Registration Rules: Gilbert vs Tempe
How do registration rules rules compare between Gilbert, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Gilbert has fewer restrictions than Tempe.
Gilbert, AZ
Maricopa County
The Town of Gilbert requires every short-term rental owner to obtain a Town STR License under Town Code Chapter 14, Article III (adopted June 2023). The license costs $100 initially and $100 to renew annually, and applicants must hold an active Arizona TPT license, carry $500,000 liability insurance, and designate a 24/7 emergency contact.
View full Gilbert rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Tempe Ordinance O2023.01 (City Code Ch. 16A, Art. X) requires every short-term/vacation rental owner to hold a City of Tempe Short-Term Rental License before listing. $250 annual fee ($187.50 if issued after July 1), $500,000 liability insurance, Arizona TPT license, 24/7 emergency contact, neighbor notice and Maricopa County rental registration are mandatory.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Gilbert | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Code Reference | Gilbert Town Code Ch. 14, Art. III | Tempe CC Ch. 16A, Art. X |
| Adopted | June 2023 by Town Council | - |
| License Fee | $100 initial / $100 annual renewal | - |
| Insurance | $500,000 aggregate (A.R.S. § 9-500.39) | $500,000 minimum |
| Portal | GovOS / gilbertaz.munirevs.com | - |
| Contact | ShortTermRentals@gilbertaz.gov | - |
| Ordinance | - | O2023.01 |
| Annual Fee | - | $250 ($187.50 after July 1) |
| Decision Window | - | 7 business days |
| Sales Tax Office | - | 480-350-2955 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Gilbert FAQ
Do I need a Town of Gilbert license to rent my home on Airbnb or Vrbo?
Yes. Gilbert Town Code Chapter 14, Article III, adopted by the Town Council in June 2023, requires every short-term rental owner to obtain and maintain a Town STR License before listing. Apply through Gilbert's GovOS/MuniRevs portal with a $100 fee, an active Arizona TPT license, $500,000 in liability insurance, and a 24/7 emergency contact. Email ShortTermRentals@gilbertaz.gov with questions.
What documents do I need to apply for a Gilbert STR license?
You need a valid Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license number, proof of liability insurance with an aggregate of at least $500,000 (or evidence the platform provides equivalent coverage), the name and 24/7 phone number of a designated emergency contact, and an attestation you are not a registered sex offender. Within 30 days of issuance, mail written notice of your emergency contact to adjacent and diagonal-across-the-street neighbors.
Tempe FAQ
Do I need a license to rent my Tempe home on Airbnb or Vrbo?
Yes. Tempe City Code Chapter 16A, Article X (Ordinance O2023.01) requires every owner renting a dwelling for fewer than 30 consecutive days to hold a City of Tempe Short-Term Rental License before listing. The annual fee is $250 (prorated to $187.50 after July 1) and you also need a state TPT license, $500,000 liability insurance, a 24/7 emergency contact, neighbor notice, and Maricopa County rental registration. Apply through Sales Tax & Licensing at 480-350-2955.
How long does Tempe take to approve a short-term rental license?
Tempe must issue or deny the STR license within 7 business days of receiving a complete application, per Ordinance O2023.01. Submit before peak ASU events (move-in, football, Fiesta Bowl) to avoid backlog. Renewals run annually; if the city does not act in 7 business days, owners should contact Sales Tax & Licensing at 480-350-2955 to confirm status before listing the property.
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