Madison does not require a specific insurance minimum for STRs, but Tourist Rooming House licensing expects adequate commercial liability coverage. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity.
Madison General Ordinances Chapter 32 does not impose a fixed insurance floor, but applicants are expected to maintain adequate liability coverage given commercial use of the dwelling. Most standard Wisconsin homeowner insurance policies exclude or limit coverage for short-term rental activity, so hosts should obtain a commercial STR endorsement, landlord policy, or a standalone short-term rental policy (Proper, Slice, CBIZ). Airbnb's AirCover and Vrbo's Liability Insurance provide some protection but typically require primary coverage elsewhere. Hosts should also confirm flood coverage if near Lake Mendota, Lake Monona, or the Yahara River floodplain.
Uninsured claims can expose hosts to personal liability and jeopardize license renewal.
Madison, WI
Madison has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. MGO Chapter 27 (Property Maintenance) requires general yard upkeep but does...
Madison, WI
Madison has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. MGO Chapter 24 (Noise) sets residential noise standards that could theoreti...
Madison, WI
Madison has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA and condo covenants under Wis...
Madison, WI
Madison requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Permits route through Madison Buildi...
Madison, WI
Madison has no specific smoker ordinance. MGO Chapter 24 (Noise) and Chapter 7 (Public Health) provide nuisance authority for excessive smoke. Wisconsin DNR ...
Madison, WI
Madison Fire Code under MGO Chapter 34 adopts the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code (SPS 361-366) and Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 314 (Fire Prevention...
See how Madison's insurance requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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