Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Phoenix?

**Yes**, Phoenix requires a Short-Term Rental Registration for all rentals. You need to register your property with the city for a $250 annual fee. Recent updates also mandate guest background checks and a minimum of $500,000 in liability insurance to operate legally. Make sure to include your permit number in your listing.

What is the TOT tax rate in Phoenix?

**5.3% TOT** is the current transient occupancy tax rate for short-term rentals in Phoenix. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the City. All stays under 30 days are subject to a combined tax rate of approximately 13.27%, so make sure you factor that into your pricing.

How much does an STR permit cost in Phoenix?

**$250** is the annual fee for the Short-Term Rental Registration in Phoenix. You need to renew this registration every year to maintain compliance. In addition to the registration fee, you'll also need to maintain a state TPT tax license and provide an emergency contact who can respond within 60 minutes to issues.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Phoenix?

**Fines starting at $500** per violation can be levied if you operate a short-term rental without proper registration in Phoenix. Recent updates also mandate guest background checks and a minimum of $500,000 in liability insurance. Make sure your listing includes your permit number and you are in full compliance.

Phoenix

Moderate

ArizonaUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 4 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 4

Summary

Plain-english overview

The City of Phoenix requires all short-term rental hosts to register annually and obtain an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license. Recent 2023 and 2024 updates mandate a $250 registration fee, guest background checks, and a minimum of $500,000 in liability insurance.

Restriction level

Severity 11

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Standard permit fee: $250
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in Phoenix, you must first get a state TPT tax license and then register your property with the city for a $250 annual fee. You are required to provide an emergency contact who can respond within 60 minutes and perform background checks on your guests. Make sure your listing includes your permit number, or you could face fines starting at $500 per violation. All stays under 30 days are subject to a combined tax rate of approximately 13.27%.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$250

Processing timeInstant to 5 business days

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1You must respond to emergencies or complaints within 60 minutes if the city contacts you.
2Arizona law requires you to perform a sex offender background check on every guest before their stay.
3The $250 registration fee is non-refundable and must be renewed every year.
4The city permit number MUST be displayed in the first line of your online listing description.
5Using a property for a 'Party House' or non-residential event is strictly prohibited and carries the highest fines.
6You must have at least $500,000 in liability insurance specifically covering short-term rentals.
7Failure to register can lead to your listing being removed from platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility6 rules

Phoenix allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family houses, 1-4 family houses, Condominiums, Cooperatives, Timeshares.
Phoenix prohibits STRs in the following property types: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) permitted after Sept 2024 (per ARS 9-500.39), Commercial/Non-residential spaces.

Requirements15 rules

Phoenix STR warning: Emergency contacts must be available to respond to police or complaints within 60 minutes.
Phoenix requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short-Term Rental Permit". Apply through Planning and Development Department. Processing time: 7 days. Renewal is required.

Application process9 rules

Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Phoenix: Step 1: Obtain TPT License - Register with the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) to obtain a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license. Cost is $12 per year per location. Documents needed: Business details, Property address. Estimated time: 1-3 days. Cost: 12. More info: https://aztaxes.gov/ Step 2: Notify Neighbors - Send a Notice of Intent via Certified Mail to all abutting neighbors (side, front, and back/across street). Save certified mail receipts. Documents needed: Notice of Intent form, Certified mail receipts. Estimated time: 3-5 days. More info: https://www.phoenix.gov/pddsite/Documents/Short-Term%20Rental%20Ordinance%20Changes_Summary.pdf Step 3: Prepare Safety Map - Create a floor plan map showing the location of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and emergency exits. Documents needed: Map of Safety Equipment. Estimated time: 1 day. Step 4: Apply via SHAPE PHX Portal - Submit the Phoenix STR Permit application through the city's SHAPE PHX customer portal. Upload TPT license, insurance proof, neighbor notification receipts, and safety map. Documents needed: All above documents, Affidavit & Attestation form. Estimated time: 7 days. Cost: 250. More info: https://www.phoenix.gov/pdd/str

Fees & costs3 rules

Phoenix charges a registration fee of $250 (annual).
Phoenix: Liability insurance of at least $500,000 is mandatory and must be maintained at all times.
Phoenix: A 'Registration Certificate' must be posted inside the rental within 10 feet of the main entrance.

Taxes2 rules

Arizona has a state sales tax of 5.5% that applies to STR rentals.
Phoenix charges a Transient Occupancy Tax / TPT of 5.3%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Online Lodging Marketplaces (OLMs) like Airbnb and VRBO are required to collect and remit the tax directly to ADOR.

Limits & restrictions3 rules

Phoenix limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
Phoenix occupancy calculation: Subject to standard building and fire occupancy codes; 2 guests per bedroom + 2 additional is the industry standard followed.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Phoenix enforces quiet hours: Subject to General Noise Ordinance and Loud Party Ordinance G-6674..

Safety requirements1 rule

Phoenix requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, A Map of Safety Equipment must be provided to guests and submitted with permit application., Emergency contact must be reachable 24/7 and respond within 60 minutes..

Penalties3 rules

Phoenix enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Minimum $500 or one night's rental fee. Second offense: Minimum $1,000 or two night's rental fee (within 12 months). Third offense: Minimum $3,500 or three night's rental fee (within 12 months). Daily fine: Up to $1,000 for failing to provide contact information every 30 days. Maximum fine: Permit revocation for 12 months after 3 verified violations. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions2 rules

Phoenix exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
Phoenix: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Phoenix

0/3

steps completed

Step 1

Obtain Arizona TPT License

1-3 days$12

Documents needed

Business information
FEIN or SSN

Official resource

Step 2

Register with City of Phoenix

Apply for the mandatory city registration using your TPT number.

1-5 days$250

Documents needed

Emergency contact info
TPT License number

Official resource

Step 3

Verify Sex Offender Status

Ensure you have a process to perform sex offender background checks on all guests before they arrive.

Immediate

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Phoenix

Moderate

ArizonaUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 4 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 4

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 11

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Standard permit fee: $250
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$250

Processing timeInstant to 5 business days

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1You must respond to emergencies or complaints within 60 minutes if the city contacts you.
2Arizona law requires you to perform a sex offender background check on every guest before their stay.
3The $250 registration fee is non-refundable and must be renewed every year.
4The city permit number MUST be displayed in the first line of your online listing description.
5Using a property for a 'Party House' or non-residential event is strictly prohibited and carries the highest fines.
6You must have at least $500,000 in liability insurance specifically covering short-term rentals.
7Failure to register can lead to your listing being removed from platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility6 rules

Phoenix allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family houses, 1-4 family houses, Condominiums, Cooperatives, Timeshares.
Phoenix prohibits STRs in the following property types: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) permitted after Sept 2024 (per ARS 9-500.39), Commercial/Non-residential spaces.

Requirements15 rules

Phoenix STR warning: Emergency contacts must be available to respond to police or complaints within 60 minutes.
Phoenix requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short-Term Rental Permit". Apply through Planning and Development Department. Processing time: 7 days. Renewal is required.

Application process9 rules

Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Phoenix: Step 1: Obtain TPT License - Register with the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR) to obtain a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license. Cost is $12 per year per location. Documents needed: Business details, Property address. Estimated time: 1-3 days. Cost: 12. More info: https://aztaxes.gov/ Step 2: Notify Neighbors - Send a Notice of Intent via Certified Mail to all abutting neighbors (side, front, and back/across street). Save certified mail receipts. Documents needed: Notice of Intent form, Certified mail receipts. Estimated time: 3-5 days. More info: https://www.phoenix.gov/pddsite/Documents/Short-Term%20Rental%20Ordinance%20Changes_Summary.pdf Step 3: Prepare Safety Map - Create a floor plan map showing the location of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and emergency exits. Documents needed: Map of Safety Equipment. Estimated time: 1 day. Step 4: Apply via SHAPE PHX Portal - Submit the Phoenix STR Permit application through the city's SHAPE PHX customer portal. Upload TPT license, insurance proof, neighbor notification receipts, and safety map. Documents needed: All above documents, Affidavit & Attestation form. Estimated time: 7 days. Cost: 250. More info: https://www.phoenix.gov/pdd/str

Fees & costs3 rules

Phoenix charges a registration fee of $250 (annual).
Phoenix: Liability insurance of at least $500,000 is mandatory and must be maintained at all times.
Phoenix: A 'Registration Certificate' must be posted inside the rental within 10 feet of the main entrance.

Taxes2 rules

Arizona has a state sales tax of 5.5% that applies to STR rentals.
Phoenix charges a Transient Occupancy Tax / TPT of 5.3%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Online Lodging Marketplaces (OLMs) like Airbnb and VRBO are required to collect and remit the tax directly to ADOR.

Limits & restrictions3 rules

Phoenix limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
Phoenix occupancy calculation: Subject to standard building and fire occupancy codes; 2 guests per bedroom + 2 additional is the industry standard followed.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Phoenix enforces quiet hours: Subject to General Noise Ordinance and Loud Party Ordinance G-6674..

Safety requirements1 rule

Phoenix requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, A Map of Safety Equipment must be provided to guests and submitted with permit application., Emergency contact must be reachable 24/7 and respond within 60 minutes..

Penalties3 rules

Phoenix enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Minimum $500 or one night's rental fee. Second offense: Minimum $1,000 or two night's rental fee (within 12 months). Third offense: Minimum $3,500 or three night's rental fee (within 12 months). Daily fine: Up to $1,000 for failing to provide contact information every 30 days. Maximum fine: Permit revocation for 12 months after 3 verified violations. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions2 rules

Phoenix exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.
Phoenix: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Phoenix

0/3

steps completed

Step 1

Obtain Arizona TPT License

1-3 days$12

Documents needed

Business information
FEIN or SSN

Official resource

Step 2

Register with City of Phoenix

Apply for the mandatory city registration using your TPT number.

1-5 days$250

Documents needed

Emergency contact info
TPT License number

Official resource

Step 3

Verify Sex Offender Status

Ensure you have a process to perform sex offender background checks on all guests before they arrive.

Immediate

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Obtain Arizona TPT License

Register with City of Phoenix

Verify Sex Offender Status

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Phoenix?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Phoenix?

3How much does an STR permit cost in Phoenix?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Phoenix?

5Are short-term rentals allowed in Phoenix?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Obtain Arizona TPT License

Register with City of Phoenix

Verify Sex Offender Status

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Phoenix?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Phoenix?

3How much does an STR permit cost in Phoenix?

4What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Phoenix?

5Are short-term rentals allowed in Phoenix?

Disclaimer