Scottsdale

State TPT license

Get a transaction privilege tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue first, and list Scottsdale as your region code.[7] The city application asks for proof of a valid TPT license,[2] and the state says you can't offer a rental without one.[9]

City license

Get an annual city license for each property.[2] It costs $250, the fee is non-refundable, and the license can't be transferred to another location or person.[2] The city issues it within seven business days of a complete application unless grounds for denial exist.[2]

Per-unit rule

A separate license is required for each house or dwelling unit.[2] A dwelling and its accessory guest house must be rented together, not separately.[6]

County registration

Register each rental with Maricopa County before anyone stays.[7] It's illegal to rent a property before it's registered.[7] The Assessor says owners who don't live in Arizona must name a statutory agent who does.[10]

Neighbor notice

Before you offer the rental for the first time, notify every single-family home next to, directly across from and diagonally across the street.[2] The written notice includes the license number, the address and the emergency contact's name, address and 24-hour phone number.[2] The city's owner page says to send it within 30 days of getting your license.[7]

Events and non-residential use

A short-term rental can't be used for retail, a restaurant, an event center, banquet space or any other non-residential use, or for a special event that would need a permit or license.[2] A June 2026 ordinance defines an event center as property hosting organized gatherings with a commercial purpose, such as weddings, banquets and corporate events.[8]

Occupancy and guests

The limit is a single family of one to six adults and their related dependent children.[2] You can't rent to a minor.[2]

Emergency contact

Name a real person as your 24-hour emergency contact.[2] When police, fire or other public safety staff respond to the property, that person must get there within one hour.[2]

Insurance and background checks

Carry at least $500,000 in liability insurance for each rental unless the booking platform provides that coverage, and send proof to the city within 30 days of getting your license.[2] Run a sex offender check on the person booking at least 24 hours before every stay and keep a copy for 12 months.[2] State law waives that check if the platform runs it.[1]

Safety and signage

Keep working smoke alarms, post a floor plan with exit routes and fire equipment, and follow the pool barrier rules if guests can use a pool.[2] Post the city notice in 14-point or larger bold type on laminated or shielded paper inside the front door and the primary backyard door.[2]

State and county

Short-term lodging under 30 days is taxed as transient lodging.[5] The state's October 2026 rate table lists 7.27% for transient lodging in Maricopa County, which combines the state rate and the county excise tax.[4]

City tax

Scottsdale adds a 1.70% privilege tax and a 5.00% transient tax.[4, 5] With the state and county rate, that's 13.97% in total.[4, 5]

Booking platforms

Booking sites must register with the state and pay tax on the bookings made through them.[9] You still need your own TPT license, and if you book only through a platform you must still file a return showing those receipts with a deduction.[9]

30-day leases

The extra transient tax doesn't apply if the lease or prepaid rent covers at least 30 days from the start.[5]

No license

Operating without a license is a civil offense with a fine of at least $1,000 per violation, and the court can't suspend any of it.[2] If you ignore a written notice to apply, the city adds a $1,000 penalty for every 30 days.[2]

Verified violations

Penalties for verified violations in a 12-month period are up to $500 or one night's rent, whichever is greater, for the first, up to $1,000 or two nights' rent for the second, and up to $3,500 or three nights' rent for the third and later ones.[2]

Suspensions

The city starts suspension for three verified violations in 12 months, or for one serious violation such as a felony at the property or hosting a special event that needs a permit or license.[2] A final suspension lasts one year, which a hearing officer can cut to six months.[2] State law caps suspensions at 12 months.[1]

Missed steps

Failing to show your license number in ads, carry insurance or notify neighbors costs at least $500, and skipping the sex offender check or renting to a minor costs at least $1,000.[2] A court can cut the ad, insurance and notice fines to $100 once you comply.[2]