Airbnb for Swimming Pools Needs to Be Controlled, 100 People Parties and DJs, Says Cranston Councilman

Airbnb for Swimming Pools Needs to Be Controlled, 100 People Parties and DJs, Says Cranston Councilman

If you visit the website Swimply, you can rent a swimming pool at a private home and hold your own party for up to 30 friends.

According to Swimply, there is at least one pool in Cranston that can be rented for $75 an hour — complete with bathroom access and parking.

While the pool rental offers summer fun for those without a pool, it could become a bit of a nightmare for neighbors.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

Now,  Cranston City Councilman Frank Ritz claims he is “working with the City of Cranston to take immediate action against residential properties that are operating as commercial pool rental venues, saying the practice is disrupting neighborhoods and raising serious concerns about zoning, public safety, and quality of life.”

Over the past several weeks, Ritz has received numerous complaints from residents about homes being advertised on online platforms such as Swimply and rented for large parties. Neighbors have reported excessive traffic, loud music, overcrowding, parking problems, and repeated disturbances that extend well beyond what would normally be expected in a residential neighborhood.

“Our neighborhoods should not be turned into commercial short-term event rentals,” Ritz said. “Families purchase homes in residential areas expecting peace and quiet—not a revolving door of strangers arriving for paid parties every weekend.”

One of the properties that Ritz cites as an ongoing problem is 141 Alpine Estates Drive. He said it is a property owned by Judith Perez, the owner of the Providence Club Lovera VIP, the Providence Club that has been before the Providence Board of Licenses for numerous issues. 

He says that neighbors of the property have said that as many as 100 people have attended parties complete with DJs.

She is the sister of Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez.

Another property in Cranston that is presently being marketed on the Swimply website is offered by “Carmen,” and she claims the pool she is offering is in the Garden City neighborhood. 

“Come enjoy a fun and memorable day at our luxurious private pool in the desirable Garden City area, conveniently located near all major highways. Skip the beach traffic and long drive to Massachusetts, and relax in a beautiful backyard setting,” writes Carmen on Swimply.

“Our space includes internet access, a private changing area, lounge chairs, a grill, refrigerators, pool toys, and a spacious grass area for outdoor games like cornhole, soccer, and hula hoops. In the evening, enjoy the cozy outdoor fire pit area, perfect for toasting marshmallows,” she adds.

Carmen in Cranston is just one of the people marketing their property on Swimply. Multiple properties across Rhode Island have listed their pools on Swimply, including towns like Scituate, East Greenwich, and Johnston, to name a few.

One of the pools listed is the East Greenwich property, which is an indoor pool at $100 per hour.

Ritz is urging the city to conduct a comprehensive review of these properties to determine whether they comply with Cranston’s zoning ordinances, licensing requirements, health regulations, fire safety standards, occupancy limits, and any other applicable local and state laws.

“Using Swimply is not illegal, but when someone is collecting money to host large gatherings at a home on a regular basis, legitimate questions need to be answered,” Ritz said. “Are they operating within our zoning laws? Are health and safety regulations being followed? Are neighbors being protected? These questions deserve answers.”

Ritz said he has already contacted the City Solicitor and requested that the appropriate departments investigate properties that have generated repeated complaints from residents.

“This is about fairness and protecting our neighborhoods,” Ritz added. “If someone wants to operate a business, they should do so in accordance with the law. Residents should not have to sacrifice their quality of life because a residential property is effectively being used as a commercial event venue.”

Ritz encouraged residents experiencing repeated disturbances related to commercial pool rentals to report them, so the city has a complete record of ongoing issues. “Current ordinances already provide tools to address nuisance properties and unauthorized commercial activities. If gaps exist, I am prepared to work with the Administration and my colleagues to strengthen codes."

“Our responsibility as city officials is to protect the character of our neighborhoods and ensure that our ordinances are enforced consistently. I intend to continue pushing until residents receive the answers and action they deserve.”