Flagstaff Short-Term Rental Regulations
Last verified: 2026-04-07
TL;DR
Flagstaff requires Short Term Rental License ($185) with no primary-residence requirement.
Combined tax rate is ~11.76%.
No annual day limit. Disclaimer
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or regulatory advice. Short-term rental regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property or making investment decisions.
Key Requirements at a Glance
| Permit | ✓ Required — Short Term Rental License ($185) |
| Primary Residence | Not required |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit |
| Tax Rate | ~11.76% |
| Max Penalty | $3,500 per violation |
| Insurance | $500,000 liability required |
New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →
Permit & Licensing
Short Term Rental License
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | $185 |
| Renewal | $185 / Annual |
This permit type does not require primary residence.
Application Process
Apply online at portal.deckard.com. City reviews within 7 business days. Upon approval receive payment link. Pay fee. License issued within 2-3 business days after payment.
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Tax Obligations
| Tax | Rate | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State TPT (Transient Lodging) | 5.5% | Arizona Department of Revenue |
| Coconino County TPT (Transient Lodging) | 1.77% | Coconino County / Arizona Department of Revenue |
| City of Flagstaff TPT + BBB Tax (Transient Lodging) | 4.486% | City of Flagstaff |
Combined rate: ~11.76% of gross rental income.
Collection: Host self-remits via ADOR AZTaxes portal; platforms (Airbnb/VRBO) may auto-remit — verify with platform
Filing: Monthly, quarterly, or annually via ADOR AZTaxes portal
Rental Limits
Flagstaff does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent.
Zoning & Restrictions
Check with local government
Insurance & Safety
Insurance
Operators must maintain at least $500,000 in liability insurance covering the property's use as a short-term rental.
Safety & Operating Requirements
- Structure must be an approved structure with valid building permits
- Recommended: fire extinguishers
- Recommended: smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Recommended: deadbolt locks
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Maximum penalty: $3,500 per violation.
Platform Requirements
- Online Lodging Marketplaces (Airbnb, VRBO) may collect and remit TPT on behalf of hosts
- Verify platform agreement
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Compliance Checklist
Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Flagstaff:
- Meet safety requirements. Structure must be an approved structure with valid building permits. Recommended: fire extinguishers. Recommended: smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Recommended: deadbolt locks.
- Obtain liability insurance. $500,000 minimum.
- Apply for Short Term Rental License. Submit application + $185 fee.
- Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Arizona Department of Revenue.
- Collect and remit taxes. ~11.76% on all bookings.
- Renew annually. $185 renewal fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Flagstaff?
- Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Flagstaff requires a Short Term Rental License.
- How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Flagstaff?
- A Short Term Rental License in Flagstaff costs $185 per year.
- Does Flagstaff require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?
- No. Flagstaff allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.
- How many days a year can you short-term rent in Flagstaff?
- Flagstaff does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.
- What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Flagstaff?
- Short-term rental stays in Flagstaff are subject to a combined ~11.76% in lodging taxes. This combines 5.5% Arizona State TPT (Transient Lodging) + 1.77% Coconino County TPT (Transient Lodging) + 4.486% City of Flagstaff TPT + BBB Tax (Transient Lodging). The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.
- What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Flagstaff?
- Operating without a permit can cost up to $3,500.
Tools for Short-Term Rental Hosts
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