Dear Supporters,
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.
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.