Airbnb Rental Regulation in Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria, AZ

1. How do Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria define a short-term (Airbnb) rental (STR)?

Generally speaking, Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria follow the established Arizona definitions of Airbnb rental property. As such, the basic definition of an STR is a property used for thirty days or fewer for vacation rental purposes. These properties can be rented out either as the whole property or as part of the property – for example, renting out a spare room through Airbnb.

Airbnb rentals in Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria are subject to Arizona state law and local city regulations; before applying for a short-term rental license, it is crucial to consider both to ensure that the property is eligible. All STRs must comply with the Revised Statutes Section 9-500.39 and are liable for transaction privilege tax.

It is also worth noting that some STR regulations (as is the case in Peoria) often also require that short-term (Airbnb) lodging does not exceed 14 days of consecutive use. Moreover, some cities will also define short-term rentals as lodging that is used exclusively for residential use.

https://awning.com/post/arizona-short-term-rental-laws

https://www.gilbertsunnews.com/news/town-examines-short-term-rental-regulations/article_21a8c186-448e-11ec-b368-bfe5f20fac09.html

https://library.municode.com/az/peoria/codes/city_code?nodeId=PTIIPECO_CH21ZO_NSIDI

https://library.municode.com/az/chandler/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIIIPUSA_CH22SHTERE

2. Can investors own more than one vacation rental property in Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria? 

Yes. If you have been looking to invest in short-term (Airbnb) rentals in Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, or Peoria, there is no specific limit regarding the number of properties you can own and rent out. This is in line with Arizona’s 2017 laws outlining that cities cannot limit or restrict investors from owning STRs. 

However, all short-term rentals will still need to comply with both local and state requirements. As such, before purchasing new STRs, it’s important to ensure you have the necessary insurance and permits in place to run additional rental properties.

https://www.awdlaw.com/our-neighborhood/arizona-short-term-vacation-rentals-your-rights-change-in-2017

https://law.justia.com/codes/arizona/2017/title-11/section-11-269.17/

3. Do Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria have any zoning restrictions for STRs?

Yes. While Arizona state law does not allow cities to restrict the use of properties for Airbnb rental use, an exception is made to allow individual cities to regulate the allocation of STR permits based on zoning ordinances and requirements. 

Some of the key considerations given to zoning, as per state regulations, include controlling welfare, property maintenance, nuisance issues, and noise pollution. All properties must first obtain a permit before being utilized as a Airbnb rental.

  • Mesa: As standard, most short-term rentals are found in either commercial or residential districts. A special use permit may be required to run an STR in some areas.
  • Glendale: Glendale’s Article II does not specifically define that STRs are allowed in exclusively residential districts. However, holiday lodging is typically allowed in commercial districts, mixed-use districts, and some special purpose districts. Typically, they are not permitted in industrial zones.
  • Chandler: Based on Chandler’s Short Term Rental regulations, STRs are primarily permitted in residential zoning districts.
  • Gilbert: One of the unique features of Gilbert’s approach to short term rentals is that they are available in all solely residential regions. In addition, STRs are also permitted in most mixed use and non-residential zones in Gilbert.
  • Peoria: Based on guidelines for lodging,STRs may be allowed in residential zones allowing multifamily residential use. STRs may also be allowed in commercial districts with permitted or conditional use.

https://library.municode.com/az/peoria/codes/city_code?nodeId=PTIIPECO_CH21ZO_REDI_SIFARER1R1R1R1R1R1R1

https://images1.loopnet.com/d2/VuZviex5FDI69V6ZrpQqtOtopZTh8nhyasaM-3uPBi8/document.pdf

https://www.gilbertaz.gov/home/showdocument?id=1450

https://library.qcode.us/lib/glendale_ca/pub/municipal_code/item/title_30

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4. In Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria, can an investor own and operate their AirBnB property as a business entity? 

Yes. Since short-term rental regulations in Arizona focus on not limiting individuals from operating a vacation rental, there are no state rules specifically stating that investors cannot own and operate their properties as a business entity. However, it is important to keep in mind that you will still need to register for a business permit before you can operate an STR, and checking the local regulations could be helpful. 

https://awning.com/post/arizona-short-term-rental-laws

5. In Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria, can investors register accessory dwelling units (ADU), duplexes, and multifamily homes as Vacation Rentals?

Yes! Based on Arizona’s Airbnb rental regulations, which prevent cities from preventing individuals from starting STRs except in a small number of cases where doing so would cause disruption. In accordance with this, a growing number of people are renting out their accessory dwelling units, duplexes, and multifamily homes as vacation rental properties. 

https://www.azleg.gov/ars/9/00500-39.htm

6. What are the Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria requirements for obtaining a Vacation Rental License?

When it comes to obtaining a vacation rental license, there are several key regulations in Arizona that you will need to meet. These tend to be largely the same across all major cities, owing to the fact that state law limits regions from preventing investors from operating an STR. The main requirements are:

  1. Own a property in a zone that allows short-term (Airbnb) rentals based on your city
  2. Obtain permits to operate a short-term rental as required
  3. Apply for a vacation rental and business license
  4. Get a license for TPT from the Arizona Department of Revenue
  5. Allocate a responsible agent or another contact with 24/7 availability
  6. Arrange insurance policies for the rental property

When applying for a vacation rental license, you’ll usually be able to find more information about your city’s specific requirements on the application form directly. Some cities, for example, may also require you to notify neighbors officially about the change.

https://awning.com/post/arizona-short-term-rental-laws

7. What are the costs associated with a Vacation Rental License in Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria?

As standard, the cost of obtaining a vacation rental license in Arizonan cities is around $250. Additional costs may be associated with starting your short-term (Airbnb) rental business, such as getting a business license in the relevant city or hiring a responsible agent.

Considering that these fees will often be non-refundable, make sure you’ve checked everything fully before submitting your application.  

https://awning.com/post/arizona-short-term-rental-laws

https://www.mesaaz.gov/business/licensing/short-term-rentals

8. Do Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria have Vacation Rental occupancy limits?

This question’s a little tricky, as the answer is – it depends. Generally speaking, there are no specific occupancy limits for a single property in most cities in Arizona. However, new legislation does limit the number of occupants per bedroom to two, depending on local legislation. Investors should always take care to ensure that their properties do not exceed standard occupancy limit legislation.

9. Do Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria require an inspection for investors to obtain an STR license? What are the physical and structural requirements for a vacation rental?

Generally speaking, cities such as Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Preoria will usually require a property inspection before a short-term rental license is issued, so this is worth considering as part of your decision. Airbnb rental properties must meet several physical and structural requirements to be eligible for a permit, such as meeting fire safety regulations, existing building codes, and the like. Cities such as Peoria may also require local design criteria such as wind speed or snow load certifications.

https://www.peoriacounty.gov/334/Building-Inspections

10. Do Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria have any responsible agent requirements?

Yes. For all short-term rental properties in Arizona, including Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria, a 24/7 contact must be provided in the case of disturbances and issues. The key responsibilities of the responsible agent for a property include responding to complaints in a timely manner throughout the day. 

In accordance with this, details such as email addresses and phone numbers must be given, which are displayed publicly; this information must also be within 10 feet of the property’s entrance.

https://www.getchalet.com/rental-regulations/maricopa-count-az-str-regulations

11. Does Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria have specific insurance requirements for a Vacation Rental?

Following Arizona’s short-term (Airbnb) rental property regulations, investors should look to obtain Airbnb rental insurance covering at least $500,000 in value (potentially more, depending on the city’s specific regulations).

Thus, it is important to ensure that you have checked your short-term rental insurance policy to ensure full liability cover for the property. Additional business insurance plans may also be necessary, depending on the contract’s level of cover.

https://www.peoriaaz.gov/Home/Components/News/News/4878/439?backlist=%2F

https://www.gilbertsunnews.com/news/gilbert-mulls-tougher-short-term-rental-law/article_8434b9de-7a36-11ed-96e9-67edf3f8ea6d.html

12. What are the duration and renewal terms of a Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria Vacation Rental license?

Generally speaking, an Airbnb rental license will run for around 12 months from the time of renewal or issue. However, in many cases, you will also need to obtain other forms of license to operate as an STR; for example, a business license may have different regulations, and the TPT license will last for one calendar year. TPT licenses must be renewed by the 1st January.

https://www.mesaaz.gov/business/licensing/short-term-rentals

https://azdor.gov/transaction-privilege-tax/tpt-license/renewing-tpt-license

13. In Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria, do Airbnb and VRBO remit taxes on the host’s behalf? Are there any taxes that the host must track and pay directly to Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria?

Arizona’s state laws require that online booking platforms pay all state/local taxes on behalf of the rental provider. In line with this, investors shouldn’t have to pay any taxes, but it may be worth checking that the payment received is roughly correct.

https://www.avalara.com/mylodgetax/en/resources/vacation-rental-tax-guides/arizona.html

14. Who should I contact if I have questions regarding Mesa, Glendale, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria Vacation Rentals?

If you have any questions regarding short-term (Airbnb) or vacation rentals, the best approach is to contact your local city directly for local support. However, the Arizona Department of Revenue can also be contacted at (602)716-RENT(7368) or residentialrental@azdor.gov.

https://azdor.gov/transaction-privilege-tax/short-term-lodging

15. Are there any new laws and regulations that the city is requiring?

Arizona has recently updated its laws and regulations regarding short-term (Airbnb) rentals, the most recent being changes in late 2022 that allow cities slightly more freedom in terms of their regulation of short-term rental properties. This also allows cities to impose greater regulations on insurance policies as well.

https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/11/21/arizona-cities-regulations-short-term-rentals

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