Written by: Sanjin Hadziomerovic
Arizona has long been a hotbed for short-term rental (STR) investment thanks to its year-round tourism, snowbird population, and investor-friendly real estate prices. But in recent years, cities across the state have started tightening regulations — implementing stricter registration, enforcement, and zoning rules in response to community concerns over noise, housing availability, and quality-of-life impacts.
While Arizona once had laws restricting local governments from banning STRs, legislation like SB 1168 (signed into law in 2022) gave cities back the power to require registration, enforce nuisance laws, and restrict occupancy — all without banning STRs outright. As a result, Airbnb laws vary significantly from city to city across Arizona.
If you’re considering buying or managing a short-term rental in Arizona, it’s crucial to understand how regulations differ across key markets. In this guide, we break down STR laws in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, Mesa, Flagstaff, and Lake Havasu City, using data sourced directly from GetChalet.com.
Phoenix: Mandatory Registration and Neighborhood Notification
Phoenix — Arizona’s largest city — allows STRs, but operators must comply with detailed requirements under the city’s local ordinance, which was updated to align with SB 1168.
Key requirements include:
- Mandatory short-term rental registration
- Payment of a $250 application fee
- Notification of surrounding neighbors within 30 days of the listing
- Emergency contact available 24/7
- Compliance with nuisance ordinances (noise, parking, trash)
Phoenix does not limit the number of STRs per neighborhood, but city officials are stepping up enforcement for properties that generate complaints. Violators can face escalating fines or suspension of operating privileges. Hosts are also required to post emergency and contact information inside each rental unit.
If you’re listing a property on Airbnb or Vrbo in Phoenix, registration is not optional. Be proactive in complying and make sure to document neighbor notifications — the city is watching closely.
Airbnb Rental Regulations Phoenix
Scottsdale: One of Arizona’s Most Regulated STR Markets
Scottsdale is among the most popular — and most heavily regulated — STR markets in Arizona. With its luxury golf courses, nightlife, and desert attractions, the city draws a constant stream of visitors. But that popularity also sparked backlash from full-time residents, which led to some of the toughest Airbnb regulations in the state.
Highlights of Scottsdale’s STR rules:
- Mandatory STR license required before operating
- Licenses must be renewed annually
- Background checks required for guests over 18
- Occupancy capped at 6 adults (2 per bedroom), with additional children allowed
- Parties and events are strictly prohibited
- A local emergency contact must respond within 60 minutes of a complaint
Hosts are required to post licenses in listings and inside the property. Scottsdale aggressively enforces violations, with penalties escalating from warnings to steep fines and license suspension. In 2023, the city even began publishing a public map of registered STRs.
Scottsdale remains a lucrative market, but the barrier to entry is higher. To succeed here, you’ll need to operate like a professional — or partner with a manager who understands the compliance landscape.
Airbnb Rental Regulations Scottsdale
Tucson: Business Licensing and Local Accountability
Tucson’s short-term rental regulations are moderate compared to some other cities, but operators still must meet several local requirements.
Current STR laws in Tucson include:
- Obtaining a business license
- Adhering to zoning requirements, particularly in neighborhoods with homeowner associations (HOAs)
- Maintaining an emergency contact
- Ensuring compliance with trash, noise, and parking ordinances
While Tucson does not currently cap the number of STRs or require a city-level permit beyond the business license, the city is actively monitoring rental activity and responding to resident concerns.
Airbnb hosts in Tucson should maintain clean, quiet, and professionally managed properties to avoid triggering community pushback, especially in areas with high concentrations of rentals.
Airbnb Rental Regulations Tucson
