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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Mesa, AZ

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals in Mesa are permitted only with a City-issued license for residential lodging of 29 days or less. Owners must designate a 24/7 emergency contact, notify neighbors within 200 feet prior to renting, maintain at least $500,000 in liability insurance, and provide a valid Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Apply online via the City’s DIMES/Accela portal, providing owner info, the unit's Arizona TPT license number, and emergency contact details. 2) Pay the $250 non-refundable fee per rental unit. 3) Once issued, the license must be renewed annually at least 45 days before expiration.

Regulatory Updates — Mesa

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedSeptember 2022

Arizona STR Preemption Law (ARS 9-500.39)

State law prevents Mesa from banning STRs or imposing owner-occupancy requirements. City enforcement limited to noise, safety, and nuisance violations.

PassedAugust 2024

Mesa City Privilege License Compliance Drive

City reminded all STR operators to maintain current city privilege license; non-compliance fines enforced. State TPT license also required and must be current.

PassedJune 2025

Mesa HOA STR Conflict Resolution Guidance

City issued guidance clarifying that private HOA CC&R restrictions can further limit STR use beyond town requirements. Operators advised to review governing documents before listing.

Official Resources

Official Mesa STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Arizona Short Term Rental AssociationStatewide

Statewide advocacy organization representing Arizona STR operators; monitors legislation and defends ARS 9-500.39 preemption protections.

Mesa Chamber of CommerceLocal

Local chamber supporting Mesa's business community including vacation rental operators in this large Phoenix-area city.

Vacation Rental Management AssociationNational

National trade association offering education, advocacy, and resources for professional vacation rental managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Mesa, AZ?
Short-term rentals in Mesa are permitted only with a City-issued license for residential lodging of 29 days or less. Owners must designate a 24/7 emergency contact, notify neighbors within 200 feet prior to renting, maintain at least $500,000 in liability insurance, and provide a valid Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Mesa?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Mesa. 1) Apply online via the City’s DIMES/Accela portal, providing owner info, the unit's Arizona TPT license number, and emergency contact details. 2) Pay the $250 non-refundable fee per rental unit. 3) Once issued, the license must be renewed annually at least 45 days before expiration.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Mesa?
1) Apply online via the City’s DIMES/Accela portal, providing owner info, the unit's Arizona TPT license number, and emergency contact details. 2) Pay the $250 non-refundable fee per rental unit. 3) Once issued, the license must be renewed annually at least 45 days before expiration.
Can Mesa ban short-term rentals?
No. Arizona's ARS 9-500.39 prevents Mesa from banning STRs or requiring owner-occupancy. The city may only regulate noise, safety, and nuisance. STRs are permitted throughout Mesa with proper licensing.
What licenses are required for a Mesa STR?
An Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from the AZ Department of Revenue plus a Mesa city privilege license. Both must be current. Collect and remit state and local transaction privilege taxes from each booking.
What about HOA restrictions in Mesa?
Many of Mesa's master-planned communities have HOA CC&Rs that restrict or prohibit STR use — these private restrictions are enforceable even though the city cannot ban STRs under state law. Review your community's CC&Rs before listing. The city will not intervene in HOA enforcement disputes.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction