Glendale, AZ Short-Term Rental (STR) Regulations for Non-Owner Occupied Properties

Definition and Applicability

A short-term rental (STR) in Glendale, Arizona, is defined as a residential property rented for less than 30 days at a time, regardless of whether it is owner-occupied or not23. Non-owner occupied properties—those not designated as the owner's primary residence—fall under the same regulatory framework as owner-occupied STRs, as Arizona state law generally prohibits cities from distinguishing between the two for regulatory purposes10.

Key Requirements for Non-Owner Occupied STRs

• Annual Licensing: All STR owners, including those who do not reside at the property, must obtain an annual short-term rental license from the City of Glendale before operating37.
• Registration: STR operators must register their property with the city, providing both owner and emergency contact information. This ensures that someone can respond promptly to emergencies or complaints236.
• Maricopa County Registration: All rental properties, regardless of length of stay, must also be registered with the Maricopa County Assessor’s Office. Out-of-state owners must appoint a statutory agent who resides in Arizona to accept legal service69.
• Tax Compliance: STR operators are required to obtain a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license and collect both state and local taxes, including a combined TPT and transient (bed) tax totaling 15.7%16.
• Safety and Neighborhood Standards: Properties must comply with local safety regulations (such as smoke detectors and fire extinguishers) and adhere to neighborhood standards for noise, parking, and occupancy limits35.
• Nuisance Ordinance: Glendale enforces a nuisance party ordinance, making property owners responsible for the costs of police response to disturbances at their rental properties. Repeated violations can result in fines and other penalties25.
• Emergency Contact: Owners must provide the city with the name and contact information of a designated emergency contact who can respond to issues at the property236.

Process Overview

1. Obtain a TPT License from the Arizona Department of Revenue.
2. Register the property with both the City of Glendale and Maricopa County Assessor’s Office.
3. Submit an STR license application through Glendale’s online portal, providing all required contact information.
4. Ensure compliance with city nuisance ordinances, safety standards, and neighborhood regulations.
5. Remit required taxes (TPT and transient tax) as collected from guests.

State Law Context

Arizona law (A.R.S. § 9-500.39) restricts cities from regulating STRs based on their classification as owner-occupied or non-owner occupied, except for certain health, safety, and welfare concerns10. This means Glendale cannot impose stricter rules solely on non-owner occupied STRs.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with Glendale’s STR regulations can result in fines, penalties, or loss of the rental license. This includes non-registration, failure to provide emergency contacts, or repeated nuisance violations25.