Home & From Your Homeowner Liaison

By Kathy Diab SRCA Homeowner Liaison

Short Term Rentals in Scottsdale Ranch

As we all know, Scottsdale Arizona is a sought-after vacation destination. Many Scottsdale Ranch Community owners are now renting out their homes more than ever. Our Short-Term rental leases in single family homes do have restrictions. For these single-family homes in Scottsdale Ranch, our CC&Rs state:

Please note that per Article IV, Section 3(b) of the Third Amended and Restated Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, Restrictions, Assessments, Charges, Servitudes, Liens, Reservations and Easements (Scottsdale Ranch Community Association): o All leases must be in writing and must provide that the terms of the lease are subject in all respects to the provisions of the Association’s Declarations and Rules, and any State, County, or City Rules or Regulations regarding leasing properties. o The lease shall contain a requirement that any violation of the Declaration or the Association Rules, State, County, or City Rules by the lessee or other occupants shall be a default under the lease. o There shall be no subleasing of residential dwelling units or assignments of leases. o An owner may not lease his Lot to more than one Single Family at one time. o An owner may not enter into more than a total of two (2) leases for his Lot during any 365-day period . o All leases must be for a minimum of a thirty (30) day term . No new lease may begin less than thirty (30) days after the start date of the prior lease. No advertisement offering a lease or rental for less than thirty (30) days shall be allowed. All advertising for leasing shall limit leasing to only a Single Family.

Any Owner who leases his Lot and the residential dwelling unit situated thereon must provide the lessee with copies of the Declaration and Association Rules. An Owner who leases or otherwise grants occupancy rights to his Lot to any Person shall be responsible for assuring compliance by the Occupant with all of the provisions of the Declaration, Association Rules and Design Guidelines and shall be jointly and severally responsible for any violations by the Occupant. Violations shall be subject to monetary penalties as determined by the Board of Directors.

What many homeowners don’t know is that Airbnb, VRBO or other short-term rentals would qualify as a “lease” since the host is being paid money (rent) in exchange for allowing a guest to occupy their home. This means that the leasing restrictions in the CC&Rs would apply to short-term rentals.

SCRA takes reports of short-term rentals seriously. We regularly review vacation rental websites and welcome reports from residents who suspect a shortterm rental in their neighborhood. Additionally, the SRCA Board of Directors can impose substantial fines to owners who do not follow the leasing restrictions set in place with the community CC&Rs.

Please keep in mind if you live in a community that is not classified as “Single Family Residential”, the above rules cannot be enforced by SRCA. Please check with your community manager for your sub-association’s rules for short-term rentals.

Please feel free to contact me at the SRCA office with any questions at kdiab@ scottsdaleranch.org or at: 480-860-2022.

By Diane Botica SRCA Architectural Liaison

AC Unit Screening is Mandatory

As the homes are aging in our community, so are the air conditioning units. Many homeowners are having to replace their units. Unfortunately, the new units are taller than the older units; therefore, making the new unit visible. Since the SRCA rules require all mechanical equipment to be screened from view, adjustments to existing screen walls are necessary to conceal the unit. Should you find yourself in this predicament, you will need to submit an architectural application with plans of how you intend to screen the unit.

Below are the rules and the information on what is required to be submitted for a review.

You may also refer to the architectural rules, they are always available on our website. Please visit the architectural page on the association’s website by clicking the “Plan My Project” blue/white house icon on the SRCA homepage at www.scottsdaleranch.org.

Per the Architectural guidelines:

All Authorized Equipment must be screened by screening walls in approved locations in order to conceal it from view of neighboring properties, common areas, streets, and the Lake. Screening walls must have a surface material, texture, and color to match the existing structure and must be integrated architecturally with the design of the building or structure.

To submit for a review, this is what is required in your submittal packet.

• An architectural application filled out and signed.

• A current picture of the front of the house as seen from across the street.

• A drawing showing the screening walls as they will be built with the width, height and length noted on the drawing.

• List the height of the a/c unit.

• If you are adjusting existing screening walls, you will make the drawing, showing the current width, height, and length of the walls.

• Draw the new wall height and list the new wall height.

• State how it will be finished, stucco and painted to match the body.

Please remember…

When in doubt, reach out! Please submit!