How to Get a Short-Term Rental License in Scottsdale, Arizona (2026 Guide)
Operating or planning to operate a short-term rental in Scottsdale, Arizona? Then you're required to hold a valid City of Scottsdale STR license before accepting your first guest. Here's exactly what that process looks like in 2026.
What You Need Before You Apply
Before submitting your Scottsdale STR license application, three things must already be in place:
First, an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue. You register at aztaxes.gov using business code 025 for transient lodging. Your TPT license number is required on your Scottsdale application and must be displayed on all advertising for the property.
Second, a Maricopa County Assessor rental registration. Under A.R.S. § 33-1902, every residential rental property in Arizona must be registered with the County Assessor before occupancy. This is free, takes about 10 minutes at mcassessor.maricopa.gov, and is a required prerequisite for your city license application. You will be denied if this is not completed.
Third, liability insurance with a minimum of $500,000 in aggregate coverage. You'll need to submit proof of insurance with your application.
The Application
Scottsdale STR licenses are managed through the City's online licensing portal at scottsdaleaz.gov. The annual fee is $250 per property and is non-transferable.
Your application will require your TPT license number, proof of $500,000 liability insurance, your property parcel number, and a designated 24/7 emergency contact who is capable of arriving on-site within one hour of being contacted. This individual does not need to be a property manager.
After Your License Is Approved
Congrats! Once your license is issued, two additional steps are required within 30 days:
Neighbor notification. You must notify all properties within 300 feet of your STR by mail. The notification must include your license number and your 24/7 emergency contact information.
Interior notice. The City of Scottsdale requires a city-provided notice to be posted inside the property near the front door. This notice must include your license number, emergency contact information, the location of your fire extinguisher, and waste disposal rules.
Your Scottsdale STR license number must appear on all advertising for the property — including your Airbnb or VRBO listing.
Occupancy Limits
Scottsdale limits STR occupancy to six adults plus dependent children, regardless of property size. This might be updated to 2 people per bedroom but has to be voted on still. As of now you are limited to just 6 adults plus dependent children even if you have 4+ bedrooms.
Annual Renewal
Scottsdale STR licenses renew annually at $250 per property. If you're managing multiple properties, keeping track of renewal dates across your portfolio is one of the most common compliance gaps we see. Barrett Advisories manages renewal calendars for every property in a managed portfolio and provides written notice 60 days before any expiration. Fines can be up to $1,000 for operating without a license and can accrue monthly!
Code Enforcement
Scottsdale STR code enforcement can be reached at 480-312-2546 or through the Scottsdale EZ app.
Need Help Getting Compliant?
Barrett Advisories handles STR licensing, TPT compliance, and back-office operations for property managers throughout the Arizona market. If you're onboarding a new property or need help getting an existing one into compliance, schedule a free consultation at barrettadvisories.com.