Airbnb suspends, removes listings for 50 party houses across Arizona — most in Phoenix and Scottsdale

Airbnb has suspended or removed 50 short-term rental listings in Arizona that have received complaints or violated its policies related to parties and events. 

The move comes as the vacation rental company announced on Wednesday that it has taken enforcement action on party houses throughout the state. 

"While the vast majority of hosts in Arizona take important steps to prevent unauthorized parties ... our actions today address the small minority of hosts who have previously received warnings about hosting responsibly," the company said in a statement on Wednesday.

Most of the problem homes were in the Valley

The suspensions were communicated to the hosts beginning last Friday and through the weekend. More than two-thirds of the impacted listings were in Maricopa County, according to Airbnb spokesperson Ben Breit.

The suspensions and removals impacted listings in the following Arizona communities: Antler Crest Estates, Bisbee, Chandler, Flagstaff, Lake Havasu City, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sedona, Surprise, Tempe and Tucson.

Phoenix and Scottsdale had the most homes cited, Breit said. 

The move comes as neighbors across the state have been grappling with the consequences of a 2017 state law that restricts how cities and towns can regulate short-term rentals.

Airbnb steps in to enforce amid coronavirus pandemic

Residents have raised complaints about more noise, trash and traffic in their neighborhoods since the 2017 state law expanded protections for short-term rentals.

Last year, after mounting complaints from neighbors and cities, Gov. Doug Ducey signed a bill allowing more regulations. Rental operators could no longer host weddings or large events, and must provide contact information for someone who can respond to complaints.

But some cities have had difficulty enforcing their own local ordinances related to noise and occupancy.

Last year, Airbnb implemented a 24/7 hotline for neighbors to call and report complaints about parties or disturbances.

In May, the company issued a warning to hosts and guests saying that parties would be prohibited while social distancing guidelines remained in place throughout the state.

And on Wednesday, the company announced it was officially enforcing that policy.

Issues raised by Arizonans through the company's hotline led directly to many of the listing suspensions announced on Wednesday, the company said.

“It’s critical for hosts to prioritize safety and ensure their guests are behaving in a way that respects the public’s health,” said John Choi, Arizona Public Policy Director for Airbnb. “We know that there is more work to be done, and we ask that neighbors of properties allowing irresponsible behavior contact us as soon as possible through our Neighborhood Support Hotline and help us effectively enforce our party house ban.”

Neighbors who are concerned about a party or disturbance at an Airbnb nearby can call 1-855-635-7754 to report an issue.

Have a question about an Airbnb in your neighborhood? Reach the reporter Lorraine Longhi at llonghi@gannett.com or 480-243-4086. Follow her on Twitter @lolonghi.

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