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Owner Resources
Scottsdale allows short-term rentals, but only with a city license in place and several conditions met before your first guest checks in. The city tightened enforcement in April 2024 with an updated nuisance ordinance — three substantiated complaints within 12 months can now trigger a license suspension, and Scottsdale added dedicated STR enforcement officers to handle noise and nuisance calls.
If you own a property in Scottsdale or are evaluating one for rental income, the requirements below reflect what the city currently enforces. Confirm current fees and any recent ordinance changes with the city's Community Development Department or your local manager before you list.
Annual license fee: $250, renewed each year under Ordinance 4566. The license is issued by the city and must be displayed on your listing.
State TPT license first: Before Scottsdale will process your city license, you need a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue. Apply at AZTaxes.gov. The city verifies this at application.
Liability insurance: A minimum of $500,000 in coverage is required and must remain active for the duration of your license. The policy must cover rental activity specifically — a standard homeowner's policy is typically not sufficient.
Whole-property only: Scottsdale does not allow room-by-room rentals. The entire property — including any accessory guest houses on the parcel — must be rented together as a single unit.
Neighbor notification: You must notify neighboring property owners within 30 days of receiving your license and submit a required attestation. Keep documented proof of notification in case of a complaint.
Occupancy limits: Arizona state law (ARS § 9-500.39) caps occupancy at the greater of six adults or two adults per bedroom. Scottsdale cannot set a lower cap under state preemption.
Three-step registration: (1) Obtain an Arizona TPT license, (2) apply through Scottsdale's Accela online portal, and (3) register with Maricopa County. All three steps are required before your first guest arrives.
Nuisance enforcement update (April 2024): Three substantiated complaints within any 12-month period can result in license suspension. Enhanced penalties for noise violations now apply, and the city designated STR-specific enforcement officers.
To apply or renew: Scottsdale's Community Development Department manages STR licensing at scottsdale.gov/community-dev.
Short-term rental ordinances shift often — fees increase, insurance minimums move, and cities add enforcement mechanisms with little notice. This page is reviewed regularly against verified government sources, but it is not a substitute for checking directly with the City of Scottsdale or your local manager before you apply for or renew a permit.
Last verified: August 2026.