Property Management Blog

Navigating 2025 Regulatory Changes in Property Management

Tim Melton - Friday, September 19, 2025
Property Management Blog

Key Takeaways

  • Rental tax updates: Long-term leases in Phoenix no longer require the residential rental TPT, but short-term rentals still do.

  • Lease adjustments: Landlords must update agreements, notices, and accounting systems to reflect the removal of the rental tax.

  • Zoning and compliance: House Bill 2447 introduces new approval processes for development and renovations, requiring landlords to plan ahead.


Are you wondering how the latest 2025 regulations might affect your rental investments and day-to-day property operations? Many rental property owners feel uncertain when new rules arrive, especially when those changes can influence leasing practices, maintenance standards, and resident communication.

Understanding what’s required before deadlines hit can protect your investment and keep your properties running smoothly. That’s where SGI Property Management Phoenix offers valuable guidance for investors who want to stay compliant without added stress. 

By keeping a close eye on evolving requirements and explaining them in clear terms, they help landlords like you adapt quickly while focusing on profitable growth and satisfied residents.


GET A FREE RENTAL ANALYSIS

Free Rental Analysis


Phoenix 2025 Regulatory Shifts Every Landlord Must Know

Staying informed about new rules is one of the best ways to protect your properties. In 2025, Phoenix landlords face several regulatory updates that directly impact compliance and profitability.

1. End of Residential Rental Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) for Long-Term Leases

Starting January 1, 2025, Phoenix landlords no longer need to collect or remit the city’s residential rental TPT on leases lasting 30 days or more. This statewide change removes a recurring tax obligation that previously required monthly or quarterly reporting and careful bookkeeping.

For landlords, this update simplifies financial management by reducing paperwork and eliminating the need to track tax deadlines. You will also avoid potential penalties for late or incorrect filings, giving you more time to focus on property maintenance and resident satisfaction.

someone writing in notebook and using a calculator

Residents benefit as well, since future leases will reflect lower costs without the added tax. Landlords should review their existing agreements to remove any references to TPT and ensure rent amounts are updated accurately.

If you own multiple properties across Phoenix or nearby cities, verify that each location is correctly classified as long-term rental. Staying proactive ensures full compliance and keeps your operations running smoothly and your cash flow positive.

2. “Rental Tax Ban” Enforcement and Lease Adjustments

Although the new Arizona law eliminates the TPT, proper enforcement remains crucial. Phoenix landlords must confirm that every new lease signed in 2025 and beyond excludes any mention of the rental tax, which is part of why landlord-tenant communication is so important.

This means adjusting lease templates and rental rate calculations to reflect the updated regulations. For existing residents, clear communication is key. Provide written notice explaining that the tax no longer applies and outline any rent adjustments so everyone understands the change. Transparent updates build trust and prevent misunderstandings about payment amounts.

Landlords managing multiple units should coordinate with accounting teams or bookkeepers to ensure invoices and automated systems are updated. This step prevents accidental overcharging and ensures compliance with state guidelines.

By making these changes promptly, landlords in Phoenix can avoid penalties and protect their reputation. Proper documentation also provides a clear record if questions arise during audits or property inspections.


CONTACT US TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact


3. Ban Applies Only to Long-Term Residential Leases

It is important to remember that the 2025 tax exemption applies strictly to rentals lasting 30 days or more. Phoenix landlords offering short-term stays, such as vacation rentals or furnished units for less than a month, must still collect and remit applicable lodging taxes.

two black pens and Scrabble tiles spelling out the word "agreement" on top of a lease agreement

This distinction means landlords with a mix of short-term units and long-term units need separate systems for each category. Carefully tracking lease lengths ensures that every property is taxed correctly and avoids unexpected penalties during state reviews.

If you advertise on short-term platforms, double-check your listings and contracts to confirm that taxes are clearly stated for those bookings. Consistency across marketing materials and agreements protects both your business and your residents.

Landlords focusing on long-term investments can take advantage of the new tax relief, but those offering short stays must remain diligent. Understanding which properties qualify helps you plan pricing strategies and maintain compliance across your entire Phoenix portfolio.

4. Development Approval and Zoning Reform through House Bill 2447

House Bill 2447, effective January 1, 2025, changes the way development approvals work across Arizona, including Phoenix. This law directly impacts landlords who plan to build or renovate properties.

Before submitting any building or renovation plans, review the new documentation requirements and check with your local planning department. Early preparation helps avoid delays and ensures your project meets every new zoning guideline as well as safety standards.

These changes can influence everything from parking requirements to density limits, so landlords should evaluate how their current or future projects fit within the revised rules. Engaging a local architect or contractor familiar with the Phoenix market can streamline the process.

If you are considering expanding your rental portfolio, understanding these zoning updates is essential. Compliance from the outset prevents costly revisions and keeps your investment strategy on track while aligning with Arizona’s evolving housing policies.

5. Notice and Disclosure Requirements Remain Under Focus

Regulatory attention continues to emphasize clear communication between landlords and residents in Phoenix. Updated laws encourage landlords to provide transparent details in lease agreements, including any changes to fees, tax adjustments, or property rules.

house keys

When the rental tax ended, every landlord needed to revise lease language and notify residents about the removal of that charge. Similar updates will be expected whenever other state or city policies change, making proactive communication a critical habit.

Ensure that every lease includes accurate contact information, payment terms, and details about any additional fees. Keeping digital and printed copies organized protects you during inspections or potential disputes.

By consistently maintaining clear, updated documents, landlords strengthen resident relationships and reduce the risk of misunderstandings. This practice also demonstrates professionalism, reassuring residents and local authorities that your Phoenix properties are managed with care and full regulatory compliance.


LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR TEAM

About


Bottom Line

Navigating new property rules can feel overwhelming, but Phoenix landlords do not have to handle it alone. SGI Property Management Phoenix understands every detail of the 2025 regulatory changes and offers personalized guidance for each property type.

Their team can review leases, ensure tax compliance, and recommend the right updates to keep operations smooth and profitable. Reaching out today gives you clarity, protects your investments, and helps you stay focused on growth while remaining fully compliant with evolving state and city requirements.