Overview: Short-Term Rental Status in Gilbert, AZ

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Gilbert, Arizona. The Gilbert Town Council approved a new Short-Term Rental Ordinance in June 2023 to regulate short-term rentals operating within the Town. Per Arizona State Law (A.R.S. §9-500.39), short-term rentals are permitted in all municipalities within the state, including Gilbert. However, property owners must obtain and maintain a Town of Gilbert Short-Term Rental License and comply with all applicable tax obligations and local regulations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Gilbert

Starting a short-term rental business in Gilbert requires completing a four-step process before you can legally operate:

Step 1: Obtain a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License

• Apply for a TPT license from the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR)
• Each property address must be listed on your license
• Your TPT license number will be required to register with GovOS
• Website: AZTaxes.Gov
• Important: This license is mandatory regardless of whether you use online lodging marketplaces

Step 2: Complete Maricopa County Assessor's Office Registration

• Register each rental property with the Maricopa County Assessor's Office
• Proof of this registration is required for GovOS registration
• Exception: If the property is your primary residence and you only rent specific portions (one bedroom, casita, etc.), registration with the County is not required, but you must upload proof of ownership during application
• Website: Maricopa County Assessor Registration

Step 3: Complete Neighbor Notification

• Before operating as a STR, notify all adjacent properties including:
  • Single-family residential properties adjacent to your property
  • Properties directly across the street
  • Diagonally across the street properties
  • For multi-family buildings: all units on the same building floor
• Easy-to-use postcards are available for pickup at 50 E Civic Center Drive (front desk)
• Or print and mail letters using the provided template
• Template Location: Available through Gilbert's website

Step 4: Register with GovOS

• Complete the licensing process through Gilbert's official platform
• You'll need your Account Number and Activation Code from GovOS
• If you didn't receive these, contact ShortTermRentals@gilbertaz.gov or call (888) 751-1911
• Registration Portal: Gilbert GovOS

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Licenses and Permits Required:

1. Town of Gilbert Short-Term Rental License

   • New license fee: $100
   • Annual renewal fee: $100
   • License is valid for one year (expires in the month you applied)
   • Per property licensing required

2. Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License

   • Obtained from Arizona Department of Revenue
   • Mandatory for all STR operations

3. Maricopa County Assessor Registration

   • Required for most STR properties
   • Proof needed for GovOS registration

Required Documentation:

• Proof of property ownership
• TPT license number
• County registration proof (when applicable)
• Neighbor notification completion confirmation
• Contact information for property owner/manager

Key Guidelines:

• Zoning Compliance: Properties must comply with the Town of Gilbert's Land Development Code
• HOA/CC&R Considerations: State law does not preclude Homeowner Associations from regulating or restricting STRs within their communities
• Safety Requirements: Properties must meet health, safety, and building codes

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Tax Obligations:

• Transaction Privilege (Sales) Tax: Required for all STR properties
• Transient Tax (Bed Tax): Additional tax applicable to short-term rentals
• Online Lodging Marketplace (OLM) Considerations:
  • Even if you use platforms like Airbnb or VRBO, you must maintain your own TPT license
  • File tax returns showing gross receipts from OLM
  • Use deduction code 775 for amounts received from OLM
  • Gilbert provides specific guidance for OLM tax filing

Operational Requirements:

• License Display: Maintain current license through GovOS platform
• Contact Information Updates: Update STR license in GovOS when contact information changes
• Neighbor Notification: Must notify neighbors within 10 days of any changes
• Good Neighbor Compliance: Provide guests with Good Neighbor Guide and any HOA/community guidelines

Enforcement and Penalties:

• Operating Without License: Violations can result in fines and penalties
• License Denial: 30-day appeal period available
• Complaint Process: 24/7 hotline at 480-805-8141
• Online Complaints: Available through Gilbert's STR portal

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary STR Contact:

• Email: ShortTermRentals@gilbertaz.gov
• Phone: (888) 751-1911 (GovOS Support)
• Website: Gilbert STR Licensing Portal

General Town Contact:

• Phone: (480) 503-6000
• Location: 50 E Civic Center Drive, Gilbert, AZ 85296
• Website: GilbertAZ.gov

Complaint Hotline:

• 24/7 STR Complaint Line: 480-805-8141
• Online Complaint Form: Available through GovOS portal

Department-Specific Contacts:

• Tax Compliance Division: For TPT and tax-related questions
• Code Compliance: For zoning and property compliance
• Police Department: For safety and noise complaints

Key Resources and Forms

Required Forms and Documents:

• Short-Term Rental License Application: Through GovOS portal
• TPT License Application: Arizona Department of Revenue
• Maricopa County Registration: County Assessor
• Neighbor Notification Template: Available at Town Hall or online
• Good Neighbor Guide: Printable resource for guest distribution

Important Links:

• Gilbert STR Main Page
• STR Frequently Asked Questions
• Town Ordinance
• Short-Term Rental Fine Appeal Form
• AZTaxes.gov
• Maricopa County Assessor

State and County-Level Context

While Gilbert has specific local requirements, these operate within the broader Arizona and Maricopa County framework:

Arizona State Law (A.R.S. §9-500.39):

• Mandates that STRs be permitted statewide
• Allows municipalities to regulate licensing and operations
• Does not preempt HOA/CC&R restrictions

Maricopa County Requirements:

• Mandatory rental property registration for all rental types
• Applies to both long-term and short-term rentals
• Separate from Gilbert's licensing requirements

Online Platform Requirements:

• Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO must not list STRs without license numbers
• State law provides framework for platform compliance

This comprehensive framework ensures that Gilbert STR investors operate within a clear regulatory environment while maintaining community standards and compliance with both state and local requirements.