Night Caps: Phoenix vs Tempe
How do night caps rules compare between Phoenix, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Phoenix and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Phoenix imposes NO annual or per-stay night cap on short-term rentals. Arizona Revised Statutes § 9-500.39 preempts cities from prohibiting STRs or capping the total number of dwelling units used as vacation rentals. Stays under 30 consecutive days are taxed as transient lodging at the 14.5% combined rate.
View full Phoenix rules →Tempe, AZ
Maricopa County
Tempe imposes NO annual or per-stay night cap on short-term rentals. Arizona Revised Statutes § 9-500.39 (SB 1350, expanded by SB 1168) preempts cities from prohibiting STRs or capping the total number of dwelling units used as vacation rentals. Stays under 30 consecutive days are taxed at the combined ~14.07% rate (6.80% city + 7.27% state/county).
View full Tempe rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Phoenix | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Night Cap | None (state-preempted) | None (state-preempted) |
| State Statute | A.R.S. § 9-500.39 | A.R.S. § 9-500.39 |
| STR Threshold | <30 consecutive days | <30 consecutive days |
| Transient Tax | ~14.5% combined | - |
| Permit Required | Yes (Sec. 10-195) | Yes (Ch. 16A Art. X) |
| STR Office | 602-534-9723 | - |
| Combined Tax | - | ~14.07% (6.80% city) |
| Sales Tax Office | - | 480-350-2955 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Phoenix FAQ
Is there a maximum number of nights I can rent my Phoenix home short-term?
No. Arizona Revised Statutes § 9-500.39 preempts cities from capping the total nights or total STR units, and Phoenix City Code Sec. 10-195 contains no nightly limit. You may rent year-round so long as your $250 annual permit, $500,000 liability insurance, Arizona TPT license and emergency contact stay current. Confirm with vacation.rental@phoenix.gov or 602-534-9723.
What counts as a short-term rental under Phoenix and Arizona law?
A.R.S. § 9-500.39 defines a short-term or vacation rental as a residential dwelling rented for less than 30 consecutive days. Stays at or beyond 30 consecutive days fall outside the STR ordinance and the transient lodging tax. Rentals under 30 days are subject to the combined state TPT and Phoenix lodging tax of roughly 14.5%.
Tempe FAQ
Is there a maximum number of nights I can rent my Tempe home short-term?
No. Arizona Revised Statutes § 9-500.39 preempts cities from capping total nights or total STR units, and Tempe City Code Chapter 16A, Article X (Ord. O2023.01) contains no nightly limit. You may rent year-round so long as your $250 annual city license, $500,000 liability insurance, Arizona TPT license, neighbor notice and emergency contact stay current. Confirm with Sales Tax & Licensing at 480-350-2955.
Can I rent during ASU football and the Fiesta Bowl without a special permit?
Yes. There is no event-specific permit or per-game cap. Under A.R.S. § 9-500.39 and Tempe Ord. O2023.01, the standard annual STR license covers year-round operation including ASU home games, graduation, and bowl-week stays. Just confirm your $500,000 insurance, TPT license and emergency contact remain current and that guests pass the required sex-offender background check, with records kept 12 months.
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