Overview: STR Status in Lake Havasu City

Short-term rentals ARE explicitly allowed in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The city has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for vacation rentals that became effective March 1, 2023, following Arizona Senate Bill 1168. Lake Havasu City has adopted specific ordinances to manage short-term rental operations while maintaining residential neighborhood character. Property owners must obtain proper permits and comply with both state and local regulations to operate legally.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Lake Havasu City

Step 1: Obtain State-Level Authorization

Before applying for a city permit, you must first obtain an Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License. This is a mandatory prerequisite for all short-term rental operations in Arizona.

Step 2: Complete City Registration Process

After securing your TPT number, submit your application through the Lake Havasu City Citizen Portal system, which includes:

• Creating a new account with the city's online portal
• Completing the Vacation Rental Permit application
• Providing required contact information and property details
• Paying the non-refundable annual permit fee

Step 3: Fulfill Ongoing Compliance Requirements

• Maintain current permits and licenses
• Designate and maintain a 24-hour emergency point of contact
• Ensure property meets all safety and operational standards
• Maintain compliance with neighbor notification requirements

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Licenses and Permits

State-Level Requirements:

• Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) License - Required before applying for city permit
  • Apply through: AZTAXES.GOV
  • Contact: Arizona Department of Revenue Customer Care
    • Toll Free: (800) 352-4090
    • Local: (602) 255-3381

City-Level Requirements:

• Lake Havasu City Vacation Rental Permit
  • Annual fee: $250.00 per property (non-refundable)
  • Permit duration: One year from issuance date
  • Application through: Lake Havasu City Citizen Portal

Required Documentation

At Application:

• Valid Arizona TPT License number
• Property owner information
• 24-hour Emergency Point of Contact details
• Property address and legal description

Ongoing Compliance Documentation:

• Evidence of liability insurance (available upon city request within 10 days)
• Neighbor notification records
• Background screening documentation for sex offender requirements (available upon city request within 10 days)
• Personal identification forms

Property Standards

• Must comply with 2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), Section 404 for occupancy limits
• Must meet all applicable fire, building, health, and safety codes
• Must post required notices in specified format (14-point bold font on laminated/protected paper)

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Lake Havasu City Code Chapter 5.20)

Property Use Restrictions:

• Single-family houses, 1-4 unit buildings, condominiums, townhouses, cooperatives allowed
• Timeshares permitted
• Individual rooms within residential properties allowed
• Guest houses, casitas, mother-in-law quarters permitted

Operational Requirements:

• Neighbor Notification: Mandatory notification to adjacent, directly across, and diagonally across street properties before offering for rent
• Emergency Point of Contact: Must designate 24/7 contact available for in-person, telephone, or electronic response
• Property Posting: Required notices on inside of front door and primary door to backyard
• Permit Display: Permit number must appear in all advertising

Noise Regulations (per 9.30.050):

• Sunday-Thursday (Week Days):
  • 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM: 45 dB(A)
  • 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM: 55 dB(A)
• Friday-Saturday (Weekends) and Holidays:
  • 12:00 AM to 7:00 AM: 45 dB(A)
  • 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM: 65 dB(A)
• Defined holidays: New Year's Day, New Year's Eve, St. Patrick's Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas

Trash and Refuse:

• Must use proper containers
• No storage in public view more than 12 hours before collection date
• Must comply with established trash collection schedules

Parking and Conduct:

• No blocking of neighbor driveways
• No parking on neighbor properties
• Prohibited disorderly conduct

State-Level Regulations (Arizona Senate Bill 1168)

Key Provisions:

• Registration and permitting requirements for all STRs
• Compliance with Arizona Revised Statutes Title 9 and Title 42
• Local authority to establish additional regulations within statutory framework

Contact Information for Local Authority

Lake Havasu City Business License Department:

• Phone: (928) 453-4153
• Email: vacationrentals@lhcaz.gov
• Website: Lake Havasu City Vacation Rentals

Tax-Related Inquiries:

• Phone: (928) 854-0731
• Email: taxinfo@lhcaz.gov

Vacation Rental Hotline (Complaints and Concerns):

• Phone: (928) 224-2727

Arizona Department of Revenue (TPT Issues):

• Toll Free: (800) 352-4090
• Local: (602) 255-3381

Source Links

Primary Government Sources:

• Lake Havasu City Vacation Rentals Main Page
• Short-Term Rental Ordinance News Release
• Vacation Rental Owner Training Video
• Lake Havasu City Citizen Portal

City Code and Legal Documents:

• Lake Havasu City Code Chapter 5.20 - Vacation Rentals
• City Ordinance No. 16-1142

State Resources:

• Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax Information
• Arizona TPT Reference Guide

Required Forms and Downloads:

• Vacation Rental Notice Template
• Vacation Rental Owner Checklist
• Vacation Rental Map

Arizona Statutes:

• Arizona Revised Statute Title 9, Chapter 5, Article 5, Section 9-500.39
• Arizona Revised Statute Title 42

Complaint and Reporting:

• Online Concern Form

Third-Party Reference (Non-Authoritative):

• Rent Responsibly - Lake Havasu City STR Information

This guide provides the essential regulatory framework for operating a short-term rental in Lake Havasu City. Property owners should regularly check the official city website for updates and maintain ongoing compliance with all applicable regulations.