Information for Owners and Operators

Short-term/vacation rental owners must obtain and maintain an annual city license for each Scottsdale property. The annual license fee is $250 per property; funds received will go 100 percent to cover costs associated with licensing vacation and short-term rentals. This license is in addition to the county and state requirements outlined in the sections below.

Note: The city's license described here applies only to rentals of less than 30 days. Owners that rent for 30 days or longer do not need to obtain a City of Scottsdale license through this process.

Pool Barrier Requirements

In an effort to prevent drownings and keep residents and rental guests safe, Scottsdale has implemented pool barrier requirements for short-term rentals properties that include a pool, hot tub or spa.

Nuisance Parties & Unlawful Gatherings

Under Scottsdale's Nuisance Parties & Unlawful Gatherings Ordinance (SRC 18-121), property owners are accountable for repeated unruly gatherings or parties. This ordinance applies to all private residences whether they are long- or short-term rentals, or owner occupied.

Tips for Owners and Property Managers

While not required by city ordinance, the following best practices can help protect your property, improve guest accountability and reduce neighborhood concerns:

• Verify guest identity. Require the primary renter to provide a valid government-issued photo ID. The name on the ID should match the name on the payment method whenever possible. This is one of the most effective ways to reduce fraud and ensure accountability.
• Use monitoring technology responsibly. Outdoor security cameras and noise-monitoring devices are permitted by the city and most booking platforms. These tools can help you monitor activity at your property.
• Update access codes regularly. For added security, change door lock, keypad and lockbox combinations on a regular basis, especially between guest stays.
• Respond promptly to concerns. One of the most common complaints the city receives is a lack of response from property managers or emergency contacts when issues arise. Promptly addressing concerns from neighbors can help resolve problems before they escalate and result in calls to law enforcement.

Step 1: Obtain a Transaction Privilege Sales Tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR)

A valid TPT license is required for each rental property in Scottsdale; your TPT number will be needed to apply for the City of Scottsdale rental license in Step 2.

Obtain your TPT license from ADOR

Step 2: Apply for a Scottsdale license

Scottsdale Ordinance 4566 requires rental property owners/operators to obtain a Scottsdale license for each property and comply with several safety, health and neighborhood notification requirements.

Apply for a Scottsdale short-term/vacation rental license

Step 3: Notify neighbors and provide proof of insurance

Within 30 days of receiving your Scottsdale license (or any time the contact information for a property changes), you must notify all single-family residential properties adjacent to, directly and diagonally across the street from the property, or in a multi-family residential building, all units on the same building floor.

The Neighbor Notification letter must include the short-term rental license number, the physical address of the short-term rental, and the name, address, and twenty-four (24) hour telephone number of the emergency point of contact for the rental.

Scottsdale's ordinance requires that every short-term/vacation rental property be insured with liability coverage of at least $500,000 (either directly or through an online lodging marketplace).

Once neighbor notification has occurred:

Complete Neighbor Notification & Liability Insurance Compliance Attestation

Step 4: Complete Maricopa County requirements

Each property must be registered with Maricopa County as required by ARS 33-1902 prior to being occupied. It is illegal to rent a property before it is registered with the Maricopa County Assessor.

Register with Maricopa County

Step 5: Generate and Display the Required Short Term Rental Notice

Generate the Required Short Term Rental Notice and display it as defined in Sec. 18-175. (h).

Sec. 18-175. (h): The following notice must be completed in 14-point or larger bold font, on a laminated or otherwise similarly shielded paper, and prominently displayed on the inside of the front door and the primary door to the backyard or a conspicuous location near each such door. The notice shall include information regarding the location of any fire or life safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, and the City of Scottsdale nuisance waste disposal regulations.

Once your property is licensed and neighbor notification has occurred, make sure contact information is maintained with the city and the neighborhood.

Transaction Privilege Sales Tax

All Vacation Rentals and Short-term rentals have a Transaction Privilege Sales Tax (TPT) and a Transient Tax liability. A Transaction Privilege Sales Tax license with the State of Arizona Department of Revenue is required.

Be sure to list Scottsdale (SC) as a region code on your license.

Register with ADOR

Arizona State Law

Arizona law (A.R.S. 9-500.39) governs many aspects of short-term rental regulation and limits the authority of cities and towns in certain areas. As a result, changes to local regulatory authority generally requires action by the Arizona Legislature.

Residents seeking additional information about Arizona’s short-term rental laws or legislative proposals may contact their state legislators.

How to Find Your State Legislator

1. How to Find Your State Legislator
2. Enter your home address in the legislative district lookup tool.
3. Note your Legislative District number.
4. Visit the Member Roster page and use your legislative district number to view your state legislators.

Each Arizona legislative district is represented by one State Senator and two State Representatives. For additional contact information, residents may also visit the Arizona Legislature’s member roster.