ADU Rental Restrictions: Mesa vs Tempe
How do adu rental restrictions rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Mesa and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
Mesa permits long-term ADU rentals without registration. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) require a state TPT license and a Mesa STR permit under Mesa City Code regulating vacation rentals consistent with ARS 9-500.39. HB 2720 prohibits ADU-specific bans on rental. HOA CC&Rs in Mesa's master-planned communities may further restrict STR use.
View full Mesa rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Tempe permits long-term ADU rentals without a city license. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) require an Arizona Department of Revenue transaction privilege tax license and a Tempe Short-Term Rental permit under City Code regulations adopted consistent with ARS 9-500.39. HB 2720 prohibits ADU-specific rental bans. ASU-area demand makes rentals common but Tempe enforces strict STR registration, local-contact, and notice rules.
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mesa | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term | No city registration | No city registration required |
| STR State Statute | ARS §9-500.39 | ARS 9-500.39 (SB 1350 / HB 2672) |
| Local Contact | 1-hour response required | 1-hour response required |
| TPT License | Required for STR | Required for STR |
| HOA Layer | Often stricter than city | - |
| Neighbor Notice | - | Required before operating |
| ADU-Specific Ban | - | Preempted by HB 2720 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mesa FAQ
Can I rent my Mesa ADU on Airbnb?
Yes, with a Mesa short-term rental permit, an Arizona TPT license, and a designated local emergency contact (one-hour response). Operators must remit TPT on every booking. Check your HOA CC&Rs - master-planned communities like Eastmark and Las Sendas often restrict STRs further than city law.
Does Mesa require a rental license for long-term ADU rentals?
No city rental license is required for stays of 30 days or more. Long-term rentals must be registered with the Maricopa County Assessor under Arizona's residential rental property statute. ARS 9-1303 limits city authority to require general rental registration.
Tempe FAQ
Can I rent my Tempe ADU on Airbnb?
Yes, with a Tempe Short-Term Rental permit, an Arizona TPT license, a designated local emergency contact reachable within one hour, and prior notice to adjacent property owners. Operators must remit TPT on every booking and post the permit number in listings. Check your HOA CC&Rs - some Tempe HOAs further restrict STRs.
Does Tempe require a rental license for long-term ADU rentals?
No city rental license is required for stays of 30 days or more. Long-term rentals must be registered with the Maricopa County Assessor under Arizona's residential rental property statute. ARS 9-1303 limits city authority to require general rental registration on long-term rentals.
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