Rental Property Rules in Tempe, AZ

Tempe maintains 149 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with rental property rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Tempe falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Rental Registration

Owners of residential rental property in Tempe must file contact and ownership information with the Maricopa County Assessor under City Code Sec. 21-25 and update it within ten days of any change. A rental cannot lawfully be occupied while that filing is missing, and noncompliance draws a $1,000 civil penalty plus $100 for every month it continues.

Key details: Filed with: Maricopa County Assessor, not the City. Update deadline: 10 days after information changes. Out-of-state owners: Must designate an in-state service agent. Base civil penalty: $1,000, plus $100/month ongoing. Cure window: 10 days after complaint avoids any penalty.

Failing to keep current registration on file with the Maricopa County Assessor is a civil offense cited under Sec. 21-42(b), carrying a $1,000 penalty plus $100 for each additional month of noncompliance, with no judicial suspension of the fine allowed. Curing the violation within ten days of the complaint gets the case dismissed with no penalty.

This is one of the stricter rules in Tempe's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Repairs & Habitability

Tempe's Rental Housing Code sets minimum habitability standards for every rental unit in the city, including mobile homes, single family homes and multifamily units. Landlords must provide heating to 70 degrees, cooling to 88 degrees (evaporative) or 82 degrees (air conditioning), hot water of at least 110 degrees, working smoke detectors and sound plumbing. Fines reach $2,000 per day per property.

Key details: Minimum heating: 70°F, measured 3 feet above floor in room center. Maximum room temperature, evaporative cooling: 88°F. Maximum room temperature, air conditioning: 82°F. Minimum hot water temperature: 110°F. Minimum unit size: 220 sq ft, including a 120 sq ft common room.

The Community Development Department enforces the chapter (§ 21-41). A violator faces a civil sanction under the City Council's fine schedule, with total fines capped at $2,000 per day for each property plus a $50 default penalty for failing to appear, or a Class 1 misdemeanor prosecuted by the City Prosecutor in Tempe Municipal Court. Each day is a separate offense, and a hearing officer can order abatement with the cost assessed against the property (§ 21-42).

The Bottom Line

Tempe's rental property rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Tempe is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Tempe's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.