Registration Rules: Surprise vs Tempe
How do registration rules rules compare between Surprise, AZ and Tempe, AZ?
Surprise has fewer restrictions than Tempe.
Surprise, AZ
Maricopa County
Short-term rental operators in Surprise must obtain a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from Arizona DOR and register with Maricopa County. The city collects bed tax revenue through the state's shared TPT system. Arizona requires STR operators to maintain a local contact.
View full Surprise 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 | Surprise | Tempe |
|---|---|---|
| TPT License | Required from Arizona DOR | - |
| Local Contact | Must be designated per SB 1350 | - |
| Tax Collection | State + county TPT on rental income | - |
| Arizona DOR | (602) 255-3381 | - |
| 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.
Surprise FAQ
Do I need to register my Surprise vacation rental?
Yes. You must obtain a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from Arizona DOR. This is required regardless of whether your platform collects taxes automatically.
Do I need a local contact person?
Yes. Arizona law (SB 1350) requires STR operators to designate a local contact who can respond to issues at the property.
Does Airbnb handle my tax registration?
Airbnb may collect and remit some taxes automatically, but you still need an independent TPT license from Arizona DOR at (602) 255-3381.
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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