🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Arizona
Compromise in Arizona’s STR Debate: New rules target problem rentals, but housing concerns remain
Arizona Inches Toward STR Reform
Photo by visitarizona.com
Arizona’s long-running battle over short-term rentals took a small step forward this week, as Rep. Selina Bliss (R-Prescott) advanced a compromise bill through the House Commerce Committee. While her original proposal to let cities cap the number of new Airbnbs failed amid industry opposition, the amended bill introduces modest new rules that give municipalities some authority back.
The bill, passed 8–2 in committee, 👪 limits occupancy to two adults per bedroom plus two more, excluding children. 📒 Cities could suspend licenses after three violations in 24 months, 🚑 act immediately on serious health and safety issues, 🖨️ deny permits for unpaid fines, and 🔍 require renter background checks for sex offender status.
Bliss said the compromise was necessary to get industry players like Airbnb and the Realtors Association on board. “This is something versus nothing,” she told colleagues, noting that without concessions her bill would not have received a hearing.
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Local leaders in Sedona and other tourist towns remain skeptical. With as many as 25% of Sedona’s homes now used as STRs, lobbyist Kathy Senseman said the bill does little to address housing shortages or the displacement of workers. “It unfortunately does nothing to address the problems we have in rural Arizona,” she said.
Sedona's Short-Term Rentals
Industry representatives praised the compromise for targeting “bad actors” without infringing on property rights. Airbnb reiterated its stance that it will fight caps or distance rules, framing the debate as a matter of constitutional rights.
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