Would you change your hosting if is happening?

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The good of it, was free reign for STR's. The bad, was that the few are now ruining it for the many. City's are beginning to crack down heavily on STR's and Scottsdale is already enacting new ordinances, limiting the number of guests you can host and fines starting at $1200 increasing to $2500 should the police visit due to a complaint. I've reached out to neighbors and they have my contact information. What would you do? Take the chance and allow larger #'s to continue to book, or limit your earnings by reducing the # allowed?

For those of you Scottsdale - be careful, I doubt this is going to be a threat, there's just a lot of community pressure.

Thanks for the input!

Mike

P.S. Hi All, long time no post, sorry! I've taken on another gig and I've had little time to post, let alone review and respond.

For those of you Scottsdale - be careful, I doubt this is going to be a threat, there's just a lot of community pressure.

Thanks for the input!

Mike

P.S.  Hi All, long time no post, sorry! I've taken on another gig and I've had little time to post, let alone review and respond.

Patricia Steiner · Answer

With a strong hotel lobby here in Florida, many/most municipalities have enacted zoning to prohibit a property from being rented out more than 3 times a year. In communities were it is allowed, it is continuously a target of neighbors and police for a whole lot of good reasons unfortunately. And - you won't like this - but I blame the owner/PM. My clients and I have found that you get higher quality guests - and better behaved - if you ban parties and unregistered guests to the property. This alone eliminates those who are just planning an all out blow out that will result in fines, police being called, and your neighbors filing code enforcement complaints against you. If they want to have a family reunion at the property while they are staying, they need to arrange it beforehand with the host. Basically our policy is come, enjoy the property without intruding on anyone else (peaceful use), see all that our city has to offer, and see you next visit. If more owners would raise their standards for guests, we could enjoy the financial rewards that STRs provide without ensuring its extinction.

Thank you for raising such an important and timely issue in our industry.

Melanie Johnston · Answer

@Michael Greenberg Thanks for your response. 4416 is referenced in my last bullet above, the need to let the city know who is in charge in case they are called to the house. I personally am able to avoid an issues on the nuisance party ordinance by catering to quiet retired couples who pay beaucoup bucks to spend at least 30 days at my rental. As someone who lives near a rowdier STR, both of those ordinances are needed.

Melanie Johnston · Answer

@Michael Greenberg As someone who also operates a Scottsdale STR and who attends countless attorney-led CE courses on the latest in STR legislation, etc., I've learned that if you abide by current laws, do not become a "party house" attracting large crowds that disturb your neighbors and cap your guest count at 6 (the limit in Scottsdale, which very few people realize), you have the best chance of operating without interference. Wishing you a successful high season!

Melanie

Paul Sandhu · Answer

This is my portable cookout setup. 10' trailer with a ramp gate. 2 grills with side burners.  Not pictured is the keg of beer in an ice tub.  You can see the tub in the bed of the truck.  I use a CO2 dispensing system.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I would never recommend breaking the law. If you're building your business by cheating, you are going to fail.

One of the dangers if short-term rentals is that it's a fairly new market, promulgated by a new technology. The technology could change, demand could change, the market can become saturated, or the established hotel industry could buy off politicians and kill the market.

If the law changes, obey it. Be prepared to pivot, if need be. I like the idea of STR but want houses that I know will still produce if the market changes.

John Underwood · Answer

So if it is legal with a certain number of guests then I would operate within these rules and continue having a good relationship ship with your neighbors. If you live in the area maybe have a cookout and in it's your neighbors. If they know you and like you they will be less likely to call the police if there is  problem and just call you.

Melanie Johnston · Answer

@Colleen F. It’s interesting to note that it says “all dwelling units,” including STRs, have a 6 adult limit in Scottsdale.On parties...no limits that I’m aware of, although they probably exist.

Colleen F. · Answer

@Melanie Johnston  Thanks, this in enlightening,  so it is specific to short term rentals.    I think I tied the comment to your party house statement and thought you were talking about a party ordinance limiting guests. It is good to see how other areas regulate their STR.

Michael Greenberg · Answer

Thanks for the input Melanie!  There are new ordinances within the city of Scottsdale, specifically ordinance 4416 and 4417 that are adding additional restrictions beyond what the standard restrictions.  Worth a look and review to understand the additional risk.

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