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

**Yes**, Scottsdale requires a Short-Term Rental License for all operators. You need to obtain this license annually, and the fee is $250. Requirements include neighbor notification and maintaining $500,000 in liability insurance. Operating without a valid license can result in fines.

What is the TOT tax rate in Scottsdale?

**5% is the TOT** (Transient Occupancy Tax) rate that applies to short-term rentals in Scottsdale. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the appropriate tax authority. Ensure you are compliant with all state and local tax regulations to avoid penalties.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Scottsdale?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Scottsdale, but they are subject to specific regulations. These include obtaining a short-term rental license, maintaining liability insurance, and adhering to occupancy limits. You must also notify neighbors of your intent to operate a short-term rental.

How much does an STR permit cost in Scottsdale?

**$250 is the annual** fee for a Short-Term Rental License in Scottsdale. This license is required for all short-term rental operators and must be renewed each year. Failure to obtain and maintain this license can result in fines and other penalties from the city.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Scottsdale?

**No**, tenants are not permitted** to host on Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms in Scottsdale. Only property owners or authorized property managers can obtain a short-term rental license. Renters who operate STRs may face eviction or other legal consequences per their lease agreement.

Scottsdale

Moderate

ArizonaUpdated Apr 2, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

The City of Scottsdale requires all short-term rental operators to obtain an annual license ($250) and a state TPT license. Regulations include mandatory neighbor notification, $500,000 liability insurance, and strict occupancy limits (max 6 adults).

Restriction level

Severity 21

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Standard permit fee: $250
Tenants cannot host
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 time7-10 business days

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Verify your property is within Scottsdale City limits; some nearby 'Scottsdale' addresses are in unincorporated Maricopa County or Phoenix.
2You must notify all neighbors whose properties touch your property boundary or are directly across the street.
3Occupancy is strictly limited to 6 adults; only children related to the adults are exempt from this count.
4All marketing and listings must display your City License Number and your TPT License Number.
5Non-residential uses (weddings, parties, corporate events) are strictly prohibited.
6Sex offenders are prohibited from residing in or staying at short-term rentals.
7Failure to respond to a police or emergency call within 60 minutes can result in a license violation.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility12 rules

Scottsdale, AZ: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Scottsdale: Properties with affordable housing restrictions or subsidies cannot be used for short-term rentals.
Scottsdale: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Scottsdale does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements17 rules

Scottsdale: All marketing and listings must display your City License Number and your TPT License Number.
Scottsdale, AZ: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.
Scottsdale, AZ: Hosts must report their rental activity per-booking to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application process8 rules

Scottsdale STR permit - Step 2: Apply for City License. Submit the Scottsdale Short-Term Rental License application via the city's online portal. Required documents: TPT License Number, Evidence of Liability Insurance, Emergency Contact Form. Time: 7-10 days. Cost: 250.

Fees & costs1 rule

Scottsdale charges a registration fee of $250 (annual).

Taxes2 rules

Scottsdale charges a Transient Tax of 5%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit the State/County/City tax directly via ADOR.
Arizona has a state sales tax of 5.6% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions6 rules

Scottsdale limits STRs to a maximum of 6 guests. Formula: 6 adults (plus their related children) or 1 adult per 200 sq ft of habitable space.
Scottsdale enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM.
Scottsdale: Verify your property is within Scottsdale City limits; some nearby 'Scottsdale' addresses are in unincorporated Maricopa County or Phoenix.

Safety requirements1 rule

Scottsdale requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Swimming pool safety (fencing/alarms) per state law, Floor plan showing all exits posted inside.

Penalties3 rules

Scottsdale: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Scottsdale, AZ: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions4 rules

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

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

Scottsdale

Moderate

ArizonaUpdated Apr 2, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 21

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Standard permit fee: $250
Tenants cannot host
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 time7-10 business days

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Verify your property is within Scottsdale City limits; some nearby 'Scottsdale' addresses are in unincorporated Maricopa County or Phoenix.
2You must notify all neighbors whose properties touch your property boundary or are directly across the street.
3Occupancy is strictly limited to 6 adults; only children related to the adults are exempt from this count.
4All marketing and listings must display your City License Number and your TPT License Number.
5Non-residential uses (weddings, parties, corporate events) are strictly prohibited.
6Sex offenders are prohibited from residing in or staying at short-term rentals.
7Failure to respond to a police or emergency call within 60 minutes can result in a license violation.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility12 rules

Scottsdale, AZ: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Scottsdale: Properties with affordable housing restrictions or subsidies cannot be used for short-term rentals.
Scottsdale: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Scottsdale does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements17 rules

Scottsdale: All marketing and listings must display your City License Number and your TPT License Number.
Scottsdale, AZ: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.
Scottsdale, AZ: Hosts must report their rental activity per-booking to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.

Application process8 rules

Scottsdale STR permit - Step 2: Apply for City License. Submit the Scottsdale Short-Term Rental License application via the city's online portal. Required documents: TPT License Number, Evidence of Liability Insurance, Emergency Contact Form. Time: 7-10 days. Cost: 250.

Fees & costs1 rule

Scottsdale charges a registration fee of $250 (annual).

Taxes2 rules

Scottsdale charges a Transient Tax of 5%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb and VRBO remit the State/County/City tax directly via ADOR.
Arizona has a state sales tax of 5.6% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions6 rules

Scottsdale limits STRs to a maximum of 6 guests. Formula: 6 adults (plus their related children) or 1 adult per 200 sq ft of habitable space.
Scottsdale enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM.
Scottsdale: Verify your property is within Scottsdale City limits; some nearby 'Scottsdale' addresses are in unincorporated Maricopa County or Phoenix.

Safety requirements1 rule

Scottsdale requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Swimming pool safety (fencing/alarms) per state law, Floor plan showing all exits posted inside.

Penalties3 rules

Scottsdale: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Scottsdale, AZ: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions4 rules

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

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

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Scottsdale?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Scottsdale?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Scottsdale?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Scottsdale?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

Frequently asked questions

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

2What is the TOT tax rate in Scottsdale?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Scottsdale?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Scottsdale?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Scottsdale?

Disclaimer