What is considered a short-term rental?
Any individually or collectively owned residential unit, dwelling unit, or individual unit or group of units in a condominium, cooperative, or owner-occupied residential home offered for transient use (i.e., 29 days or less at a time).
Who needs a Short-term Rental License?
Any Mesa property owner that offers a residential unit for rent for transient use or for 29 days or less at a time. This also includes rooms in an owner-occupied home. Mesa short-term rental licenses will only be issued to the property owner.
What classifies as an online lodging marketplace?
An online lodging marketplace means a person that provides a digital platform for compensation through which an unaffiliated third party offers to rent lodging accommodations in this state to an occupant, including a transient, as defined by (“A.R.S.”) § 42-5070.
Will I be notified when it’s time for renewal of my license?
It is the licensee’s responsibility to ensure that a completed renewal application and $250.00 license fee (per rental unit) is received by the Mesa Licensing office at least forty-five (45) days prior to the existing license expiration date. However, Licensing staff will send a courtesy reminder email and renewal instructions at least 90 days prior to the license expiration.
Do I need any other licenses for my short-term rental unit?
Yes, proof of a valid Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License issued for the rental unit must be provided during the application process (MCC 5-15-3). This also applies for units that are offered for rent through an online lodging marketplace such as AirBnB or Vrbo. Each rental unit’s location must be listed on the TPT License.
Start the application process for the TPT license
My short-term rental unit is located on a Maricopa County Island, but the post office (USPS) shows the address in Mesa, do I need to apply for a Short-Term Rental License?
No, if the rental unit is located on a Maricopa County Island, then it’s considered outside Mesa jurisdiction and not subject to its license requirements. Make sure to use the Explore Mesa map program to verify that the rental unit is located inside Mesa jurisdiction before applying. Contact the Licensing office if you need assistance.
Where can I find the form to use for neighbor notifications?
The city does not currently have a specific form available to use with the notification of the neighbors surrounding and directly adjacent to the short-term rental unit (pursuant to MCC 5-15-4).When creating your own neighbor notification form, make sure the following information is included:
- Mesa short-term rental license number
- Rental address
- Name and contact information of the designated emergency contact
If requested by the Licensing Administrator, you will need to provide copies of the notification forms and proof of delivery to the Licensing office within ten (10) calendar days.