Wauwatosa, WI Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)
Short-term rental permit rules in Wauwatosa, WI, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Key Facts
- Local Permit
- Required, §8.62 Wauwatosa Municipal Code
- Review Time
- Up to 30 business days
- Inspection
- Annual. Wauwatosa Health Dept. (414) 479-8936
- State License
- DATCP TRH, $110/year + $300 one-time inspection
Summary
Wauwatosa requires a local permit under Municipal Code §8.62 before operating any short-term rental. Application and pre-inspection must both be completed before operating. Review takes up to 30 business days. Annual renewal required.
66.1014 66.1014 Limits on residential dwelling rental prohibited. 66.1014(1) (1) In this section: 66.1014(1)(a) (a) “Political subdivision” means any city, village, town, or county. 66.1014(1)(b) (b) “Residential dwelling” means any building, structure, or part of the building or structure, that is used or intended to be used as a home, residence, or sleeping place by one person or by 2 or more persons maintaining a common household, to the exclusion of all others. 66.1014(2) (2) 66.1014(2)(a) (a) Subject to par. (d) , a political subdivision may not enact or enforce an ordinance that prohibits the rental of a residential dwelling for 7 consecutive days or longer.
Full Breakdown
Process: Step 1, submit STR license application. Step 2, contact Wauwatosa Health Department for pre-inspection (414-479-8936 or email with 'Short-Term Rental Pre-Inspection' subject). Both license approval and inspection must be completed before hosting. Annual inspection required. State DATCP TRH license ($110/year + $300 one-time inspection) also required.
Violations & Fines
Operating without license: $500 first offense. Safety violations: $200 to $500. License suspension for repeated complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Wauwatosa?
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Wauwatosa?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Wauwatosa
How Wauwatosa compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·Compare Wauwatosa to another location·View the Wisconsin short-term rentals overview
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Short-Term Rental Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Milwaukee County handle short-term rental permits.