The city of Scottsdale began licensing short-term rentals on Monday.
The city's ordinance, adopted unanimously by the council in October, requires rental property owners/operators to obtain a Scottsdale license for each property and comply with several safety, health and neighbor notification requirements.
Under the ordinance, a license is needed for each individual property. Scottsdale's licensing portal opened Nov. 28, and current properties must obtain a license by Jan. 8, 2023.
New short-term rentals also must be licensed before being rented out. The annual license fee is $250 per property. All fees go 100% to cover costs associated with licensing vacation and short-term rentals.
All Scottsdale short-term and vacation rental properties with active listings will receive a letter from the city notifying them of the requirements and directing them to apply for a license via the city’s online portal. Even if property owners don't recieve a letter, they must obtain a license.
All short-term and vacation rental property operators must carry liability insurance and conduct sex offender background checks on booking guests. The ordinance contains requirements for notifying neighbors before a vacation rental is offered for the first time or any time contact information changes.
Other requirements are that properties must be cleaned between each stay, have working smoke alarms and regular pest control. Properties that have pools, spas or hot tubs must comply with the city's barrier requirements by May 23, 2023.
Events are not permitted at rentals under the ordinance.
Visit ScottsdaleAZ.gov and search “short-term rental” to learn more about the city, county and state requirements for short-term and vacation rental properties, apply for a license, and find resources for neighborhoods.