Avondale short-term rentals ordinance takes effect Thursday

Short-term rental properties owners in the city of Avondale will be required to obtain a license.

The city’s short-term rentals ordinance takes effect Thursday, Feb. 1.

Adopted by the Avondale City Council in October this past year, the new ordinance strikes a balance between the rights of property owners and the need for enhanced safety and compliance within the city.

According to officials, this ordinance is a proactive measure to address the challenges posed by the rapid growth of short-term rentals, a city press release states. It aims to ensure the safety and well-being of both residents and visitors in Avondale while promoting responsible operation within the city.

The short-term rentals ordinance includes elements that will help regulate and license short-term rentals. Owners or operators of these transient accommodations, commonly known as vacation rentals, will be required to obtain a license from the city.

The application process includes providing emergency contact information, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, and maintaining liability insurance of at least $500,000.

Additionally, owners or operators must conduct background checks on every guest or renter to verify that no registered sex offenders are staying at the rental property. This requirement can be satisfied if an online lodging marketplace is used and the marketplace conducts background checks.

Advertisements for short-term rentals must also prominently display the assigned license number.

To ensure compliance with the ordinance, there will be penalties for non-compliance ranging from $500 to $3,500. Repeated offenses could lead to the suspension of the license.

The ordinance takes effect Thursday, with an additional 90-day grace period before penalties for unlicensed operations can be imposed. Penalty processing will not begin until April 30.

Visit www.avondaleaz.gov/str for licensing and details.