Surprise, AZ Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)
Short-term rental permit rules in Surprise, AZ, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Key Facts
- City Permit
- Not required (state preemption)
- TPT License
- Required from Arizona DOR
- State Law
- ARS 9-500.39
- Arizona DOR
- (602) 255-3381
Summary
Arizona state law (ARS 9-500.39) preempts cities from requiring local STR permits or licenses. Surprise cannot require a city-issued vacation rental permit. However, operators must obtain an Arizona TPT license from the Department of Revenue and comply with state registration requirements.
5. To require the owner of a vacation rental or short-term rental to obtain and maintain a local regulatory permit or license. As a condition of issuance of a permit or license, the application for the permit or license may require an applicant to provide only the following:
(a) The name, address, telephone number and email address for the owner or owner's agent.
(b) The address of the vacation rental or short-term rental.
(c) Proof of compliance with section 42-5005.
(d) Contact information required pursuant to paragraph 4 of this subsection.
(e) Acknowledgment of an agreement to comply with all applicable laws, regulations and ordinances.
(f) A fee not to exceed the actual cost of issuing the permit or license or $250, whichever is less.
G. A vacation rental or short-term rental that fails to apply for a local regulatory permit or license in accordance with subsection B, paragraph 5 of this section, within thirty days of the local regulatory permit or license application process being made available by the city or town issuing such permits or licenses, must cease operations. In addition to any civil penalties imposed pursuant to subsection F of this section, a city or town may impose a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per month against the owner if the owner or owner's designee fails to apply for a regulatory permit or license within thirty days after receiving written notice of the failure to comply with subsection B, paragraph 5 of this section.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Arizona's short-term rental preemption statute (ARS 9-500.39) prevents municipalities including Surprise from requiring local permits, licenses, or special registration for vacation rental operators. The city cannot ban or restrict short-term rentals in any residential zone. However, operators must obtain a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue at (602) 255-3381. SB 1350 (2022) amendments require operators to designate a local contact person who can respond to complaints. Properties must still comply with all applicable building, fire, and safety codes. HOA communities in Surprise may impose their own rental restrictions through CC&Rs, which are private agreements outside the scope of state preemption. Operators should verify their homeowner's insurance covers STR activity.
Violations & Fines
Surprise cannot impose local permit requirements. Operating without an Arizona TPT license violates state tax law. Failure to designate a local contact violates ARS 9-500.39. HOA violations are enforced through the association.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Surprise?
Can Surprise ban short-term rentals?
Can my HOA restrict short-term rentals?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Surprise
How Surprise compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·Compare Surprise to another location·View the Arizona short-term rentals overview
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Short-Term Rental Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Maricopa County handle short-term rental permits.