Tempe, AZ Short-Term Rentals: Registration Rules (2026)

Under Tempe City Code Chapter 16A, Article X (Short-Term Rentals and Vacation Rentals), enacted by Ordinance O2023.01, every owner of a residential dwelling rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days must obtain a City of Tempe Short-Term Rental License for each property before advertising or accepting bookings. The annual license fee is $250, prorated to $187.50 if the license is issued after July 1. Application is filed through the city's Sales Tax & Licensing Division and must include: proof of at least $500,000 in liability insurance (or coverage from a hosting platform meeting that aggregate, as authorized by A.R.S. § 9-500.39); a current Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license under A.R.S. § 42-5005 (Tempe business code 144); the name and 24/7 phone number of an emergency contact (Arizona resident); and Maricopa County Assessor rental property registration (separate $1,000 state penalty for non-registration under A.R.S. § 33-1902). Owners must mail notice to all adjacent residential properties identifying the emergency contact. Owners must also conduct sex-offender background checks on guests and retain records for 12 months. The city must issue or deny within 7 business days of a complete application. Questions: Sales Tax & Licensing at 480-350-2955.