Residents in upmarket Sydney beach suburbs are making a fortune on Airbnb by renting out VANS parked in the street - but their neighbours aren't so pleased

  • Some Manly residents have been renting out vans parking in the street on Airbnb
  • Holiday renters may think it a good deal, but the practice has neighbours furious
  • There have been complaints about noise, rubbish and even urination on streets
  • Northern Beaches Council said the practice not allowed and action will be taken

By Sam Duncan For Daily Mail Australia

Published: | Updated:

Residents of a rich beachside suburb have been making a fortune renting out vans on Airbnb, leaving their neighbours furious.

The vans - listed at up to $60 a night - are parked in public spaces in Manly, on Sydney's Northern Beaches, and are in violation of both council and Airbnb rules.

Kyle Mawer, 26, said the situation got so bad he had no choice but to sell his car, as the vans took up all of the parking on his street. 

Residents of a rich beachside suburb have been renting out vans (pictured) on Airbnb, leaving their neighbours furious

Residents of a rich beachside suburb have been renting out vans (pictured) on Airbnb, leaving their neighbours furious

The vans - listed at up to $60 a night - are parked in public spaces in Manly, on Sydney's Northern Beaches, and are in violation of both council and Airbnb rules (pictured is the interior of one of the vans)

The vans - listed at up to $60 a night - are parked in public spaces in Manly, on Sydney's Northern Beaches, and are in violation of both council and Airbnb rules (pictured is the interior of one of the vans)

'If people have a legal parking spot and they want to sleep on the street on their own that's one thing,' he said, A Current Affair reported.

'But when you are making money off it, they are taking advantage of public space.'

As well as taking up valuable parking space in the tourist hotspot, neighbours say the practice is making their suburb unlivable in other ways. 

Holiday renters have been seen urinating in the street outside their wheeled accommodation, and they fill up residents' bins with rubbish.

Noise is another complaint, with locals unable to sleep due to the noise made by people renting the vans. 

Northern Beaches Council CEO Mark Ferguson said the council does not condone the practice, and will take action to prevent it.

Kyle Mawer, 26, said the situation got so bad he had no choice but to sell his car, as the vans took up all of the parking on his street (pictured)

Kyle Mawer, 26, said the situation got so bad he had no choice but to sell his car, as the vans took up all of the parking on his street (pictured)

'We support the concept of Airbnb, as long as its undertaken properly,' he said. 

Sleeping in a private car in the street is legal, but only if road rules are followed and local signage does not prohibit it. 

Airbnb allows mobile homes to be rented, but their website states: 'a mobile home must be parked in a privately-owned space during the reservation'.

When Daily Mail Australia checked Airbnb on Tuesday there were no vans listed as available to rent in Manly.

A spokesperson for Airbnb told Daily Mail Australia: 'All guests, hosts, and listings must adhere to our carefully designed Community Standards.

'Before listing their spaces, hosts should think carefully about their responsibilities and ensure they are in compliance with all local rules and regulations.'

Northern Beaches Council CEO Mark Ferguson said the council does not condone the practice, and will take action to prevent it (pictured is Manly, in Sydney)

Northern Beaches Council CEO Mark Ferguson said the council does not condone the practice, and will take action to prevent it (pictured is Manly, in Sydney)

Sydney

Most watched News videos