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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Phoenix, AZ

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs in Phoenix are allowed subject to a city permit and are restricted from use as accessory dwelling units (ADUs); owners must obtain an Arizona TPT license, provide liability insurance, complete criminal background attestations, and send certified-mail Notices of Intent to neighboring properties and HOAs within 600 feet. Enhanced civil penalties and 12-month permit suspensions apply after multiple violations. Permits must be renewed annually and the city issues or denies permits within 7 days of a complete application.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Apply online via the SHAPE PHX portal (shapephx.phoenix.gov) and submit required notarized affidavit/attestations, TPT license proof, liability insurance proof, and map/description of safety equipment; 2) Send certified-mail Notice(s) of Intent to neighboring properties and HOAs and submit Attestation of Compliance; 3) Pay non-refundable application/renewal fee of $250; city will issue or deny within 7 days of a complete application; renew every 12 months.

Regulatory Updates — Phoenix

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJuly 2023

Phoenix STR Registration Program Operational

Phoenix requires all short-term rental operators to register with the city, pay an annual fee, designate a local contact person, and carry minimum liability insurance. The registration number must appear in all listing platforms. Unlicensed operation carries fines of $500 to $1,500 per violation.

PassedMay 2024

Party House Ordinance Enforcement Expanded

Phoenix expanded enforcement of its party house ordinance to include STR-specific triggers. Properties generating three or more verified noise or nuisance complaints within a 12-month period face license suspension. Code enforcement officers are authorized to issue immediate citations for violations at STR properties.

Under ReviewApril 2025

Arizona Legislature Considers ARS 9-500.39 Amendments

Phoenix and other Arizona municipalities successfully lobbied for amendments to ARS 9-500.39 that allow cities to require registration and enact civil penalties for nuisance operations. Further amendments to allow density regulation remain under legislative debate.

Official Resources

Official Phoenix STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Arizona Short-Term Rental AllianceStatewide

Statewide advocacy organization defending ARS 9-500.39 preemption against municipal efforts to weaken it, while working with cities on reasonable registration and nuisance frameworks.

Phoenix Chamber of CommerceLocal

Tracks Phoenix business regulations including STR ordinance changes. Provides resources for STR operators navigating the city's registration and nuisance compliance requirements.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory monitoring and advocacy resources for vacation rental managers in Arizona's large and competitive urban and resort markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Phoenix, AZ?
STRs in Phoenix are allowed subject to a city permit and are restricted from use as accessory dwelling units (ADUs); owners must obtain an Arizona TPT license, provide liability insurance, complete criminal background attestations, and send certified-mail Notices of Intent to neighboring properties and HOAs within 600 feet. Enhanced civil penalties and 12-month permit suspensions apply after multiple violations. Permits must be renewed annually and the city issues or denies permits within 7 days of a complete application.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Phoenix?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Phoenix. 1) Apply online via the SHAPE PHX portal (shapephx.phoenix.gov) and submit required notarized affidavit/attestations, TPT license proof, liability insurance proof, and map/description of safety equipment; 2) Send certified-mail Notice(s) of Intent to neighboring properties and HOAs and submit Attestation of Compliance; 3) Pay non-refundable application/renewal fee of $250; city will issue or deny within 7 days of a complete application; renew every 12 months.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Phoenix?
1) Apply online via the SHAPE PHX portal (shapephx.phoenix.gov) and submit required notarized affidavit/attestations, TPT license proof, liability insurance proof, and map/description of safety equipment; 2) Send certified-mail Notice(s) of Intent to neighboring properties and HOAs and submit Attestation of Compliance; 3) Pay non-refundable application/renewal fee of $250; city will issue or deny within 7 days of a complete application; renew every 12 months.
Does Phoenix allow short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods?
Yes. Arizona's preemption law (ARS 9-500.39) prohibits Phoenix from banning STRs through zoning. Short-term rentals are permitted city-wide with a valid registration. However, Phoenix enforces strict noise, nuisance, and occupancy rules — and operators who generate three or more complaints within 12 months risk license suspension. The city is lobbying the legislature for expanded authority, so the regulatory framework could change in future sessions.
What is required to register a short-term rental in Phoenix?
Operators must register annually with the City of Phoenix, pay the registration fee, designate a 24/7 local contact person, and carry a minimum level of liability insurance. Maricopa County transaction privilege tax (TPT) registration is also required. Arizona requires STR operators to obtain an Arizona TPT license from the Department of Revenue and collect state (5.6%), county (0.7%), and city (2.3%) transaction privilege taxes on rental income.
What taxes apply to Phoenix short-term rental income?
Operators collect Arizona state transaction privilege tax (5.6%), Maricopa County TPT surcharge (0.7%), and City of Phoenix TPT (2.3%), for a combined rate of approximately 8.6% on rental receipts. Short-term rentals also owe Arizona's additional tax on hotel-type lodging (5.5% state lodging excise tax) — consult the Arizona Department of Revenue for the current combined rate. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit Arizona state and most local taxes on behalf of Phoenix hosts.
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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