Short-Term Rental Permit Costs in Wisconsin
Short-term rental permit fees in Wisconsin range from $50 to $500 per year, depending on the municipality. DATCP tourist rooming house license fees are additional.
A Short-Term Rental Permit in Wisconsin costs between $50 and $500, with a state average of $150. Actual fees depend on your municipality, project scope, and valuation.
Factors That Affect Cost
- Municipality and local fee schedule
- Hosted (owner present) vs. unhosted (entire home) rental
- DATCP tourist rooming house license requirements
- Number of rental units or bedrooms
- Inspection and safety compliance costs
Cost by Municipality
Short-Term Rental Permit fees across Wisconsin municipalities. Fees are based on official fee schedules and may vary by project scope.
| Jurisdiction | Fee | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|
| City of Milwaukee | Short-term rental license $100/year. Limited to primary residence. Background check required. Additional room tax registration required. | -33% below avg |
| City of Madison | Short-term rental permit $100–$300/year. Different fee structure for hosted vs. unhosted rentals. Tourist rooming house license from DATCP additional. | -33% below avg |
| City of Green Bay | Short-term rental permit $75–$200/year. Requires fire safety inspection. DATCP license additional. | -50% below avg |
| City of Kenosha | Short-term rental permit $75–$150/year. Occupancy limits based on number of bedrooms. | -50% below avg |
| City of Racine | Short-term rental permit $50–$150/year. Regulations updated in recent years — verify current requirements. | -67% below avg |
| City of Appleton | Short-term rental permit $50–$125/year. Straightforward application process. Annual renewal required. | -67% below avg |
Fee data is sourced from official municipal fee schedules and verified quarterly. Fees shown may represent base rates — actual costs depend on project valuation and scope. Use the Fee Calculator for project-specific estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a DATCP tourist rooming house license for Airbnb?
If you rent your property for fewer than 29 consecutive days, Wisconsin law classifies it as a tourist rooming house, which requires a license from DATCP or your local health department (if your municipality has delegated authority). The license involves a health and safety inspection and an annual fee. This is in addition to any municipal short-term rental permit. Properties rented for 29+ consecutive days are not subject to this requirement.
Do I need to collect room tax for short-term rentals in Wisconsin?
Yes. Short-term rentals in Wisconsin are subject to the 5% state room tax, plus any local room tax imposed by your municipality (typically 6–8% additional). Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit Wisconsin state room tax automatically, but local room taxes may be your responsibility to collect and remit directly to your municipality. Register with the Department of Revenue and your local treasurer's office.
Can my municipality ban short-term rentals entirely?
Yes, Wisconsin municipalities have the authority to regulate or ban short-term rentals through their zoning codes. Some cities limit short-term rentals to certain zoning districts, cap the number of allowed rental days per year, or restrict them to owner-occupied primary residences. Before investing in a property for short-term rental use, always verify the current local regulations — they can change with relatively short notice.
Need permit costs for every project?
Access real-time fee data across all Wisconsin municipalities. Know the exact cost before you bid, and get notified when fee schedules change.