Wisconsin Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Regulations (2026 Guide)

Wisconsin's Door County peninsula, Lake Geneva resort area, Northwoods lakes, and Madison's college-town atmosphere create diverse STR opportunities across the state. Whether you already own a vacation rental in Wisconsin or are evaluating your first investment, understanding the regulatory landscape is essential. STR laws in Wisconsin vary significantly by city and county — and getting compliance wrong can mean fines, forced delistings, or lost income.

This guide covers Wisconsin's approach to short-term rental regulation at the state level, then breaks down the rules in key markets investors and hosts need to know. Regulations as of 2026 — always verify current rules directly with your local municipality before listing.

If you'd like help navigating STR compliance in Wisconsin, Awning's property management team operates in Door County, Lake Geneva, and the Northwoods and helps hosts stay compliant while maximizing revenue.

How Wisconsin Defines a Short-Term Rental

For regulatory and tax purposes, a short-term rental in Wisconsin is generally defined as a residential property rented for 30 consecutive days or fewer. Any rental longer than this threshold is typically treated as a long-term rental and subject to different rules.

Does Wisconsin Require a Statewide STR License?

Wisconsin does not have a statewide STR licensing requirement. Local municipalities govern STR regulations with significant variation between resort areas and urban markets.

Wisconsin Short-Term Rental Taxes

Wisconsin imposes a 5% state sales tax on STR income, plus county and municipal room taxes typically ranging from 3–8%. Door County adds a 5.5% room tax. Airbnb collects and remits Wisconsin state sales tax and many local room taxes automatically.

Regardless of which booking platform you use, it is your responsibility as a host to ensure all applicable taxes are collected and remitted correctly. Failure to comply can result in penalties, back taxes, and potential loss of your ability to operate.

STR Regulations by City in Wisconsin

Below are the key STR markets in Wisconsin and their current regulatory requirements. City regulations change frequently — check with your local planning or licensing department for the most current rules before investing.

Door County

Door County municipalities (Sturgeon Bay, Sister Bay, Fish Creek) each have STR registration requirements. The county has implemented a county-wide STR registry and enforces occupancy, noise, and parking standards. Door County is among Wisconsin's most popular vacation destinations.

Lake Geneva

Lake Geneva requires STR operators to obtain a Vacation Rental License from the city. Annual inspections and compliance with local zoning are mandatory. The city limits STR density in some residential neighborhoods to protect housing availability.

Madison

Madison requires STR operators to obtain a Rental Unit Registration and comply with local zoning. The city distinguishes between owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied STRs, with stricter rules for the latter in residential zones.

Key Questions to Ask Before Listing an STR in Wisconsin

• Does your city or county require an STR permit or license?
• Are there caps on the number of STR permits in your neighborhood or zone?
• Is your property owner-occupied or non-owner-occupied — and does that distinction affect your eligibility?
• What occupancy, noise, and parking rules apply to your specific property?
• Which taxes are you responsible for collecting and remitting vs. what the platform handles?
• Does your HOA or condo association allow short-term rentals?

The Bottom Line

Wisconsin's STR regulatory environment ranges from investor-friendly rural counties to tightly regulated resort towns and urban cores. Understanding the specific rules in your target market — not just at the state level — is what determines whether your rental operates smoothly or faces costly disruptions.

Staying on top of changing regulations is one of the most valuable things a professional property manager brings to your operation. Awning manages short-term rentals in Door County, Lake Geneva, and the Northwoods and monitors local regulatory changes so you don't have to. Reach out to learn how we can help you operate compliantly and profitably in Wisconsin.