Scottsdale Steps Up Enforcement and Oversight to Curb Short-Term Rental Nuisances

Scottsdale is coordinating enforcement, public education and work with property owners to address short-term rental concerns and protect neighborhood quality of life.

Scottsdale’s short-term rental response includes representatives from the City Manager’s Office, Police Department, City Attorney’s Office, Code Enforcement, Planning, Solid Waste, Tax & Licensing and Water. The city’s efforts are centered on four areas: targeted enforcement, public education and reporting awareness, owner and stakeholder engagement, and technology and accountability tools.

From January 2026 to August 2026, Scottsdale police officers have responded to 665 calls for service at short-term rental properties. From June through August, officers responded to 238 calls at STRs, with 28% categorized as nuisance-related. In August, 20 of the city’s 96 nuisance calls occurred at short-term rental locations.

Enforcement activity also remains significant. Since the beginning of the year, officers have filed 460 charges at STR locations, including 359 related to non-compliance. Non-compliance charges increased 46% during June through August compared with the previous three-month period. At the same time, total STR calls for service declined 23% from July to August.

“Our goal is straightforward, protect Scottsdale neighborhoods, hold problem properties accountable and make sure residents know their concerns are being addressed,” Police Chief Joe LeDuc said. “Most short-term rentals operate without significant problems, but when a property creates repeated public safety or quality-of-life concerns, we will respond and use the tools available to us.”

The city is also working directly with property owners, rental platforms and state and local partners. Recent efforts include coordination with Airbnb representatives and support for legislative proposals that would provide municipalities additional tools to regulate short-term rentals. Concepts under discussion include increased licensing fees, clarification of STR liens and definitions.

In August, Scottsdale received 90 new STR applications, processed 87 renewal requests and issued 199 licenses. The city currently has 2,966 active short-term rental licenses and collected $9,000 in penalty fines during the month.

Several August incidents also highlighted the public safety challenges associated with some rental properties. In one case, officers stopped a vehicle leaving an STR following a report of individuals displaying firearms. Officers recovered two rifles and two automatic handguns, and four occupants were arrested on weapons-related charges. Officers also responded to a medical overdose call and a separate pool-barrier concern at STR properties.

City Manager Greg Caton said Scottsdale will continue working across departments and with state leaders to strengthen accountability while balancing the rights of property owners and residents.

Residents may report short-term rental licensing or compliance concerns by email. For incidents requiring a police response, call the Scottsdale Police Department’s nonemergency line at 480-312-5000.

To learn more about vacation and short-term rentals in Scottsdale at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “short term rentals.”