Short-term rental owners in Scottsdale must apply for a city license by Jan. 8
Property owners who offer short-term rentals in Scottsdale must apply for a license with the city by Jan. 8.
Scottsdale estimates 5,000 properties in the city qualify as short-term or vacation rentals, but as of mid-December only about 500 had been licensed. Starting Jan. 9, short-term rentals without a license could be cited a minimum of $1,000.
Scottsdale spokesperson Holly Walter says the requirement came out of a city ordinance passed in October.
“The intention is to really assist owners and managers of short-term vacation rentals to be good neighbors. And it also helps our residents understand what is and isn’t authorized for a short-term rental," Walter said.
Owners that rent properties for less than 30 days must complete a city application, show proof of liability insurance of at least $500,000 and notify neighbors adjacent to and directly and diagonally across from the property.
Last year, Scottsdale leaders required emergency contacts for short-term rentals to respond within an hour and strengthened its nuisance party ordinance after getting numerous complaints from residents.
According to the city's newsletter, owners can "review the requirements and apply for a Scottsdale rental property license at ScottsdaleAZ.gov, search “short-term rental” and "download a step-by-step licensing process guide."
