Scottsdale Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Vacation Rental License

This permit type does not require primary residence. Zoning restriction: Permitted in all residential districts.

Application Process

Three steps: (1) Obtain Arizona TPT license from ADOR, (2) Apply via Scottsdale licensing portal with TPT number, (3) Register with Maricopa County Assessor. City issues license within 7 business days of complete application.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 12.25% of gross rental income.

Collection: Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO may remit TPT on behalf of hosts; verify platform agreement. Self-remit via ADOR AZTaxes portal if platform does not remit.

Filing: Monthly, quarterly, or annual basis; file via ADOR AZTaxes portal at aztaxes.gov

Rental Limits

Scottsdale does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent.

Occupancy & Density Limits

Maximum 6 adults plus dependent children per property; entire unit must be rented together

Zoning & Restrictions

Permitted in all residential districts; non-residential uses (retail, restaurants, banquet, events) prohibited

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

• 24-hour emergency contact required
• Neighbor notification within 30 days of licensure
• License number must appear in all advertisements
• Proof of liability insurance required

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Minimum $1,000 fine per violation for operating without or with expired/suspended/revoked license; court cannot suspend required fines. Additional $1,000 penalty per 30-day period for failure to apply after written notice.

Platform Requirements

• Listings must display valid license number
• Advertisements referencing property location are prima facie evidence of STR operation.

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Scottsdale:

1. Meet safety requirements. 24-hour emergency contact required. Neighbor notification within 30 days of licensure. License number must appear in all advertisements. Proof of liability insurance required.
2. Obtain liability insurance. $500,000 minimum.
3. Apply for Vacation Rental License. Submit application + $250 fee.
4. Register for tax accounts. Set up hotel occupancy tax accounts with the city tax authority.
5. Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
6. Collect and remit taxes. 12.25% on all bookings.
7. Renew annually. $250 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Scottsdale?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Scottsdale requires a Vacation Rental License.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Scottsdale?

A Vacation Rental License in Scottsdale costs $250 per year.

Does Scottsdale require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale?

Scottsdale 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 Scottsdale?

Short-term rental stays in Scottsdale are subject to a combined 12.25% in lodging taxes. This combines 5.5% State Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) + 1.75% Scottsdale City Transaction Privilege Sales Tax + 5% Scottsdale Transient Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Scottsdale?

Operating without a permit can cost up to $1,000.