Arizona Airbnb Rental Regulations | Must Know STR Laws

Written by: Sanjin Hadziomerovic

Arizona has long been a hotbed for short-term rental (STR) investment thanks to its year-round tourism, snowbird population, and investor-friendly real estate prices. But in recent years, cities across the state have started tightening regulations — implementing stricter registration, enforcement, and zoning rules in response to community concerns over noise, housing availability, and quality-of-life impacts.

While Arizona once had laws restricting local governments from banning STRs, legislation like SB 1168 (signed into law in 2022) gave cities back the power to require registration, enforce nuisance laws, and restrict occupancy — all without banning STRs outright. As a result, Airbnb laws vary significantly from city to city across Arizona.

If you’re considering buying or managing a short-term rental in Arizona, it’s crucial to understand how regulations differ across key markets. In this guide, we break down STR laws in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tucson, Mesa, Flagstaff, and Lake Havasu City, using data sourced directly from GetChalet.com.

Phoenix: Mandatory Registration and Neighborhood Notification

Phoenix — Arizona’s largest city — allows STRs, but operators must comply with detailed requirements under the city’s local ordinance, which was updated to align with SB 1168.

Key requirements include:

• Mandatory short-term rental registration
• Payment of a $250 application fee
• Notification of surrounding neighbors within 30 days of the listing
• Emergency contact available 24/7
• Compliance with nuisance ordinances (noise, parking, trash)

Phoenix does not limit the number of STRs per neighborhood, but city officials are stepping up enforcement for properties that generate complaints. Violators can face escalating fines or suspension of operating privileges. Hosts are also required to post emergency and contact information inside each rental unit.

If you’re listing a property on Airbnb or Vrbo in Phoenix, registration is not optional. Be proactive in complying and make sure to document neighbor notifications — the city is watching closely.

Airbnb Rental Regulations Phoenix

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Scottsdale: One of Arizona’s Most Regulated STR Markets

Scottsdale is among the most popular — and most heavily regulated — STR markets in Arizona. With its luxury golf courses, nightlife, and desert attractions, the city draws a constant stream of visitors. But that popularity also sparked backlash from full-time residents, which led to some of the toughest Airbnb regulations in the state.

Highlights of Scottsdale’s STR rules:

• Mandatory STR license required before operating
• Licenses must be renewed annually
• Background checks required for guests over 18
• Occupancy capped at 6 adults (2 per bedroom), with additional children allowed
• Parties and events are strictly prohibited
• A local emergency contact must respond within 60 minutes of a complaint

Hosts are required to post licenses in listings and inside the property. Scottsdale aggressively enforces violations, with penalties escalating from warnings to steep fines and license suspension. In 2023, the city even began publishing a public map of registered STRs.

Scottsdale remains a lucrative market, but the barrier to entry is higher. To succeed here, you’ll need to operate like a professional — or partner with a manager who understands the compliance landscape.

Airbnb Rental Regulations Scottsdale

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Tucson: Business Licensing and Local Accountability

Tucson’s short-term rental regulations are moderate compared to some other cities, but operators still must meet several local requirements.

Current STR laws in Tucson include:

• Obtaining a business license
• Adhering to zoning requirements, particularly in neighborhoods with homeowner associations (HOAs)
• Maintaining an emergency contact
• Ensuring compliance with trash, noise, and parking ordinances

While Tucson does not currently cap the number of STRs or require a city-level permit beyond the business license, the city is actively monitoring rental activity and responding to resident concerns.

Airbnb hosts in Tucson should maintain clean, quiet, and professionally managed properties to avoid triggering community pushback, especially in areas with high concentrations of rentals.

Airbnb Rental Regulations Tucson

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Mesa: Registration and On-Site Information Required

Mesa, part of the Greater Phoenix area, has implemented its own set of STR regulations in line with SB 1168.

Here’s what Mesa requires:

• Registration of all STRs through the city portal
• Submission of owner and emergency contact information
• Posting of a “local rules” sheet inside each unit
• Display of STR license number in all online listings
• Noise and occupancy compliance

Mesa also prohibits STRs from being used for weddings, banquets, or other events — and any such use can lead to fines or permit suspension. City officials have stressed that enforcement is complaint-driven, meaning neighbors are the first line of oversight.

Mesa remains investor-friendly, but hosts must stay on top of their administrative and guest communication duties to avoid slipping out of compliance.

Airbnb Rental Regulations Mesa

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Flagstaff: Zoning, Caps, and Quiet Hours in Place

Flagstaff — a scenic mountain town and home to Northern Arizona University — is a year-round destination. With high housing demand and limited availability, the city has moved to aggressively regulate STRs to preserve residential neighborhoods.

Flagstaff’s STR policies include:

• Mandatory registration and license
• Occupancy limits: 2 guests per bedroom, plus 2 additional
• Noise restrictions: No outdoor amplified sound from 9 PM–8 AM
• Required guest rules signage inside the property
• Designated property manager or emergency contact

Flagstaff has also introduced a cap on the number of STRs in certain neighborhoods, especially near the university and in low-inventory zones. The city frequently reviews complaints and conducts enforcement sweeps.

This market is attractive for ski season and summer travelers, but hosts must pay close attention to zoning maps and stay in regular communication with the city to operate legally.

Airbnb Rental Regulations Flagstaff

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Lake Havasu City: Registration, Compliance, and Proactive Enforcement

Lake Havasu City is a major short-term rental hotspot thanks to its waterfront, boating culture, and spring break draw. The city continues to allow STRs broadly — but has implemented several measures to ensure properties don’t disrupt residential neighborhoods.

Lake Havasu City STR rules:

• Mandatory registration
• Local contact required
• City license number must appear on Airbnb/Vrbo listings
• Rules must be posted inside the rental
• Limitations on parties and excessive occupancy
• Guests must comply with trash and parking rules

In 2023, Lake Havasu launched an STR enforcement dashboard to improve transparency and encourage compliance. Repeat offenders risk escalating fines and the loss of their operating status.

The city remains investor-friendly — but only for hosts who treat their Airbnb like a real business.

Airbnb Rental Regulations Lake Havasu City

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Final Thoughts: Arizona STR Laws Are Rapidly Evolving — Stay Informed

Arizona remains a top short-term rental market, but the golden age of zero-regulation is over. Cities now have the authority to impose strict licensing, enforce occupancy limits, and penalize nuisance properties.

As an Airbnb investor in Arizona, your success depends on:

• Registering in each city you operate in
• Following local zoning and occupancy limits
• Keeping emergency contact info updated
• Posting permits and local rule summaries inside your property
• Avoiding events, noise, or behaviors that prompt complaints

Cities like Scottsdale and Flagstaff now have high-compliance environments, while others like Tucson and Lake Havasu remain more flexible — for now.

To simplify your research, visit the Chalet STR Regulation Center, where you can find city-by-city permit links, updates, and investor insights for all Arizona markets.