Waukesha County charges a $204 annual Tourist Rooming House (TRH) license fee plus $102 pre-licensing inspection fee through Environmental Health. State 5% sales tax applies under Wis. Stat. §77.52, plus any local room tax under Wis. Stat. §66.0615 levied by the host municipality (rates vary 0–8%).
Operators of short-term rentals in unincorporated Waukesha County must obtain a Tourist Rooming House license from the Waukesha County Environmental Health Department. The Environmental Health Fee Schedule lists a flat $204 annual TRH license fee and a $102 pre-licensing inspection fee, regardless of property size. Licenses run July 1–June 30 and must be renewed before June 30 each year. State law requires a Wisconsin Seller's Permit and collection of 5% state sales tax on stays under 30 days (Wis. Stat. §77.52). Under Wis. Stat. §66.0615, individual towns and villages may impose a local room tax (commonly 0–8%); operators must register with the local clerk where applicable. Platforms such as Airbnb may collect state tax automatically but local room tax often remains the operator's responsibility.
Operating without a TRH license may result in enforcement by Waukesha County Environmental Health, including orders to cease operation and forfeitures. Failure to remit state sales tax is enforced by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. Unpaid local room tax is enforced by the host municipality.
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