ADU Rental Restrictions: Scottsdale vs Tempe
How do adu rental restrictions rules compare between Scottsdale, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Scottsdale and Tempe have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Scottsdale | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Long-Term | - | No city registration required |
| STR State Statute | - | ARS 9-500.39 (SB 1350 / HB 2672) |
| Local Contact | - | 1-hour response required |
| Neighbor Notice | - | Required before operating |
| TPT License | - | Required for STR |
| ADU-Specific Ban | - | Preempted by HB 2720 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
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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