Mesa, Arizona Short-Term Rental Market Overview
Visitor Profile
Mesa, Arizona attracts a diverse range of visitors, primarily outdoor enthusiasts, art lovers, and sports fans. Tourists often come to experience scenic desert landscapes, hiking in the Tonto National Forest, and exploring vibrant art scenes. Families, retirees, and adventure seekers value Mesa’s blend of outdoor recreation and cultural attractions, making it an appealing short-term rental destination for those seeking both relaxation and excitement.
A key local attraction that embodies Mesa’s adventurous spirit and cultural richness is the Mesa Arts Center. This renowned venue offers interactive art exhibits, theatrical performances, and hands-on workshops, drawing visitors who are eager to immerse themselves in arts and culture. Understanding these visitor avatars enables hosts to tailor their offerings—whether highlighting proximity to outdoor activities or cultural sites—to meet the core desires of their ideal guests.
Top Attractions
Mesa, Arizona, stands out as an exciting blend of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and family-friendly attractions. Visitors are drawn to the stunning natural scenery of the nearby Superstition Mountains, renowned for hiking, kayaking, tubing, and ziplining, offering adrenaline-pumping excursions amidst breathtaking desert landscapes. The Mesa Arts Center and other local museums present vibrant cultural scenes, showcasing art, history, and entertainment that enrich the city’s dynamic atmosphere. For outdoor enthusiasts, Saguaro Lake and Canyon Lake provide perfect settings for boat rides, scenic views, and relaxing days in nature.
Beyond its natural beauty, Mesa also offers unique local sights like Salt River Wild Horses and hidden gems that appeal to those seeking unusual experiences. The city’s many parks, art installations, and lively events make it a compelling travel destination year-round. Whether exploring its archaeological sites, enjoying the local cuisine, or immersing in its vibrant arts scene, Mesa promises an engaging and diverse visit for every traveler.
Regulations
Mesa, Arizona maintains a structured regulatory environment for short-term rentals designed to balance the interests of hosts, guests, and the local community. Prospective short-term rental hosts in Mesa should anticipate requirements around licensing, adherence to zoning laws, and compliance with health and safety standards, along with obligations for tax remittance. This framework ensures that hosts operate transparently and responsibly within the city, fostering a safe and well-managed short-term rental market.
Key Regulatory Considerations:
– Licensing and Permits: Hosts must obtain a short-term rental permit from the City of Mesa. The application process involves submitting required documentation and paying applicable fees, which are subject to renewal. The city’s planning department administers permits and ensures compliance.
– Primary Residence Requirement: Short-term rentals in Mesa are restricted to properties serving as the host’s primary residence. This is intended to limit the number of homes operated exclusively as short-term rentals.
– Zoning and Location: Short-term rentals are permitted only in specific zoning districts as outlined by Mesa’s zoning code. Certain residential zones may have additional restrictions or prohibit STRs to maintain neighborhood character.
– Occupancy and Health & Safety: The city enforces occupancy limits based on the size of the property and local safety regulations. Compliance with mandatory health and safety measures, including installation of smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers, is required.
– Tax Obligations: Hosts must collect and remit transient occupancy taxes (TOT) to the city. Additionally, other applicable sales taxes may be due, reinforcing the legal obligation to contribute fairly to local revenues.
– Operational Standards & Enforcement: Advertising of short-term rentals must include the permit number issued by the city. Hosts are expected to manage guest behavior to minimize disturbances, with potential penalties for noise violations and other infractions.
For the most current and legally binding information, property owners should consult the City of Mesa’s Official Short-Term Rental Regulations page directly. This resource provides comprehensive guidance, application forms, and contact information for city officials overseeing the program.
Mesa, Arizona Market Performance Trends
Mesa, Arizona Rental Market Insights
10-Year Market Growth
Booking Activity
- 1-3 Months:58.4% Booked
- 4-6 Months:53.2% Booked
- 7-9 Months:42.2% Booked
- 10-12 Months:10.7% Booked
Cancellation Policies
- Flexible:39.7%
- Moderate:33.9%
- Strict:24.1%
- Super Strict:24.1%
- N/A:0.4%
Minimum Stay
- 1 Day:475
- 2 Days:335
- 3 Days:202
- 4-6 Days:93
- 7-29 Days:104
- 30+ Days:99