Legal Status
Short-term rentals are allowed in Phoenix, but the property must complete the applicable state, county, and city compliance steps before operating.
Arizona law limits how cities regulate short-term rentals and does not allow Phoenix to impose an outright citywide ban. Phoenix instead operates a local permit program through its Planning and Development Department.
The property cannot be used for prohibited nonresidential purposes. A qualifying newer accessory dwelling unit also triggers an owner-occupancy condition.
Rules at a Glance
- Legal status
- Allowed with permit
- City permit
- Required
- Initial / renewal fee
- $250 per permit
- Permit term
- One year
- TPT license
- Required
- County registration
- Required
- Liability coverage
- $500,000 minimum or qualifying marketplace coverage
- Neighbor notice
- Certified mail plus proof package
Eligibility & Zoning
State law prevents local restrictions based solely on classification, use, or occupancy outside the categories it authorizes. Ordinary zoning, safety, nuisance, and property-maintenance rules still apply when enforced on the same basis as other residential property.
A qualifying ADU approved on or after September 14, 2024 may be used as an STR only when the owner resides on the same property. The current Phoenix affidavit requires the applicable attestation and proof of address.
HOA and private restrictions are separate
A city permit does not override a private lease, condominium declaration, or HOA restriction. Review those documents independently before relying on city eligibility.
Too many permits, forms, and deadlines?
Let Pine organize the Phoenix permit, tax, notice, document, and renewal checklist for this property.
You’ll continue in Pine to review the checklist and add property details. Final government submissions remain under your control.
Permits & Licensing
The City of Phoenix uses the SHAPE PHX portal for STR permit applications.
- 1
Confirm the TPT license
Obtain and maintain the Arizona TPT license required for short-term lodging.
- 2
Confirm county rental registration
Verify that the property is registered with the Maricopa County Assessor.
- 3
Prepare the city forms
Complete the affidavit, safety-equipment map, and designee form when applicable.
- 4
Apply in SHAPE PHX
Submit the property-specific permit application and pay the non-refundable fee.
- 5
Complete neighbor notice review
Send notices, keep certified-mail receipts, and submit the notarized compliance attestation.
Required Documents
Phoenix separates the city review into an initial document package and a notification-compliance package.
Affidavit and Attestation — Acknowledgement and Agreement (notarized)
RequiredCurrent city acknowledgement and attestation form; signatures must be notarized.
Proof of address for a qualifying newer ADU, when applicable
Required only when the newer-ADU owner-occupancy condition applies.
Description / Map of Safety Equipment
RequiredShow where the required smoke, carbon-monoxide, fire-extinguisher, and other safety equipment is located.
Owner’s Designee Authorization, when applicable
Identifies the authorized designee responsible for City Code compliance.
Attestation of Compliance with Notice of Intent (notarized)
RequiredNotarized city form confirming completion of the notification requirement.
Certified-mail receipts and a copy of the Notice of Intent
RequiredKeep the receipt for each recipient and the exact notice that was sent.
Proof of a valid Arizona TPT license
RequiredPhoenix requires evidence of the Arizona TPT license in the permit application.
Evidence that the rental is registered with the Maricopa County Assessor
RequiredConfirm the parcel is registered as a residential rental with the County Assessor.
Evidence of at least $500,000 in liability coverage or qualifying marketplace coverage
RequiredProvide evidence of the required coverage or qualifying marketplace protection.
Do not treat a mailing receipt as the notice itself
The notification package requires both the certified-mail evidence and a copy of the Notice of Intent, followed by the notarized attestation.
Taxes & Registration
Arizona treats lodging stays under 30 days as short-term lodging subject to TPT requirements. A marketplace may collect and remit tax for transactions booked through that marketplace, but the owner/operator still needs the required TPT license and must follow ADOR reporting instructions.
Residential rental registration with the Maricopa County Assessor is a separate requirement. Owners can search the parcel record to confirm whether the property is marked as a residential rental.
A zero-rental period can still require a return
ADOR’s current short-term lodging guidance says to file a $0 TPT return when no rent was collected during an assigned filing period.
Renewal & Deadlines
- Permit term
- A Phoenix STR permit expires one year after issuance.
- Recommended filing point
- Submit the renewal application at least 15 working days before the permit expires.
- Renewal fee
- $250 non-refundable
- Association check
- Recheck registered HOAs and neighborhood associations at renewal
Enforcement & Penalties
Phoenix identifies Neighborhood Services as the lead STR enforcement agency. The City may investigate unpermitted STRs, verify violations, and issue notices of ordinance violations.
Violation level 1
First court-adjudicated violation: at least $500 or one night’s rent, whichever is applicable under the ordinance.
Violation level 2
Second court-adjudicated violation: at least $1,000 or two nights’ rent.
Violation level 3
Third court-adjudicated violation: at least $3,500 or three nights’ rent.
Recent Changes
- April 4, 2026
- New ADU owner-occupancy documentation took effectFor a property with an ADU approved on or after September 14, 2024, the owner must attest that they will live on the same property and provide the applicable proof of address.
- November 6, 2023
- Phoenix permit program took effectThe local system changed from registration to a limited STR permit process.
Sources
Use these links to review the underlying Arizona statute, Phoenix rules, application pages, and forms.
- 1A.R.S. § 9-500.39 — Vacation and short-term rental regulation
Arizona State Legislature
State-law limits on local STR regulation, permitted licensing requirements, neighbor notice, insurance, prohibited uses, and civil penalties.
- 2Short-Term Rental Registry
City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department
Current Phoenix permit overview, fees, application portal, required forms, neighbor and association notice, and enforcement information.
- 3Ordinance G-7156 — Chapter 10, Article XVI Short-Term Vacation Rental
City of Phoenix City Council
Adopted city legislation and attachment covering permit applications, renewals, emergency contacts, neighbor notice, and operating requirements.
- 4SHAPE PHX Customer Portal
City of Phoenix
Portal used to submit Phoenix short-term rental permit applications.
- 5Affidavit and Attestation — Acknowledgement of STR Permit Requirements
City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department
Current notarized acknowledgement, background attestation, insurance acknowledgement, and conditional ADU owner-occupancy requirement.
- 6Description / Map of Safety Equipment
City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department
Form for documenting smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, fire extinguisher, and other safety-equipment locations.
- 7Owner’s Designee Authorization
City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department
Authorization identifying a designee responsible for complying with City Code requirements.
- 8Attestation of Compliance with Notice of Intent to Operate an STR
City of Phoenix Planning and Development Department
Notarized form documenting certified-mail notice, mailing receipts, and a copy of the notice of intent.
- 9Short-Term Lodging
Arizona Department of Revenue
TPT guidance for stays under 30 days, licensing, online lodging marketplaces, filing, and county rental registration.
- 10Rental Registration Frequently Asked Questions
Maricopa County Assessor’s Office
Guidance for registering a residential rental, checking registration status, and appointing a statutory agent when required.
Your Phoenix STR Action Plan
Use this checklist to organize the property record. The owner or authorized designee remains responsible for signatures, notarization, certified mail, fees, and final submission.
Confirm the property record
Check ownership, parcel, county rental registration, and whether an ADU condition applies.
Build the permit document pack
Track each form as draft, ready to sign, notarized, mailed, or ready to upload.
Prepare the notification worklist
Identify neighboring properties and registered organizations before sending certified mail.
Calendar renewal
Track the one-year permit term and prepare to file at least 15 working days before expiration.
Build a property-specific Phoenix STR plan
Enter the property address and Pine will organize the permit, tax, notice, document, and renewal steps for this property.
You’ll continue in Pine to review the checklist and add property details. Final government submissions remain under your control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are short-term rentals legal in Phoenix?
Yes. Arizona law prevents an outright city ban, but Phoenix requires a city STR permit and compliance with state, county, and local requirements.
How much is a Phoenix STR permit?
The City lists a $250 non-refundable initial fee and a $250 renewal fee for each permit.
Does a Phoenix Airbnb need a TPT license?
Yes. Arizona short-term lodging is subject to TPT licensing requirements even when an online marketplace collects and remits tax for marketplace bookings.
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Regulations and agency procedures can change. Confirm the current requirement with the linked government office before operating or submitting an application.