ADU Rental Restrictions: Phoenix vs Scottsdale
How do adu rental restrictions rules compare between Phoenix, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ?
Phoenix has fewer restrictions than Scottsdale.
Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Phoenix permits long-term ADU rentals without registration or licensing. Short-term ADU rentals (under 30 days) require a state vacation rental license under ARS 9-500.39 and Phoenix STR registration. HB 2928 (2025) prohibits Phoenix from banning ADU rentals or imposing minimum-lease terms.
View full Phoenix rules →Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
Scottsdale ADUs may be rented for long-term and short-term stays. Ariz. Rev. Stat. Sec. 9-461.18 prohibits Scottsdale from banning short-term rental of ADUs as a category. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) require a Scottsdale STR license under Scottsdale Revised Code Chapter 16, with mandatory neighbor notification, an emergency contact reachable within 60 minutes, and Transaction Privilege Tax registration. License fee is capped at $250 per state law.
View full Scottsdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Phoenix | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term | No registration required | - |
| STR Statute | ARS §9-500.39 | - |
| TPT Rate | 12.57% combined | - |
| Local Contact | 1-hour response required | - |
| Long-Term Rental | - | Permitted |
| STR Ordinance | - | Scottsdale Revised Code Ch. 16 |
| STR License Required | - | Yes |
| License Fee Cap | - | $250 (state-imposed) |
| Neighbor Notification | - | Required in writing |
| Liability Insurance | - | $500,000 minimum per state law |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Phoenix FAQ
Can I rent my Phoenix ADU on Airbnb?
Yes, with state vacation rental license and Phoenix STR registration. Operators must designate a local emergency contact, post the registration number, and remit TPT. HOA CC&Rs may further restrict STR use.
Does Phoenix require a rental license for long-term ADU rentals?
No. Phoenix does not require rental registration or licensing for long-term residential leases (30+ days). ARS 9-1303 limits city authority to require general rental registration. HB 2928 prohibits ADU-specific rental restrictions.
Scottsdale FAQ
Can I rent my Scottsdale ADU on Airbnb?
Yes. You must obtain a Scottsdale short-term rental license under Scottsdale Revised Code Chapter 16 (fee capped at $250), notify neighboring property owners in writing, maintain a responsible-party emergency contact reachable within 60 minutes, carry liability insurance of at least $500,000, and register with the Arizona Department of Revenue for TPT remittance.
Can Scottsdale ban short-term rentals in my ADU?
No. Arizona state law (Ariz. Rev. Stat. Sec. 9-500.39 and Sec. 9-461.18) prohibits Scottsdale from categorically banning short-term rentals. The City may license, regulate, and penalize verified violations but cannot prohibit the STR use type itself.
Compare other topics
See how Phoenix and Scottsdale compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool