Primary-Residence-Only Rule: Milwaukee vs Wauwatosa
How do primary-residence-only rule rules compare between Milwaukee, WI and Wauwatosa, WI?
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee County
Milwaukee cannot restrict short-term rentals to a host's primary residence. Wisconsin Act 59 (2017) and Wis. Stat. §66.1014 expressly bar municipalities from limiting rentals of six or more nights to owner-occupied or primary-residence properties.
View full Milwaukee rules →Wauwatosa, WI
Milwaukee County
No data available yet for Wauwatosa.
Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Milwaukee | Wauwatosa |
|---|---|---|
| Preemption statute | Wis. Stat. §66.1014 | - |
| Owner-occupancy rule | Prohibited | - |
| Minimum stay protected | Six nights or more | - |
| License still required | Yes, Ch. 105 | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Milwaukee FAQ
Can investors operate non-owner-occupied STRs in Milwaukee?
Yes. State law forbids the city from restricting STRs to primary residences, so investor-owned units are permitted if licensed and compliant with zoning and health codes.
Can the city cap how many nights I rent?
Wisconsin protects rentals of six or more consecutive nights. Milwaukee may regulate shorter, single-night-style rentals more aggressively under Ch. 105.
Wauwatosa FAQ
No FAQs available.
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