Short-Term Rental Regulations in Wisconsin
State Overview
Wisconsin does not preempt local STR regulation. Municipalities have authority to license and regulate short-term rentals under local zoning and licensing codes. The state imposes a 5% State Sales Tax (Lodging) in addition to any local taxes. Cities in Wisconsin
| City | Permit | Tax Rate | Day Limit | Primary Res. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Door County | ✓ Required | 13.5%–14% | No limit | No | → |
| Lake Geneva | ✓ Required | 13.5% | 180 days | No | → |
| Madison | ✓ Required | 15% | 30 days (see details) | Required | → |
| Racine | ✓ Required | 13.5% | No limit | Required | → |
| Wausau | ✓ Required | 13.5% | 180 days | No | → |
| Wisconsin Dells | ✓ Required | 12.25% | 180 days (see details) | Varies | → |
Wisconsin's STR Landscape
Wisconsin does not have a uniform STR framework, leaving regulation to individual municipalities. The state imposes a 5% State Sales Tax (Lodging) in addition to local taxes.
Regulation varies significantly across cities. Some cities (Madison, Racine, Wisconsin Dells) require primary residence, while others (Door County, Lake Geneva, Wausau) allow non-owner-occupied rentals. Tax rates vary from 12.25% to 15%.
Popular Short-Term Rental Markets
High-demand markets in other states — compare their permit, tax, and day-limit rules:
- Short-term rental rules in Nashville
- Miami Beach short-term rental permits
- Vacation rental rules in Asheville
- Myrtle Beach, SC rental rules
- Gatlinburg, TN rental rules
- Vacation rental rules in Austin
- New Orleans, LA rental rules
- Vacation rental rules in San Diego
- Short-term rental rules in Savannah
- Scottsdale STR regulations
Other States
Alabama 7 cities Alaska 1 city Arizona 9 cities Arkansas 3 cities California 30 cities Colorado 12 cities Connecticut 1 city Delaware 2 cities District of Columbia 1 city Florida 24 cities Georgia 8 cities Hawaii 4 cities Idaho 3 cities Illinois 7 cities Indiana 4 cities Kentucky 3 cities Louisiana 2 cities Maine 4 cities Maryland 4 cities Massachusetts 6 cities Michigan 8 cities Minnesota 3 cities Mississippi 3 cities Missouri 5 cities Montana 3 cities Nevada 1 city New Hampshire 2 cities New Jersey 5 cities New Mexico 3 cities New York 12 cities North Carolina 7 cities Ohio 7 cities Oklahoma 3 cities Oregon 3 cities Pennsylvania 9 cities Rhode Island 2 cities South Carolina 9 cities South Dakota 2 cities Tennessee 7 cities Texas 15 cities Utah 7 cities Vermont 2 cities Virginia 6 cities Washington 5 cities West Virginia 2 cities Wyoming 1 city