Here’s how to handle those disruptive neighbours

I REFER to the letter “BnB is disturbing peace in neighbourhood”

( Views, The Star, Dec 19).

We had a similar situation in our area. A house – a small terrace house in a quiet residential area – was advertised online as being suitable for large groups and parties, resulting in late night parties with loud singing and music which greatly disturbed the peace.

Thankfully, after a word with the house owner and complaints to the website, the operation ceased.

Thus, I would like to advise the letter writer and other readers facing similar situations, if the house owners are uncaring, neighbours should lodge complaints en masse at the website where the house is advertised. There should be a complaints link at such websites.

Additionally, police reports can be lodged during rowdy parties, as excessive noise constitutes a criminal offence under section 13(1) of the Minor Offences Act 1955. Having the police crash each party should result in unfavourable reviews of the property at the rental websites.

Finally, local authorities need to review existing legislations to study the suitability of such premises, enact heavier enforcement action and consequences, and ensure peo- ple looking to make a quick bnb buck do not do so at the expense of the neighbourhood while taking advantage of residential utility rates to run what is essentially a business operation.