By Matthew Holloway |

Scottsdale is stepping up enforcement against nuisance parties, illegal events, and criminal activity at short-term rentals after police issued 56 charges and citations linked to the properties in May.

According to a press release from the city, Scottsdale Police responded to 48 nuisance-related calls at short-term rental properties in May, as well as calls involving property crimes, crimes against persons, welfare checks, and other incidents. Officers generated 31 department reports and issued 56 charges and citations during the month.

The Scottsdale Police Department told the Scottsdale Progress that officers responded to 239 calls for service at short-term rental locations between January and March 2026. The department noted that 31% were classified as “nuisance complaints;” 185 charges were filed, and 88% were related to non-compliance.

The city said the May enforcement activity included violations tied to nuisance parties, criminal investigations, and licensing compliance. Scottsdale officials said that, for the first time in recent memory, enforcement actions from active short-term rental incidents exceeded administrative compliance violations.

“We will not allow a small number of bad actors to jeopardize the safety and character of our neighborhoods,” City Manager Greg Caton said. “Residents deserve to feel safe in their homes, and we are committed to using every tool available to address nuisance activity, unlawful events and criminal behavior associated with short-term rentals.”

The enforcement push comes as Scottsdale continues to regulate short-term rentals under its local licensing program. The city stated that all properties offered for rent for less than 30 days require a Scottsdale license, and property owners or operators must obtain a license for each property and comply with safety, health, and neighborhood notification requirements.

Scottsdale’s website states that vacation rentals and short-term rentals are dwelling units rented for less than 30 days to transient guests and are allowed by-right in all residential districts. The city also states that non-residential uses, including retail, restaurant, banquet space, event center, or similar uses, are prohibited.

The city’s release cited a shooting investigation stemming from a party at a short-term rental in the Maya complex as one of the incidents resulting in enforcement action. According to the city, the investigation led to multiple arrests on charges that included aggravated assault, weapons violations, and trespassing.

The property owner was cited for operating without a required city license, while the renter was cited for hosting and promoting a nuisance party and operating an event venue.

Police also responded to multiple large parties involving underage alcohol consumption, investigated assaults and domestic disturbances, and handled several alcohol-related medical emergencies, including incidents requiring hospitalization, the city said.

Scottsdale officials also said two large promoter-sponsored events advertised through social media were identified and stopped before they could occur after coordination between police and property owners.

“Our officers are taking a proactive approach because we know the impact these incidents can have on surrounding neighborhoods,” Police Chief Joe LeDuc said. “When short-term rentals become venues for criminal activity, large disruptive parties or unsafe behavior, we will take enforcement action. Our goal is simple: protect residents, preserve neighborhood quality of life and hold violators accountable.”

Scottsdale’s public guidance for residents says short-term rentals are subject to the same limits as private residences and may not be used for nuisance parties, unlawful gatherings, or criminal activity. The city defines nuisance activity as conduct that exceeds normal residential use and causes serious neighborhood disruption, including large parties, loud amplified music, DJs or live bands, commercial or for-profit events, excessive vehicle traffic, parking problems, or disturbances affecting neighboring properties.

The city’s May 2026 short-term rental newsletter also told owners that short-term rentals must be used as residences, not event venues, and stated that renting a property for a wedding, corporate party, or influencer event is not allowed.

State law limits local regulation of short-term rentals; however, under A.R.S. § 9-500.39, cities and towns may regulate vacation and short-term rentals for public health and safety, nuisance control, and licensing requirements. The statute also prohibits using a vacation rental or short-term rental for nonresidential uses, including special events that would otherwise require a permit or license, retail use, restaurant use, banquet space, or similar uses.

City officials said Scottsdale’s increased enforcement follows years of work by the city’s multidisciplinary Short-Term Rental Working Group, which includes the Police Department, Code Enforcement, Tax and Licensing, Constituent Services, the City Attorney’s Office, and the City Manager’s Office.

Recent efforts have included expanded officer training focused on nuisance-party investigations, improved coordination among city departments, accelerated identification of unlicensed operators, and increased focus on repeat offenders and property owners who fail to comply with licensing requirements, according to the city.

Scottsdale officials said responsible short-term rental operations remain supported in the city, but properties associated with nuisance activity, illegal events, or criminal behavior may face enforcement action.

Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.