All the following are allegations, which might fall short in evidence in a court of law. But the allegations are the authors’ true beliefs and our way of telling our story. We try to reflect the facts as we see it as good as possible. We are happy to amend and include any corrections one needs for the story to be more accurate and representative.

Summary

A family in Canberra, including their dog and young child, has been forced to sleep in a caravan due to disturbances from a neighbouring Airbnb property. A loud "trumpet-like" noise, caused by a faulty gas system, disrupts their sleep and causes distress, with the noise measured at 90–100 decibels. The gas system of the neighbour has been confirmed to leak, posing safety risks. The noise has severely affected the family's dog, causing pain and fear, as verified by a vet.

Despite complaints, authorities and the property owner have not resolved the issue, citing limited enforcement powers. While Airbnb quickly deactivated the listing for a bit over a week only, local regulators have not stopped the gas leak or noise.

We are calling for stricter regulation enforcement, penalties for illegal Airbnb operations, and better protection for residents and animals. They have launched a petition to gather support for these measures. Your support is kindly appreciated! 

Long story

Since the start of this year my family, including our 2-year-old son and our 7-year-old dog, Soraya, have been driven to sleep in a caravan, to avoid incessant disturbances caused by a neighbouring commercial Air BnB property.

One of the more concerning issues for us has been a loud ‘trumpet’ like noise, appearing to come from the property’s hot water gas system. This noise is unpredictable, occurs day or night and is so loud it will wake us from our sleep. Furthermore, we expected a gas leak at the property based on the dog's behaviour.

Hear the disturbing noise created every so often yourself and the DbA max calculated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimated measurements show noise to be 90-100 DbA at least as this was not the loudest trumpet we heard.

The Government gas inspector measured and concluded that there is “definitively a gas leak at the property”….”potentially hazardous if a room fills inside with gas”….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unfortunately, this noise or gas leak has been causing significant changes in our dog’s behaviour. Although the noises started back in March 2023, since the Christmas period the noises became more frequent. After one troubling evening our dog was triggered by the ongoing noise and became restless, erratic, was shaking and refused to come into her home or go into her backyard. Her behaviour was like dogs would behave with fireworks or thunderstorms. Only our dog has never been afraid of fireworks or thunderstorms.

Now Soraya is afraid of the painful trumpet noise reoccuring:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture: dog distressed and hiding under desk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a couple of sleepless nights, we had a vet come to our home and she concluded that the loud noises generated by the neighbour's appliance is causing our dog pain and distress. The vet determined the loud faulty system next door is causing her pain and suffering (like us sitting beside the engine of a fighter jet going off every so often). As such noise levels above 90 decibels are already extremely loud for a dog. Additionally, Soraya hears also frequencies we cannot hear and therefore we can only assume that she reacts before we even hear the noises and that there could be other painful frequencies generated by the faulty appliances. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To minimise the chances that our dog hears these noises we have been driven to sleep in our caravan which is well insulated while playing white noise to mask any loud noises from the neighbouring property. She is also medicated for the recent traumatising events.

Dogs detecting gas leaks has been reported before and is claimed to be superior to measuring equipment in place (see “Can Dogs Detect Gas Leaks?” and “Dog That Won’t Stop Digging Saves Entire Neighborhood After They Find Dangerous Gas Leak Underground”).

But this is no way to live?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since 2023, my pleas and some neighbour’s pleas to the owner and host to end this nuisance seem to have fallen on deaf ears. For example, I have made several requests to stop alleged nuisance and informed that them that they are causing pain to my dog. Unfortunately, nothing seems to have happened as the noises continue.

Residential zones RZ3 in Canberra are meant for peaceful coexistence and not for commercial profit making on the burden and at the expense of neighbours. Yet, it seems more profitable for some to operate an Airbnb and blatantly disregard the welfare of their neighbours' and legislations covering noise, pollution and use of the land.

Airbnb was a service designed to bring people together, focusing on hospitality and cultural exchange, not to destroy residential realms with commercial profit making.

We have often stayed in Airbnb’s as they offer many dog friendly accommodation options. We also acknowledge that special occasions which can take place in Airbnb’s but should not affect neighbours every night. We have also met lovely guests staying in the neighbouring property and acknowledge that after speaking to one of the occupants, realise that they may not even realise the types of sounds coming from the property.

However, notwithstanding the above, we feel the host and owner fall short of respect and human decency to quickly address and remedy neighbours' legitimate concerns affecting their right to reasonably enjoy their land. Whatever one could expect from a respectful neighbour we need to allow for an Airbnb as well, but not if the behaviour and interference in neighbouring properties extends beyond that. 

What can the authorities do? Not much. After the EPA measured and concluded there is a gas leak somewhere on the property. We were advised they only can advise owner to fix it but cannot even turn of the gas. Seems the necessary powers fall short for the regulator and a neighbour can blow up a neighbourhood and nobody can do anything about it? Sure after he caused injury the police can take steps… but that is a bit late.

Airbnb showed incredible company accountability and took this Airbnb within hours of notification offline; whereas the regulator is still letting the neighbour leaking gas. We like to thank and believe Airbnb has shown to take exceptional care of the community when they were made aware of the matter.

Regulations are in place, but we experienced they fall woefully short in being enforced within a reasonable time to limit the neighbours and the animals immediate suffering. If there was swift enforcement action, we wouldn’t turn to sleeping in our caravan!

We propose the following:

• Airbnb properties in Canberra should be treated as commercial accommodations and only allowed in certain planning zones (areas where high noise pollution is expected and not in quiet residential neighbourhoods).
• Commercial accommodations should not be approved in residential zones like RZ3.
• The ACT should enforce the immediate termination of wrongly used Crown leaseholds and impose fines on unapproved Airbnb’s causing harm, torment, and distress to neighbours, including animals.
• Income generated by unapproved commercial accommodations should be seized by the authorities when there is a blatant disregard for the law.
• Dangerous situations, such as gas leaks, should be penalized with high fines and offenses to prevent harm to residents. Gas inspectors should be given the necessary powers under the legislation to turn off gas if a leak is confirmed. The relevant regulations should be implemented immediately.
• Any complaints concerning animal welfare should be promptly and properly investigated by Domestic Animal Services.

In relation to the last point, we made a complaint to Domestic Animal Services but were told that animal cruelty cannot be substantiated. It seems odd to us that one can inflict pain on a dog (deliberately or recklessly) and that should be okay. Animal cruelty must include an immediate risk to psychological animal well being too. Is only pain inflicted by kicking prevented but it is okay to inflict pain by specific noise?

It's time regulators took active steps towards enforcing peace and noise limits in residential suburbs and the alleged unlawful operation of commercial accommodation. 

Please sign this petition and help join us in restoring our residential neighbourhoods back to what they were initially designed (and zoned) to be.

Update 10 February 2025

We are thrilled to share the wonderful news that we’ve gotten our home, our castle, back for some time. Your incredible support has made this possible, and we are deeply grateful to each and every one of you.

Here's a quick update on what has transpired in the meantime:

- We received heartfelt support from over 166 individuals in a short timeframe. Thank you all so dearly!

- Our neighbour has fixed the gas leak, caused by some loose screws, and replaced the hot water gas system that was making “trumpet” noises.

- We moved back into our home on January 18, 2025, and have not heard the distressing noise since then. Soraya took about a week to readjust, but she is now back to her old self, sleeping well. Both our baby and dog are happily enjoying the garden again.

- Airbnb relisted the property on January 15, 2025, and it has been rented out again. Unfortunately, Airbnb did not show much concern and closed the matter without informing us.

- The neighbour is aware of the excessive noise from the air conditioner, but it has not been fixed so far. He mentioned that he would move back into the property in February 2025. If this is true, the Airbnb noise and torment should cease for some time.

- We informed the following Ministers (Michael Pettersson, Andrew Braddock, Tara Cheyne MLA, Leanne Castley MLA) about the issue. Andrew Braddock from the Greens contacted us, visited our location, and showed his support for a caring neighbourhood. We thank Andrew for his community engagement and the time he spent on this.

- The last email we received from Access Canberra on January 14, 2025, included the following assessment:

Upon reviewing your concerns, we have identified multiple regulatory matters. We understand that you have already submitted the following cases, which are currently being assessed by the relevant business units:

• AC-01014981 regarding the gas leak

• AC-01014459 about the noise emanating from the kitchen vent

• AC-01017222 about the gas leak causing a safety issue for Airbnb patrons

• AC-01014944 about the amplified noise from the property

We have not received any updates or outcomes on these matters. What remains unresolved is that this situation could happen anywhere in Canberra to any homeowner or renter, as Airbnb’s are treated like any other rental by the Planning Authority, sometimes even better. Our home, our castle, can turn into a nightmare in no time.

We are fortunate that our neighbour eventually fixed the issues after more than a year of torment. On that note, we will send our concerns to the relevant Minister, Chris Steel, MLA, in hopes that others won't have to endure what we did.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Update 28 April 2025

There were no further issues with our neighbour and the Airbnb since the last update.

I also thank Leanne Castley MLA and James Milligan MLA for enquiring on the issue of our neighbourhood and their engagement in the matter by offering to follow up with the relevant Minister.

Finally, our neighbour decided to sell their property, and we are looking forward to welcoming our new neighbours in our lovely neighbourhood soon.

Therefore, I thank all again for the support, welcome our new neighbours, wish our old neighbours all the best, and enjoy our lovely neighbourhood again!

Best regards,

Your Neighbour

--------- Email sent to Steel MLA on 28 April 2025 ----------
Subject: Petition concerning the impact of Airbnb’s in residential areas and recommendations 

Dear Chris Steel MLA,

Please find below a petition concerning the impact of Airbnb’s in residential areas and some additional recommendations for consideration from our neighbourhood.

https://www.change.org/Our_home_our_castle_gone

Summary

A family in Canberra, including their dog and young child, were forced to sleep in a caravan due to disturbances from a neighbouring Airbnb property from 28 December 24 to 18 January 2025.

A loud "trumpet-like" noise, caused by a faulty gas system at the Air BnB, disrupted sleep and caused distress, with the noise measured at allegedly 90–100 decibels. The gas system was confirmed to leak, posing safety risks. The noise severely affected the family's dog, causing pain and fear, as verified by a vet.

Despite complaints, authorities did not resolve the issue, citing limited enforcement powers. While Airbnb quickly deactivated the listing for a bit over a week (only!), local regulators had no power to stop the gas leak or noise.

Our neighbour fixed the issues in the end (gas leak and faulty gas unit causing excessive noise) and, gladly, we did not have any issues since February from the said property.

But, a similar story could still happen to other families in Canberra.

We are therefore calling for stricter regulation, enforcement, penalties for recklessly operating Airbnb’s, and better protection for neighbouring residents and animals.

We propose the following:

Airbnb properties in Canberra should be treated as commercial accommodation and only allowed in certain planning zones (areas where high noise pollution is expected and not in quiet residential neighbourhoods).
The ACT should enforce the immediate termination of wrongly used Crown leaseholds and impose fines on unapproved Airbnb’s causing harm, torment, and distress to neighbours, including animals.
Income generated by unapproved commercial accommodations should be seized by the authorities when there is a blatant disregard for the law.
Commercial accommodations (such as Airbnb’s) should not be approved in residential zones, like RZ3.
Dangerous situations, such as not immediately fixing gas leaks, should be penalised with fines and offenses to prevent harm to residents. Gas inspectors should be given the necessary powers under the legislation to turn off gas if a leak is confirmed. The relevant regulations should be implemented immediately.
Any complaints concerning animal welfare should be promptly and properly investigated by Domestic Animal Services.
It's time to take active steps towards enforcing peace and effectively noise limits in residential suburbs and considering the severe impact of operation of commercial accommodation in a quiet suburb.

Kind regards,

------

Pending response - Will be posted as soon as we receive a response on the recommendations.