Tempe, AZ Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- State Preemption
- ARS 9-500.39 limits city-specific caps
- Neighbor Notification
- Required when obtaining STR license
- License
- $250/year, penalties up to $1,000/month without
- Event Venues
- Prohibited use for STR properties
- Suspension
- 3 verified violations in 12 months
- Emergency Contact
- Must be on file with city
Summary
Tempe's STR licensing ordinance (O2023.01) requires compliance with residential use standards. Arizona preemption (ARS 9-500.39) limits city-specific occupancy caps. STR properties must comply with general noise, parking, and nuisance ordinances. STRs cannot be used as party houses or event venues. Neighbor notification is required when obtaining an STR license.
A city or town may regulate vacation rentals or short-term rentals as follows:
1. To protect the public's health and safety, including rules and regulations related to fire and building codes, health and sanitation, transportation or traffic control and solid or hazardous waste and pollution control, if the city or town demonstrates that the rule or regulation is for the primary purpose of protecting the public's health and safety.
2. To adopt and enforce use and zoning ordinances, including ordinances related to noise, protection of welfare, property maintenance and other nuisance issues, if the ordinance is applied in the same manner as other property classified under sections 42-12003 and 42-12004.
3.
Full Breakdown
Occupancy limits for Tempe STRs operate under Arizona's preemption framework (ARS 9-500.39). The city enforces residential use standards equally to all properties. STR properties cannot operate as event venues or host gatherings exceeding normal residential use. Tempe's STR ordinance requires neighbor notification: property owners must notify adjacent and nearby residents in writing when obtaining an STR license. This creates accountability and allows neighbors to know who to contact about issues. The $250 annual license fee supports enforcement. Emergency contact information must be provided to the city. Operators must respond to complaints. Tempe's college town character near ASU means STR enforcement is particularly important during major events (ASU football, Tempe Festival of the Arts, Fiesta Bowl). Properties with three verified violations within 12 months may face license suspension.
Violations & Fines
Repeat violations may result in STR license suspension for up to 12 months. Standard nuisance violations also apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tempe limit how many guests I can have in my STR?
Do I need to notify my neighbors about my STR?
What if my STR gets repeat complaints?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tempe
Compare Tempe to another location·View the Arizona short-term rentals overview
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Occupancy Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle occupancy limits.