Registration Rules: Mesa vs Scottsdale

Do I need a license to rent my Mesa home on Airbnb?

Yes. Effective February 1, 2023, Mesa City Code Chapter 5-15 requires every short-term or vacation rental (under 30 days) to hold a Mesa Short-Term Rental License. The fee is $250 to apply and $250 to renew each year per unit. You must also hold an Arizona TPT license, register with the Maricopa County Assessor, and carry at least $500,000 in liability insurance. Apply through Mesa Business Services and Licensing.

What information do I have to post and share with neighbors?

Mesa requires the owner or designee contact and a 24/7 emergency point of contact to be posted in a conspicuous place within three feet of the primary entrance, and the application requires that information for the city. You must also notify adjacent neighbors that the property will be used as a short-term rental. Operating without a license can lead to monthly civil penalties starting at $250 and escalating to $900.

Do I need a city license to run an Airbnb in Scottsdale?

Yes. Scottsdale Ordinance 4566, codified at SRC 18-175, requires every property rented for less than 30 days to hold an annual city short-term/vacation rental license. The fee is $250 per property and the application is processed through the city's Accela portal. You also need an Arizona Department of Revenue TPT license and Maricopa County Assessor registration under ARS 33-1902. Confirm current requirements with Scottsdale Code Enforcement at 480-312-2546.

Do I have to notify my neighbors when I get a Scottsdale STR license?

Yes. Within 30 days of receiving the city STR license, owners must send written notice to every adjacent single-family property owner and to multi-family residents on the same floor. The notice must include the STR license number, the property address, and the name, address, and 24-hour phone number of the emergency point of contact. Failing to notify can lead to enforcement action by Scottsdale Code Enforcement (480-312-2546).