Ordinance 4566 Decoded: The ABCs of Scottsdale Airbnb Laws

In the picturesque city of Scottsdale, Arizona, Airbnb and other short-term rentals have become a popular choice for travelers seeking a home-away-from-home experience. However, as with any booming industry, it’s crucial for hosts to navigate the intricacies of local regulations to ensure they operate within the bounds of the law.

Scottsdale Ordinance 4566, in particular, has set forth specific guidelines and requirements for short-term rental owners. This ordinance not only underscores the city’s commitment to maintaining the harmony and safety of its neighborhoods but also emphasizes the responsibilities of hosts.

In this article, we’ll delve deep into the nuances of this ordinance and other local regulations, providing Airbnb hosts in Scottsdale with a clear roadmap to successful and compliant hosting.

Licensing Requirements for Short-Term Rentals in Scottsdale

Requirement for a Scottsdale License:

The city of Scottsdale mandates that homes intended for short-term or vacation rentals, such as Airbnb, must be licensed. This requirement is in line with Scottsdale Ordinance 4655, which was unanimously passed by the city. The ordinance stipulates that short-term rental operators must obtain and maintain an annual city license for each property they intend to rent out.

Annual License Fee and Its Utilization:

The licensing fee is set at $250 per property on an annual basis. The city has clarified that all the fees collected from this licensing will be used to cover the costs associated with licensing vacation and short-term rentals. This ensures that the city can effectively manage and oversee the burgeoning short-term rental market.

Important Dates for Existing and New Short-Term Rental Owners:

The Scottsdale licensing portal was opened on November 28, 2022. Owners of existing short-term or vacation rental properties were given a deadline until January 8, 2023, to obtain their licenses. For new short-term or vacation rental properties coming into the market, they must comply with the ordinance requirements and secure a license before they can be offered for rent in Scottsdale.

Distinction Between Rentals of Less Than 30 Days and Those of 30 Days or Longer:

While the provided sources specifically address the licensing requirements for short-term rentals, they do not explicitly differentiate between rentals of less than 30 days and those of 30 days or longer. However, given the focus on short-term and vacation rentals, it’s clear that the city’s primary concern is with properties being rented out for shorter durations, which have a more transient nature and can have a different impact on neighborhoods compared to longer-term rentals.

It’s essential for property owners in Scottsdale to be aware of these regulations and ensure they are in compliance to avoid potential fines and penalties. As the short-term rental market continues to grow, especially with major events like the Super Bowl attracting visitors, understanding and adhering to local regulations is crucial for both hosts and guests.

Steps to Comply with Scottsdale’s Short-Term Rental Laws

Step 1: Obtaining a Transaction Privilege Sales Tax (TPT) License from the Arizona Department of Revenue

Before you can legally operate a short-term rental in Scottsdale, you must first obtain a Transaction Privilege Sales Tax (TPT) license from the Arizona Department of Revenue. This license is essential as it allows you to collect tax from your guests, which you’ll then remit to the state. Ensure you keep this license updated and renew it as required to avoid any legal complications.

Step 2: Applying for a Scottsdale License for Each Rental Property

Once you have your TPT license, the next step is to apply for a specific Scottsdale license for each property you intend to rent out. This can be done through the Scottsdale licensing portal. Remember, the annual fee for this license is $250 per property. It’s crucial to keep this license current and be aware of any changes in the local regulations that might affect your rental operations.

Step 3: Notifying Neighbors and Providing Proof of Insurance

Part of being a responsible host involves keeping your neighbors informed. Before you can rent out your property, you must notify your immediate neighbors about your intention to operate a short-term rental. Additionally, you’ll need to provide proof of liability insurance. This ensures that both you and your guests are protected in case of any unforeseen incidents or accidents.

Step 4: Completing Maricopa County Requirements

In addition to Scottsdale’s specific requirements, there are also county-level regulations that hosts must adhere to. Ensure you’re familiar with Maricopa County’s short-term rental regulations and complete any necessary paperwork or requirements. This might include additional licensing, safety inspections, or other regulations specific to the county.

Step 5: Generating and Displaying the Required Short-Term Rental Notice

Scottsdale mandates that all short-term rental properties display a notice that informs guests of local regulations, rules, and any relevant contact information. This notice should be prominently displayed within the rental property, ensuring that all guests can easily access and read it. The notice serves as a guideline for guests, helping them understand their responsibilities and ensuring they adhere to local norms and regulations during their stay.

By following these steps diligently, hosts can ensure that they are in full compliance with Scottsdale’s short-term rental laws, allowing them to operate their businesses smoothly and without legal hitches.

Additional County and State Requirements

Maricopa County: Registration Requirements

Beyond the city-specific regulations set by Scottsdale, Maricopa County also has its own set of requirements for short-term rentals. All hosts must register their rental properties with the county. This registration helps the county keep track of the number of short-term rentals operating and ensures that they adhere to county-level safety and operational standards. It’s crucial to regularly check for updates to these requirements, as they can change based on county decisions and feedback from residents.

State of Arizona

Transaction Privilege Sales Tax (TPT)

The State of Arizona imposes a Transaction Privilege Sales Tax (TPT) on various business activities, including the operation of short-term rentals. As a host, you are required to obtain a TPT license from the Arizona Department of Revenue, which allows you to collect this tax from your guests. The collected tax must then be remitted to the state.

Transient Tax Liabilities

Additionally, there’s a Transient Tax, often referred to as a bed tax or hotel tax, which is specifically levied on short-term lodging accommodations. This tax is also collected from guests and is separate from the TPT. Hosts must be diligent in collecting these taxes and ensuring they are accurately remitted to the state to avoid penalties or legal complications.

Scottsdale’s Good Neighbor Guides

In the heart of Scottsdale, where short-term rentals are becoming increasingly popular, the city has taken proactive measures to ensure harmony within its communities. The city introduced the “Good Neighbor Guides,” a comprehensive set of guidelines tailored for residents, visitors, and property managers.

These guides emphasize the importance of maintaining a peaceful neighborhood environment, respecting local norms, and ensuring that visitors have a positive impact on the community. They provide actionable tips and best practices for hosts to manage their properties effectively, address potential issues promptly, and foster good relationships with their neighbors.

Nuisance Parties & Unlawful Gatherings Ordinance

Scottsdale is not just about ensuring compliance with licensing and tax regulations; it’s also about preserving the tranquility and safety of its neighborhoods. To this end, the city has implemented the “Nuisance Parties & Unlawful Gatherings” ordinance. This regulation is designed to curb disruptive activities, loud parties, or any gatherings that might disturb the peace of the community.

Hosts and property managers must be aware of this ordinance to prevent potential violations. It’s essential to communicate these rules to guests and ensure that rental properties are not used for unauthorized events or activities that might disrupt the neighborhood’s harmony.

Final Thoughts

In the vibrant city of Scottsdale, where the allure of short-term rentals continues to grow, understanding and adhering to local regulations is paramount. As the landscape of hosting evolves, it’s clear that compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about fostering a harmonious community, ensuring guest safety, and delivering an exceptional hosting experience. By staying informed and proactive, hosts can navigate the complexities of local laws, ensuring their businesses thrive and contribute positively to the community.

For those looking to elevate their hosting game and streamline their operations, iGMS offers a suite of tools tailored to the needs of modern hosts:

• Channel Manager: Centralize your bookings and financial data from multiple platforms in one place.
• Automated Messaging: Enhance communication with guests and ensure timely invoice reminders.
• Airbnb Automation: Simplify your Airbnb financial transactions and reporting.
• Cleaning Management: Efficiently manage cleaning costs and schedules to optimize your budget.

Embracing tools like iGMS can not only simplify the hosting process but also ensure that you stay compliant and informed.