Host Presence Rule: Denver vs Phoenix
How do host presence rule rules compare between Denver, CO and Phoenix, AZ?
Phoenix has fewer restrictions than Denver.
Denver, CO
Denver County
Denver short-term rentals under DRMC 33-202 must be the licensed host's primary residence. Hosts may rent rooms or the entire home only when away. One STR license per person; non-primary investor properties cannot operate as STRs in Denver.
View full Denver rules →Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Arizona Revised Statutes §9-500.39 (amended by HB-2672 in 2022) restored city authority to regulate short-term rentals for noise, safety, and registration but does not require host presence. Phoenix permits both hosted and unhosted vacation rentals citywide.
View full Phoenix rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Denver | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| Code reference | DRMC 33-202 | - |
| Primary residence | Required for license | - |
| Licenses per person | One only | - |
| Tax obligation | Denver Lodger's Tax | - |
| Host presence | - | Not required |
| State statute | - | ARS §9-500.39 |
| Restoring law | - | HB-2672 (2022) |
| Registration | - | Required citywide |
| Emergency contact | - | 24/7 local contact required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Denver FAQ
Can I run an Airbnb at my Denver investment condo?
No. DRMC 33-202 allows only your primary residence as a Denver STR. Investment, second-home, and corporate-owned units cannot get STR licenses. Long-term unfurnished rentals over 30 days are unaffected by the rule.
Can my Denver STR rent the whole house when I travel?
Yes. Hosts may rent the entire primary residence while temporarily away as long as it remains their primary residence year-round. Continuous absence beyond half the year forfeits primary residence status.
Phoenix FAQ
Does the owner have to live in the Phoenix STR?
No. Arizona law preempts owner-occupancy mandates. Phoenix allows whole-home rentals where no host is on site, provided the operator registers and meets noise, safety, and notification rules.
Can Phoenix ban short-term rentals?
No. ARS §9-500.39 preempts outright bans. Cities may regulate health, safety, registration, and nuisance impacts but cannot prohibit lawful short-term rentals based on duration alone.
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