – are they business travelers, couples, or large groups?

Bookings during seasonal events such as New Year’s Eve, Spring Break, or during popular local festivals are also high-risk. Unfortunately, these often coincide with popular bookings periods.

Can You Choose To Allow Parties?

Airbnbs are often a popular choice for weddings and bachelor or bachelorette parties. Some property owners may be happy to rent their location for these types of events. If you have neighbors in the close distance you will need to be careful allowing guests to host events.

Some states, such as Arizona, have implemented or are considering legislation which banned rentals being used for events. A new law in Arizona dictates that rentals may not be used for special events. This includes any event that would require a permit or license, such as weddings or banquets.

Noise is a major problem for individual hosts and for Airbnb as a business. Noise and complaints from neighbors and HOAs are feeding Airbnb lawsuits. These lawsuits are leading to increased city regulations across popular Airbnb locations.

How To Use Noise Monitoring Devices In Your Airbnb Rental

Of course, you can (and should) deter guests from having parties by stating ‘No Parties’ on your listing and house manual. But the only way to be sure there are no parties is to monitor noise levels in the house.

The best way to monitor for parties is to install noise monitoring devices. You might be thinking a camera would be a better idea – but it’s not! Remember that filming inside your property while guests are there is an invasion of privacy and breach of Airbnb’s guidelines. (You can read more about this on our guide to Airbnb security cameras.)

Internet connected microphones and other recording devices can also be an invasion of a guest’s privacy. After all, you don’t need to hear every conversation in your house – only excessive noise.

Companies like Noiseaware (we have a deal for you) were built specifically for the Airbnb market. This means they work within the regulations and guidelines of the platform. Noiseaware co-founder David Krauss was a former Airbnb host. A party trashed his property and caused over $30,000 in damage! David’s horror story prompted him to envision noise monitoring devices that act like a smoke alarm.

NoiseAware’s sensors are only capable of tracking overall noise levels. Hosts will only be notified when the decibel level reaches a certain level for a sustained period.

Noiseaware isn’t the only option on the market. Here are our other top picks for noise monitoring equipment.

The Best Noise Monitoring Devices

1) Noiseaware, Indoor Noise Monitoring Devices

Price: $199 + $10 monthly monitoring membership
(Get 10% off your Noiseaware Purchase by inputting the coupon code “PASSIVE10”)

Features:

• Plugs into any outlet

• Tamper proof technology

• Quick and easy installation

• FCC & safety certified

• 24/7 monitoring

• Mobile app

2) Noiseaware, Outdoor Noise Monitoring Devices

Price: $298 + $10 monthly monitoring membership
(Get 10% off your Noiseaware Purchase by inputting the coupon code “PASSIVE10”)

Features:

• Battery powered

• 100% weatherproof

• Quick and easy installation

• FCC & Safety Certified

• 24/7 monitoring

• Mobile app

3) Hive Hub 360

Price: 99GBP (only available in UK or on Amazon)

Features:

• Stylish design

• Mobile app

• Identifies specific sounds (including a dog barking, glass breaking, carbon monoxide/smoke alarms)

• Quick and easy installation

4) Amazon Echo/Alexa Guard

Price: From $89 for an Echo Dot & Lighting bundle

Features:

• Enabled only when you tell it you are leaving the house

• Works with the Alexa app

• Works with smart lights to randomize lighting

• Identifies specific sounds

• Quick and easy installation

• Integrates with Ring or ADT security system

One Final Tip for Noise Monitoring Devices

Many noise monitoring devices are inconspicuous to guests so they usually leave it alone and will never know you are monitoring the sound level. However, letting guests know on your property listing that the house has noise control monitoring could act as a deterrent to prevent a party crowd turning up at all.

Make Your Property Even Safer

There’s lots of tech available to help make hosting easier and safer. Smart connected homes like the Alexa bundle are a great way to manage multiple safety concerns. However, you don’t need a smart home to use some of our favorite hosting tech. To get the most out of your hosting opportunities check out my super host checklist of other Airbnb Essentials.