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: 13.97% 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 lodging tax accounts with Arizona Department of Revenue, City of Scottsdale and Maricopa County.
5. Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
6. Collect and remit taxes. 13.97% 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 13.97% in lodging taxes. This combines 5.5% State Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) + 1.70% Scottsdale City Transaction Privilege Sales Tax + 5% Scottsdale Transient Tax + 1.77% Maricopa County Transient Lodging Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What are the penalties for short-term rental violations in Scottsdale?

Penalties run up to $1,000.