Scottsdale Short-Term Rental Regulations
| Permit | ✓ Required — Vacation Rental License ($250) |
| Primary Residence | Not required |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit — 30 days or fewer per stay |
| Tax Rate | 12.25% |
| Max Penalty | $1,000 per violation |
| Insurance | $500,000 liability required |
New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →
Permit & Licensing
Vacation Rental License
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | $250 |
| Renewal | $250 / 1 year |
This permit type does not require primary residence. Zoning restriction: Permitted in all residential districts.
Application Process
Three steps: (1) Obtain Arizona TPT license from ADOR, (2) Apply via Scottsdale licensing portal with TPT number, (3) Register with Maricopa County Assessor. City issues license within 7 business days of complete application.
Tax Obligations
| Tax | Rate | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| State Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) | 5.5% | Arizona Department of Revenue |
| Scottsdale City Transaction Privilege Sales Tax | 1.75% | City of Scottsdale / ADOR |
| Scottsdale Transient Tax | 5% | City of Scottsdale |
Combined rate: 12.25% of gross rental income.
Collection: Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO may remit TPT on behalf of hosts; verify platform agreement. Self-remit via ADOR AZTaxes portal if platform does not remit.
Filing: Monthly, quarterly, or annual basis; file via ADOR AZTaxes portal at aztaxes.gov
Rental Limits
Scottsdale does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent. Each individual stay must be 30 days or fewer per stay.
Occupancy & Density Limits
Maximum 6 adults plus dependent children per property; entire unit must be rented together
Zoning & Restrictions
Permitted in all residential districts; non-residential uses (retail, restaurants, banquet, events) prohibited
Insurance & Safety
Insurance
Operators must maintain at least $500,000 in liability insurance covering the property's use as a short-term rental.
Safety & Operating Requirements
- 24-hour emergency contact required
- Neighbor notification within 30 days of licensure
- License number must appear in all advertisements
- Proof of liability insurance required
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Minimum $1,000 fine per violation for operating without or with expired/suspended/revoked license; court cannot suspend required fines. Additional $1,000 penalty per 30-day period for failure to apply after written notice.
Platform Requirements
- Listings must display valid license number
- Advertisements referencing property location are prima facie evidence of STR operation.
Compliance Checklist
Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Scottsdale:
- Meet safety requirements. 24-hour emergency contact required. Neighbor notification within 30 days of licensure. License number must appear in all advertisements. Proof of liability insurance required.
- Obtain liability insurance. $500,000 minimum.
- Apply for Vacation Rental License. Submit application + $250 fee.
- Register for tax accounts. Set up hotel occupancy tax accounts with the city tax authority.
- Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
- Collect and remit taxes. 12.25% on all bookings.
- Renew annually. $250 renewal fee.
Official Sources
- Vacation and Short Term Rentals | City of Scottsdale
- Short Term Rental Resource Center | City of Scottsdale
- Short-Term/Vacation Rental Licensing Process Guide | City of Scottsdale
- Article IX - Vacation and Short-Term Rentals | Code of Ordinances | Scottsdale, AZ
- Transient Lodging Tax Guide - City of Scottsdale
- Transaction Privilege Tax | Arizona Department of Revenue