How to Get a Short-Term Rental License in Phoenix, Arizona (2026 Guide)

Operating a short-term rental in Phoenix requires a valid City of Phoenix STR permit before you accept your first guest. Here's the complete process for 2026.

What You Need Before You Apply

Phoenix requires three things to already be in place before you submit your application:

1. An Arizona TPT license from ADOR, registered at aztaxes.gov under business code 025 for transient lodging. Your TPT license number is required in the Phoenix application.

2. A Maricopa County Assessor rental registration under A.R.S. § 33-1902. This is free at mcassessor.maricopa.gov and is a required step before occupancy on every rental property in Arizona regardless of city.

3. Proof of liability insurance with a minimum of $500,000 in aggregate coverage.

The Application — SHAPE PHX Portal

Phoenix STR permits are processed through the SHAPE PHX Portal, managed by the Planning and Development Department at phoenix.gov. The annual fee is $250 per property and is nonrefundable. Permits expire one year from the date of issuance.

Your application will require your TPT license number, Maricopa County Assessor registration confirmation, proof of $500,000 insurance, owner and emergency contact information, a signed compliance agreement, and proof of lawful U.S. presence for individual applicants.

ADU Properties — Important Rule Effective April 4, 2026

If your property includes an accessory dwelling unit with a certificate of occupancy issued on or after September 14, 2024, the property owner must submit a notarized attestation of owner-occupancy on the same property. This rule applies specifically to ADU STR applications submitted after April 4, 2026.

Violation Penalties

Phoenix STR enforcement is handled by the Neighborhood Services Department. Penalties for violations are structured as follows:

First violation: minimum $500 or the equivalent of one night's rental fee, whichever is greater.
Second violation: minimum $1,000 or two nights' fee.
Third violation: minimum $3,500 or three nights' fee.

Three court-adjudicated violations within a 12-month period can result in license revocation. A single felony conviction within one year of licensure can also trigger revocation.

Annual Renewal

Phoenix STR permits renew annually at $250. The permit expires exactly one year from issuance — not on a calendar year basis — so renewal dates vary by property. For portfolios with multiple Phoenix properties, tracking individual expiration dates is critical.

Barrett Advisories manages renewal calendars for every property in a managed portfolio and provides written notice 60 days before any expiration date.

Code Enforcement Contact

Phoenix STR code enforcement can be reached at blight@phoenix.gov.

Need Help With Phoenix STR Compliance?

Barrett Advisories handles STR licensing, TPT compliance, owner invoicing, and back-office operations for property managers in the Phoenix and Scottsdale market. Schedule a free consultation at barrettadvisories.com.