Industry

What is Arizonans for Responsible Tourism Recovery?

Updated 2026-05-28

Arizonans for Responsible Tourism Recovery is a coalition of Arizona residents, community leaders, and business owners organized to address the impacts of the short-term rental industry on local communities. The group's primary focus is to advocate for legislative changes that would restore the ability of towns and cities to regulate vacation rentals.

They argue that a 2016 state law has led to negative consequences, including a reduction in affordable housing, increased nuisance issues, and a change in neighborhood character.

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How it works

AZ RTR functions as a political advocacy group. They engage in public awareness campaigns through their website, social media, and press outreach to highlight the challenges communities face due to a high concentration of STRs.

The coalition also performs direct lobbying of state legislators and city council members, presenting data and resident testimony to support their case for regulatory reform. Furthermore, they mobilize a network of volunteers and supporters to contact elected officials, attend hearings, and vote for candidates who support their policy goals.

Why it matters

For vacation rental owners and property managers in Arizona, AZ RTR is a significant stakeholder in the regulatory environment. The organization's advocacy can directly influence the creation of new laws governing STRs, potentially leading to stricter zoning, new licensing requirements, occupancy limits, and higher taxes.

Monitoring their activities provides insight into potential future regulations and shifts in public and political sentiment regarding the vacation rental industry within the state.

Examples

  • After reading an article quoting an AZ RTR representative, a Phoenix host proactively reviews and reinforces their property's house rules regarding noise and quiet hours.
  • A property owner in Scottsdale learns that a bill supported by AZ RTR, which could require a more expensive local permit, is being debated in the state legislature.
  • A property manager in Sedona joins the AZ RTR mailing list to stay informed about proposed changes to local occupancy limits that could affect their larger rental properties.
  • A group of homeowners in a Flagstaff neighborhood, experiencing frequent disturbances from a nearby rental property, contacts AZ RTR for resources on how to advocate for stricter local enforcement.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main legislative goal of Arizonans for Responsible Tourism Recovery?+
Their primary goal is to repeal or significantly amend Arizona's SB 1350, the state law that limits the ability of local municipalities to regulate short-term rentals, thereby restoring local control.
Is Arizonans for Responsible Tourism Recovery against all short-term rentals?+
The organization generally states that it is not against all short-term rentals. Its focus is on mitigating the negative impacts of investor-owned, commercially operated rentals in residential zones, advocating for policies that promote responsible hosting and protect community interests.
How does AZ RTR differ from an STR trade association?+
AZ RTR primarily represents the interests of residents and communities who feel negatively impacted by STRs and advocates for more stringent regulation. In contrast, a trade association, such as the Arizona Vacation Rental Association, typically represents the business interests of STR owners and managers, often advocating for less restrictive policies.
How does Arizonans for Responsible Tourism Recovery fund its activities?+
As a political action committee, AZ RTR is funded by donations from individuals, community groups, and other organizations that support its mission to reform short-term rental laws in Arizona.
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