VRMA Administrator
A lobbying suspension pact between short-term rental companies and a statewide organization representing municipalities has split city and town leaders in Arizona. In June, the League of Arizona Cities and Towns agreed with Airbnb and Expedia Group to restrict the League's ability to push for changes to the state's short-term rental statutes for periods ranging from three to five years. It stipulates, among other things, that the parties refrain from trying to amend the state law that limits how cities and towns can regulate short-term rentals; that includes SB 1168, which allows for more local rental oversight. The bill reinvested some power in local governments, letting cities and towns require municipal licenses for vacation rentals and enabling local governments to rein in truant properties. Although individual cities and towns can pursue short-term rental legislation independently, League Executive Director Tom Belshe said the League could have trouble agreeing to similar accords later if municipalities do not also comply with the moratorium. Some municipalities are against the ban, and have vowed to use their own lobbyists and to continue urging more local control of short-term rentals.
Arizona Republic (12/21/22) Juliette Rihl
