Vacation Rental Host Water Safety
Host Safely
Many Arizona cities are grappling with short-term rental regulations and water safety issues. Recent Incidents of child drownings at short-term rentals in Phoenix and Scottsdale have highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of pool safety measures.
The Vacation Rental Host Toolkit is a free and downloadable compilation of resources to help you advocate for water safety and drowning prevention in your rental home. Created by The National Drowning Prevention Alliance in partnership with the Independent Pool and Spa Service Association, this toolkit includes printable pool safety signs, a welcome-to-our-home Letter, safety checklists, activity pages, an online listing kit complete with water safety language, and so much more!
The Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona recommends vacation rental hosts to review city ordinances, regulations and guidelines to keep guests safe on your property.
State laws have limited cities' abilities to regulate short-term rentals, which has created challenges for local governments in addressing safety concerns.
State: 9-500.39. Limits on regulation of vacation rentals and short-term rentals
City Resources
Cave Creek passed a new ordinance in July 2023 to hold short-term rental owners accountable with penalties and fees. While not specifically mentioning water safety, it addresses public health and safety concerns.
Mesa approved a new Short-term Rental License effective February 1, 2023, to protect health, safety, and welfare.
Phoenix has enacted laws requiring pools to have a "non-climbable fence that is at least five feet in height" with a "self-closing and self-latching" gate door. This applies to all properties, including short-term rentals.
Scottsdale has implemented Ordinance 4566, which requires short-term rental property owners to obtain a license for each property and comply with safety and health regulations. While the ordinance doesn't specifically mention water safety, it does address general safety concerns for short-term rentals.
Scottsdale’s Good Neighbor materials that address drowning prevention and other codes and ordinances
Tucson doesn't currently have an ordinance in place but there are several resources to reference.