Scottsdale Short-Term Rental Regulations
| Permit | ✓ Required — Vacation Rental License ($250) |
| Primary Residence | Not required |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit |
| Tax Rate | 12.25% |
| Max Penalty | $1,000 per violation |
| Insurance | $500,000 liability required |
New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →
Permit & Licensing
Vacation Rental License
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | $250 |
| Renewal | $250 / 1 year |
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
| Tax | Rate | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| State Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) | 5.5% | Arizona Department of Revenue |
| Scottsdale City Transaction Privilege Sales Tax | 1.75% | City of Scottsdale / ADOR |
| Scottsdale Transient Tax | 5% | City of Scottsdale |
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:
- 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.
- Obtain liability insurance. $500,000 minimum.
- Apply for Vacation Rental License. Submit application + $250 fee.
- Register for tax accounts. Set up hotel occupancy tax accounts with the city tax authority.
- Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
- Collect and remit taxes. 12.25% on all bookings.
- Renew annually. $250 renewal fee.
Official Sources
- Vacation and Short Term Rentals | City of Scottsdale
- Short Term Rental Resource Center | City of Scottsdale
- Short-Term/Vacation Rental Licensing Process Guide | City of Scottsdale
- Article IX - Vacation and Short-Term Rentals | Code of Ordinances | Scottsdale, AZ
- Transient Lodging Tax Guide - City of Scottsdale
- Transaction Privilege Tax | Arizona Department of Revenue