Information for Residents and Neighborhoods

Some short-term/vacation rental properties present challenges with noise and activity that is disruptive to Scottsdale's neighborhoods. State law severely limits the city's ability to regulate these properties.

Understanding Short-Term Rental Nuisance Activity

Short-term rentals are intended to function as residential properties, and under Arizona law, they have the same legal standing as any other residence. Guests staying at a short-term rental are permitted to engage in normal residential activities that would reasonably occur at a traditional home.

Examples of typical residential use may include families using a backyard pool, small gatherings, dinner parties, or guests celebrating birthdays, holidays or special occasions. While these activities may occasionally generate noise, they do not automatically constitute a nuisance or violation. In these situations, residents are encouraged to first contact the property manager, owner or emergency contact listed for the property to address concerns directly.

A nuisance event generally occurs when activity exceeds what would be considered normal residential use and causes a serious disruption to the surrounding neighborhood. Examples may include:

• Large parties or events with excessive attendance
• Loud amplified music, DJs or live bands
• Commercial or for-profit events
• Excessive vehicle traffic or parking issues
• Disturbances that significantly disrupt neighboring properties

For example, a gathering of several families celebrating a retirement or hosting a bridal shower at a residence may be considered a lawful residential activity if conducted reasonably. However, if the event includes large speakers, amplified entertainment, or excessive noise impacting the surrounding area, it may rise to the level of a nuisance event.

Similarly, renting a property specifically to host a large party, promote an event, or conduct a commercial activity is not considered a lawful residential use of a short-term rental and should be reported to police.

Noise complaints should generally be directed first to the property manager or owner unless the activity presents an immediate or serious neighborhood disruption. After 10 p.m., Scottsdale’s noise standards require outdoor activity to remain at conversational volume levels. Excessive noise that disrupts neighboring residents may result in enforcement action.

The number of people at a property alone does not determine whether a violation exists. Enforcement is based on the nature of the activity, the level of disruption, and whether the use remains consistent with normal residential living.

What is and is not allowed at a short-term rental property?

The city empathizes with residents dealing with disruptive noise and behavior that can occur at short-term rental properties. However - it's important for residents to understand that:

Activities that are legal at your private residence are also legal at a short-term rental, such as hosting gatherings, enjoying outside activities, playing music at a reasonable volume and using on-street parking (unless there are private restrictions in place).

Short-term rentals (the same as with private residences) are not allowed to be used for nuisance parties, unlawful gatherings, or other criminal activity.

• A nuisance party is a social activity that causes substantial neighborhood disturbance, including excessive noise and traffic, public drunkenness, and disturbances of the peace and litter.
  Read Scottsdale's Nuisance Parties & Unlawful Gatherings Ordinance (SRC 18-121)
• Excessive noise is an activity or gathering that disturbs the peace or quiet of a residence or neighborhood from the perspective of a reasonable person of normal sensibilities, such as:
• Sound levels so loud it wakes you from sleep
• Sound levels that prevent you from watching television inside your home

What can I do if I’m having an issue with a short-term rental in my neighborhood?

Please note that reporting the same issue in multiple places simultaneously will not generate a quicker response – in fact it can slow the responses as staff work to clarify and collaborate on which issues need to be addressed.

When the people at a rental property are disturbing you through unreasonable noise, illegal parking, or other activity

• Contact the rental’s emergency contact or owner. Emergency contact and rental owner information can be found at: STR.ScottsdaleAZ.gov.
• In many cases, property managers may not be aware of a disturbance or gathering taking place at the property and can often resolve concerns quickly by contacting the guests directly. Maintaining open and respectful communication helps support positive neighborhood relationships and can lead to faster resolutions without the need for police involvement. Property managers are responsible for helping ensure guests understand and follow community expectations while staying at a short-term rental.

If calling the emergency contact does not resolve the problem with behavior of the occupants of a rental property:

• Contact the Scottsdale Police Non-Emergency Line at 480-312-5000.

  Note: Police calls are prioritized based on the level of immediate emergency. Because nuisance parties and excess noise don’t usually meet the criteria of a high-priority call, it may be a little while before an officer responds.

When a property is operating without a license, or for issues with the property like lighting, overflowing trash, litter, or general maintenance and upkeep

• Report property violations online via Scottsdale EZ or call Scottsdale Code Enforcement at 480-312-2546.

  Note: Code Enforcement complaints are usually addressed within two business days.

This Good Neighbor Guide for Scottsdale residents and neighborhoods contains helpful information for residents who want to know more about the laws that apply to short-term and vacation rentals.