Scottsdale Short-Term Rental Guide
Scottsdale, Arizona · United States
Sun, golf, and spring training make Scottsdale a top winter STR market — and Arizona's state law keeps it relatively host-friendly. Here's the playbook.
Scottsdale is one of the most popular short-term rental markets in the Southwest, driven by golf, spa resorts, bachelorette parties, and Cactus League spring training. Arizona law limits how far cities can restrict short-term rentals, keeping the market comparatively host-friendly — though Scottsdale has added licensing and good-neighbor requirements. This guide covers both sides of a great stay.
For hosts: the rules
Arizona state law restricts cities from banning short-term rentals, but Scottsdale requires a local license, proof of insurance, an emergency contact, and enforces strict noise/nuisance rules.
- Obtain a Scottsdale short-term rental license and a state Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license.
- Provide proof of liability insurance and a local emergency contact.
- Collect and remit state and city transaction privilege (sales) and lodging taxes.
- Follow strict noise and nuisance ordinances — party houses are heavily penalized.
Always verify locally: Arizona is relatively host-friendly, but Scottsdale's licensing and nuisance rules carry real penalties. Confirm current license requirements before listing. This is general information, not legal advice.
For hosts: demand & seasonality
Strongly seasonal: winter and spring are peak (snowbirds, golf, spring training), summer is low due to heat. Pools are close to mandatory.
Peak: January–April, especially spring training (Feb–Mar)
Demand-spiking events
Where to stay: neighborhoods
Old Town Scottsdale
Nightlife, galleries, walkable dining
Best for: Groups, bachelorette, nightlife
North Scottsdale
Resorts, golf, desert views
Best for: Golfers, couples, luxury
McCormick Ranch
Lakes, family-friendly, central
Best for: Families, longer stays
Downtown Arts District
Galleries, ThursdayArtWalk, restaurants
Best for: Culture, couples
For guests: local recommendations
Do this once
- Sunrise hike at Camelback or Pinnacle Peak
- A desert botanical garden visit
- Old Town happy hour crawl
Eat & drink
- Southwestern and Sonoran cuisine
- A resort brunch
- Old Town rooftop bars
Desert & golf
- Book a tee time early
- Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix)
- Hot-air balloon at sunrise
Questions guests always ask
When does it get too hot to be outside?
Summer highs regularly top 105°F+. Do hikes and outdoor plans at sunrise, and lean on the pool midday. Winter and spring are gorgeous all day.
What's the best easy hike with a view?
Pinnacle Peak is well-maintained and moderate; Camelback is more strenuous. Go early, bring more water than you think, and wear real shoes.
Is Old Town walkable at night?
Yes — Old Town's bars and restaurants are compact and walkable, which is why it's popular with groups. Rideshare back if you're staying in North Scottsdale.
Answer every one of these Scottsdale questions for guests — automatically, 24/7, in any language.
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