Milwaukee requires Residential Rental Inspection Certificates under Chapter 200-32 for rental properties, including ADUs. Wisconsin Statute 66.0436 limits municipal rental licensing but Milwaukee's program is grandfathered. Short-term rentals require room tax registration and compliance with Chapter 200-26. Wisconsin Act 59 (2017) preempted local STR bans but allows reasonable regulation.
Milwaukee Chapter 200-32 (Residential Rental Inspection Program - RRIP) requires periodic inspections of rental properties in designated targeted areas. ADUs used as rentals fall under this program. Wisconsin Statute 66.0436 (Local Property Inspection Programs) restricts general municipal rental licensing but Milwaukee's targeted RRIP is permitted. Property owners must register rental properties and certify lead-safe condition for pre-1978 buildings under Wisconsin Statute 254.166 (Lead Hazard Reduction). Milwaukee Health Department enforces lead-safe rules. For short-term rentals (under 30 days), Milwaukee Chapter 200-26 requires registration and remittance of 9 percent Milwaukee room tax plus 5 percent Wisconsin sales tax. Wisconsin Act 59 (2017) preempts outright STR bans but allows reasonable regulation including registration, occupancy limits, and basic safety standards. Wisconsin does not have statewide rent control authorization; Wisconsin Statute 66.1015 prohibits local rent control. ADUs must comply with same lease laws under Wisconsin ATCP 134.
Operating without RRIP compliance violates Chapter 200-32 with forfeitures of $150-$1,000 per offense. STR violations under Chapter 200-26 carry forfeitures of $300-$5,000. Wisconsin lead-safe violations trigger state health department enforcement. Unremitted room tax accrues with state and city collection actions including liens. Repeat violations may result in license suspension.
Milwaukee, WI
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