How do I know if my neighbor is running an Airbnb?

If you suspect a nearby unit is being used as a short-term rental, there are several telltale signs to watch for. The most obvious is a steady stream of unfamiliar faces carrying suitcases through the lobby or hallway. Unlike a new tenant who moves in once, short-term rental guests rotate every few days, creating a constant cycle of strangers entering and leaving the building.

Another strong indicator is a key lockbox mounted near the front door or on a railing outside. Hosts use these so guests can check themselves in without a face-to-face handoff. You will also notice professional cleaning crews arriving between guest stays, sometimes multiple times per week, which is unusual for a normal residential unit.

Noise patterns also reveal short-term rental activity. Residential neighbors have predictable routines, while rental guests often stay up late, especially on weekends. You might hear luggage wheels rolling down hallways at odd hours, or notice a spike in elevator and hallway traffic on Friday evenings and Sunday mornings.

Other clues include commercial-grade wifi router names visible in your network list (hosts often label them for guest convenience), an uptick in delivery drivers looking for unfamiliar names, and packages or food deliveries left outside the wrong door. Individually, none of these signs are conclusive, but together they paint a clear picture.

If you want data rather than guesswork, BnBDetector confirms what you suspect. Enter the address and see the data. A high BnBIndex score gives you evidence you can share with building management or local authorities.