Registration Rules: Mesa vs Tempe
How do registration rules rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Mesa has fewer restrictions than Tempe.
Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
Mesa City Code Chapter 5-15, effective Feb. 1, 2023, requires every short-term and vacation rental owner to obtain a Mesa Short-Term Rental License before listing a property under 30 days. The fee is $250 to apply and $250 annually to renew per unit, and operators must also hold an Arizona TPT license and a Mesa business license.
View full Mesa 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 | Mesa | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Mesa Code Ch. 5-15 | - |
| Effective Date | Feb. 1, 2023 | - |
| License Fee | $250 + $250/yr renewal | - |
| Liability Insurance | $500,000 minimum | - |
| TPT License | Required (state) | - |
| Neighbor Notice | Required | - |
| Contact Posting | Within 3 ft of entrance | - |
| Approval Window | 7 business days | - |
| Code Reference | - | Tempe CC Ch. 16A, Art. X |
| Ordinance | - | O2023.01 |
| Annual Fee | - | $250 ($187.50 after July 1) |
| Insurance | - | $500,000 minimum |
| Decision Window | - | 7 business days |
| Sales Tax Office | - | 480-350-2955 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mesa FAQ
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.
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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