‘I wanted my children to grow up here’: how Airbnb is ruining local communities in north Wales

‘I wanted my children to grow up here’: how Airbnb is ruining local communities in north Wales

2 years ago
Anonymous $33nAR-2OaA

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/aug/10/i-wanted-my-children-to-grow-up-here-how-airbnb-is-ruining-local-communities-in-north-wales

Families in Gwynedd county are being evicted as swathes of property are converted to short-term rentals for the tourism industry – and the situation being played out across the country. Can anything be done to help?

Sitting at her kitchen table, a shellshocked Cherylyn Houston reflects on an ordeal that is finally over. It all started in September 2021. Houston, a 42-year-old secondary school teacher, opened the door to find her landlady on her doorstep. “She said: ‘I’m really sorry. My circumstances have changed and I need to give you six months’ notice. I can get four times as much money on Airbnb and I’d like you to leave, ideally by March, so I can start the new season.’”