Short-Term Rental Regulations in Gilbert, Arizona

Gilbert, Arizona, has become a prominent destination for short-term vacation rentals (STRs), largely due to its proximity to the Phoenix metropolitan area, scenic landscapes, and year-round warm climate. Whether you're an existing property owner or considering buying a vacation rental property and entering the market, understanding the local rules that govern STR operations is essential. At Home Team Vacation Rentals, we specialize in ensuring that homeowners comply with these regulations while maximizing their property's potential.

Overview of Gilbert’s Short-Term Rental Regulations

Short-term rental regulations in Gilbert are designed to balance the benefits of STRs, like boosting local tourism and economic growth, with the need to maintain the health, safety, and well-being of the town’s permanent residents. The regulations are outlined in Gilbert’s Land Development Code, which incorporates rules from both local zoning laws and Arizona state regulations.

These rules dictate not only where and how short-term rentals can operate, but also enforce safety standards and responsibilities for property owners. Gilbert’s short-term rental laws ensure that STR properties are safe, comply with zoning rules, and maintain neighborhood compatibility.

Key Elements of Gilbert’s Short-Term Rental Regulations



Occupancy Limits:

Gilbert’s short-term rental regulations impose strict occupancy limits to prevent overcrowding. "The maximum occupancy for short-term rentals is typically two adults per bedroom, with additional limits for larger groups," according to Gilbert’s Land Development Code (Sec. 3.4). Overcrowding a rental beyond these limits can lead to fines and non-compliance penalties.

Parking Requirements:

Parking is another crucial consideration. Gilbert mandates that all short-term rentals provide at least one off-street parking space per bedroom. This helps mitigate parking congestion in residential neighborhoods, ensuring that transient guests do not overwhelm public street parking.

Safety Standards:

Gilbert’s regulations also emphasize property safety. Short-term rentals must meet state safety standards, which include requirements for smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and visible emergency contact information. Properties are required to install fire extinguishers on every floor and ensure that evacuation routes are clearly marked. These regulations ensure that "all guests are protected by the same level of safety as permanent residents" (Land Development Code, Sec. 5.2).

Responsible Party:

Each short-term rental must designate a local responsible party to address any issues or emergencies that may arise. This individual must be available to respond within two hours of any complaint or emergency call, ensuring a quick resolution to minimize disruption to neighbors.

Fines and Enforcement:

Non-compliance with any of these regulations can result in significant penalties. Gilbert’s code enforcement officers have the authority to issue fines up to $3,500 for violations, depending on the severity and frequency of the issue. Repeat violations can even result in the suspension or revocation of the property’s TPT license, effectively shutting down the STR operation.

State-Level Regulations and TPT Licensing

In addition to local regulations, property owners must comply with state-level laws enforced by the Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR). Short-term rentals in Gilbert are subject to the Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT), which functions as a sales tax on the rental income generated by the property.

According to the Arizona Department of Revenue, short-term rental properties must obtain a TPT license before they can legally collect and remit taxes on their rental income. Failure to do so may result in back taxes, fines, and other penalties.



Arizona imposes a 5.5% state TPT tax, a 1.77% Maricopa County excise tax, and a 1.77% Gilbert transient occupancy tax on STR income, bringing the total tax burden on rentals to 9.04%.

Compliance Tips for Owners

Operating a short-term rental in Gilbert comes with responsibilities that go beyond just hosting guests. Property owners must follow these essential compliance steps to avoid penalties and ensure a successful rental business.

Schedule Inspections

Before you begin renting your property, schedule safety inspections with local authorities, such as the Gilbert Fire Department and the Community Standards Division. Regular inspections help ensure your property meets all fire safety and building code requirements.

Stay Updated on Regulations

Gilbert’s short-term rental regulations are subject to change as the town adapts to the growing STR market. Subscribe to local government updates and check with the Gilbert Planning Department regularly to stay informed about any modifications to zoning or safety rules.

Review Tax Obligations

All short-term rental property owners in Gilbert must register for a Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license with the Arizona Department of Revenue. Ensure you are collecting the appropriate taxes, including the state TPT tax, county excise tax, and Gilbert transient occupancy tax. If you list your property on platforms like Airbnb, the platform may collect and remit these taxes on your behalf, but you are still responsible for ensuring compliance, especially for direct bookings. To learn more about the tax benefits, read our article, "Taxes on Vacation Rental Income."

Understand HOA Rules

Some neighborhoods in Gilbert may have stricter rules for short-term rentals than what is outlined in the town's general regulations. Homeowners associations (HOAs) often impose their own rules, which could include additional restrictions on occupancy, noise, or parking. It's critical to review your HOA's guidelines before listing your property as a short-term rental.

Additional Considerations for Visitors

If you’re a visitor staying in a short-term rental in Gilbert, it’s essential to respect local rules. Property owners are responsible for communicating these guidelines to their guests, including rules about parking, occupancy limits, and quiet hours. By following these regulations, visitors can ensure a pleasant experience and avoid any negative interactions with neighbors.

Work with Us, Home Team Vacation Rentals

At Home Team Vacation Rentals, we specialize in helping property owners navigate the complexities of short-term rental regulations in Gilbert. Our full-service vacation rental management, including Airbnb management services, ensures compliance with local laws, maximizes your property’s profitability, and creates an exceptional guest experience.

When you partner with us, we handle everything—from ensuring compliance with Gilbert’s zoning and tax regulations to marketing your property across the top vacation rental platforms. Our expertise extends to luxury vacation home management, where we optimize your property’s visibility, ensure dynamic pricing, and offer five-star service to every guest.

Work with Home Team Vacation Rentals today and let us help you achieve your property’s full potential. Explore our full-service vacation rental management options or learn more about our vacation rental management services in Maricopa County, AZ.

For Gilbert-specific property management services, visit our Gilbert, AZ Vacation Rental Management page to get started today.

Resources Section

Gilbert Planning Department
For zoning questions and verification:

• Address: 90 E Civic Center Dr, Gilbert, AZ 85296
• Phone: (480) 503-6000
• Email: planning@gilbertaz.gov
• Gilbert Planning Department Website

Arizona Department of Revenue (ADOR)
For TPT license applications and tax regulations:

• Address: 1600 W Monroe St, Phoenix, AZ 85007
• Phone: (602) 255-3381
• TPT License Application

Gilbert Short-Term Rental Licensing and Complaints
To file a complaint or ask about STR licensing:

• Complaint Form: Submit a Complaint
• Email: ShortTermRentals@gilbertaz.gov

Gilbert Short-Term Rental Brochure
To learn more about short-term rental rules and compliance:

• Short-Term Rental Brochure

Zoning Map
To verify if your property falls in an allowable STR district:

• Gilbert Zoning Map

Works Cited

City of Gilbert. "Land Development Code." Town of Gilbert, 2024.
Arizona Department of Revenue. "Transaction Privilege Tax Licensing Requirements." 2024.
Gilbert Planning Department. "Gilbert Short-Term Rental Brochure." Town of Gilbert, 2024. https://www.gilbertaz.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/42519/637725783235470000.
Arizona Fire Safety Code. State of Arizona, 2024.

Arizona Department of Revenue. "Sales and Use Tax on Rental Accommodations." 2024.

Categories: Investor, Arizona