Scottsdale Residents Rally for Homes, Not Hotels: They’re Worried About Short-Term Rentals!
**SCOTTSDALE, AZ** – In Scottsdale, vacation rentals (Short-Term Rental) are a hot topic. While they attract tourists, many locals are feeling the strain. Signs saying Homes, Not Hotels are popping up in neighborhoods close to Old Town Scottsdale. Meg Dingmann, a local resident, has one of these signs in her yard and another that declares: Short Term Rentals Ruin Neighborhoods. She reminisces about her neighborhood’s modest homes that used to be perfect starter houses for young families. Now, there are over 20 short-term rentals nearby—mostly empty and owned by investors.
Dingmann points out that while people talk about a housing shortage, it might just be an issue of availability. Records show 20 short-term rentals in an area called Peaceful Valley, but she’s not alone in feeling disrupted by them. John Washington adds that just one noisy rental can spoil your day or night. Long-time homeowners like him say the new rentals bring loud parties every weekend and even golf balls flying into their yards! One neighbor had to board up her windows due to worries about damage from those wayward balls.
Privacy is another concern for Washington. He mentions the neighborhood’s rules against building anything taller than two stories but worries that new constructions might push those boundaries and invade neighbors’ privacy with high windows or rooftop patios.
Crime is on their minds too; residents report thefts and drug use connected to some of these rentals which makes them feel unsafe because they can’t tell who’s staying there.
The issues started after a state law passed in 2016 that prevents cities from banning vacation rentals entirely. Washington explains they’re trying to reinstate some local rules instead of letting things run wild.
Brent Stockwell, Scottsdale’s Assistant City Manager, explained that under state law, short-term rentals can exist almost anywhere unless restricted by private agreements like deed restrictions. The city is working with other towns on legislation aimed at addressing the problems linked with these rentals while advocating for stricter regulations like those before the state law change.
For residents facing issues with nearby short-term rentals, detailed guidance on how to address concerns is available on the city’s website along with a Good Neighbor Guide.
Stockwell also reminds everyone that legal activities at regular homes—like gatherings or playing music at reasonable volumes—are also allowed at short-term rentals unless stated otherwise by private rules.
Despite a drop in stays (down 5.7% from last year), these properties still generated $15.6 million in tax revenue for FY 2023-24—a slight increase from the previous year—and motels contributed $43.7 million during the same period.
To tackle issues related to short-term rentals more effectively, Scottsdale police have created a special unit focusing on this area and issued 738 charges last fiscal year—a jump from just 25 charges previously!
Over Labor Day weekend alone, police responded to multiple calls about noise complaints at rental properties resulting in three citations for various violations including nuisance parties and underage drinking.
Airbnb has not commented directly on local claims but emphasizes its global party ban policy aimed at preventing disruptive events at its listings; guests violating this could face account penalties. Since implementing this policy back in 2020, Airbnb has seen over a 50% drop globally in party reports!
Vrbo also stresses guests must check if events are allowed before booking any property and have measures to protect hosts and communities from unruly gatherings.