Registration Rules: Phoenix vs Tempe
How do registration rules rules compare between Phoenix, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Phoenix and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
Phoenix, AZ
Maricopa County
Phoenix requires every short-term rental owner to obtain a city permit under City Code Sections 10-194 and 10-195 (Ord. G-7156, effective Nov 6, 2023). $250 annual fee, $500,000 liability insurance, valid Arizona TPT license, 24/7 emergency contact, and certified-mail notice to adjacent neighbors and HOAs within 600 feet are mandatory before listing.
View full Phoenix 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 | Phoenix | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| Code Sections | Phoenix CC 10-194, 10-195 | - |
| Ordinance | G-7156 (eff. 11/6/2023) | O2023.01 |
| Annual Fee | $250 non-refundable | $250 ($187.50 after July 1) |
| Insurance | $500,000 minimum | $500,000 minimum |
| Decision Window | 7 business days | 7 business days |
| STR Office | 602-534-9723 | - |
| Code Reference | - | Tempe CC Ch. 16A, Art. X |
| Sales Tax Office | - | 480-350-2955 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Phoenix FAQ
Do I need a permit to rent my Phoenix home on Airbnb?
Yes. Phoenix City Code Sec. 10-195 (Ordinance G-7156, effective November 6, 2023) requires every short-term rental owner to hold a current city permit before advertising or accepting bookings. Apply through the SHAPE PHX portal with a $250 fee, proof of $500,000 liability insurance, an Arizona TPT license, a 24/7 emergency contact, and certified-mail notice to neighbors. Reach STR staff at vacation.rental@phoenix.gov or 602-534-9723.
How much does a Phoenix STR permit cost and how long does approval take?
The initial and renewal permit fee is $250 (non-refundable) per Sec. 10-195. The Planning & Development Department must issue or deny the permit within 7 business days of receiving a complete application package, and permits run for one year from issuance. Submit renewal applications at least 15 working days before expiration to avoid a lapse.
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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