Phoenix, Arizona Short Term Rental Regulations

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Reviewed by Derick Hargrave

Last updated August 23, 2023

Phoenix Short-Term Rental Regulations

Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.

City Code of Ordinances

In January 2020, the Phoenix City Council passed the Short-Term Vacation Rental Ordinance. Short-term or vacation rental owners must complete this form and submit emergency and complaint contact information to the city. The city's website can find more information on short-term rental rules can be found on the city's website.

Business License Requirements

Phoenix requires owners of short-term or vacation rentals to register with the City and provide emergency and complaint contact information. Register here and view this Short-term Vacation Rental Property Registration User Guide

Building and Housing Standards

Phoenix has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Please refer to the City’s building codes or contact the Planning & Development Department for more information.

Tourist and Local Taxes

For all Vacation Rentals and Short-term rentals, Transaction Privilege Sales Tax license with the State of Arizona Department of Revenue is required. Please visit and register here for more information. All rental units, including vacation and short-term rentals, shall be registered with Maricopa County per ARS33-1902.

Other Rules

It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the City of Phoenix for more information. 
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  • Short Term City Rating
    4.5
  • Competition

    2.0
  • Real Estate Cost

    5.3
  • STR Regulations

    4.0
  • Seasonality

    3.9
  • Rental Rates

    7.4

Phoenix, Arizona Quick Stats

Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.

Population
1,608,139
STR License Required
Yes
Tourist Season
December to February, March to May
County
Maricopa
Airports
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (DVT)
Review our Phoenix Arizona short-term rental analytics guide, including rates, property types and other metrics

Want to learn more about Phoenix?

Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.

Check out our Phoenix rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Phoenix rental market.

City Activities

Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Phoenix.

City Attractions

The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.

Phoenix Rental Rates & Fees

Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.

Property Types & Sizes

What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Phoenix guests.

Interested in other Arizona cities?

Check out the Arizona short term rental regulations directory 

What makes Phoenix a great place to invest?

  • Phoenix is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring the beautiful Sonoran Desert. The city is surrounded by mountains, offering great views and diverse hiking trails. The most popular one is Camelback Mountain, located in the city's backyard, and it's perfect for a morning hike.
  • The city also boasts a variety of world-class golf courses, making it a golfer's paradise. With over 200 courses in the area, you can find one that's perfect for your skill level and budget.
  • Phoenix is a great destination for history buffs, with a number of museums and historic sites to explore. The Heard Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in American Indian art and culture, while the Pueblo Grande Museum & Archaeological Park offers a glimpse into the lives of the ancient Hohokam people who once lived in the area.
  • Phoenix is a great destination for families, with plenty of kid-friendly activities to enjoy. The Phoenix Zoo and the Desert Botanical Garden are great options, while the Children's Museum of Phoenix is perfect for younger kids.
  • For shopping and entertainment, Phoenix is a great destination. The city has several shopping centers like Biltmore Fashion Park and Scottsdale Fashion Square, offering luxury boutiques and high-end retailers, and for entertainment, Phoenix hosts multiple events throughout the year, such as the Phoenix Open, and the Arizona State Fair, which is a must-see for anyone visiting in the fall.

Phoenix Nearby Cities

Local Real Estate

How expensive is the real estate in Phoenix?

The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Phoenix has decreased -9% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $311, which is higher than the national average.

Median Sale Price

$542,157

-9% YoY

Median per Square Foot

$311

-9% YoY

Average Monthly Rent

$1,985

1% YoY

Property Descriptions

The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Phoenix, Arizona

Word Cloud for Phoenix, Arizona Short Term Rentals

Common terms for Phoenix short term rental listings.

When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.

Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:

  • Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
  • Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
  • Informative: The average listing in Phoenix has a description approximately 1,876 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.

After reviewing more than 28,084 listings in Phoenix, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Pool, Backyard, Old Town, Outdoor, Perfect, Patio, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Golf course, and Hot tub.

What are the most popular tourist activities in Phoenix?

Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Phoenix involve Adventure Activities, Hiking, Casinos, Museums, and the Health Spa. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.

Adventure Activities

Hiking

Casinos

Museums

Health Spa

Swimming

Zoo

Outlet Shopping

Cycling

Mountain Biking

Water Parks

Horseback Riding

Local Attractions

What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?

There are quite a few popular attractions in Phoenix, including Arizona State University, Phoenix Convention Center, Camelback Mountain, Phoenix Zoo, and Scottsdale Fashion Square. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.

Well Known Attraction

Scottsdale Fashion Square

Included on 60% of listings

Regional Landmark

Desert Botanical Garden

Included on 60% of listings

Well Known Attraction

Camelback Mountain

Included on 60% of listings

Well Known Attraction

Phoenix Zoo

Included on 59% of listings

Regional Landmark

Casino Arizona

Included on 58% of listings

Regional Landmark

Tempe Town Lake

Included on 58% of listings

Well Known Attraction

Arizona State University

Included on 57% of listings

Regional Landmark

Biltmore Fashion Park

Included on 57% of listings

Well Known Attraction

Phoenix Convention Center

Included on 50% of listings

Well Known Attraction

Footprint Center

Included on 49% of listings

Regional Landmark

Arizona Mills Mall

Included on 49% of listings

Local Landmark

Arizona Science Center

Included on 49% of listings

What’s the weather like in Phoenix, Arizona?

The weather is generally warmer than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 87°, while the average low is about 64°. It has normal rainfall, averaging about 8 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall is scarce, with an average year having no snowfall. The humidity levels in Phoenix are generally lower than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.

Winter

December through February

47° Low 68° High

Precipitation
3.1"
Snowfall
0.0"
Muggy Days
0.0 days
Cloudiness
35%

Spring

March through May

62° Low 86° High

Precipitation
1.3"
Snowfall
0.0"
Muggy Days
0.0 days
Cloudiness
25%

Summer

June through August

83° Low 105° High

Precipitation
1.7"
Snowfall
0.0"
Muggy Days
12.4 days
Cloudiness
25%

Fall

September through November

65° Low 87° High

Precipitation
1.9"
Snowfall
0.0"
Muggy Days
3.4 days
Cloudiness
21%