Wisconsin Statewide Rule

Wisconsin Short-Term Rental Permit and Licensing Rules

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Wisconsin (2026)

Key Facts

State license: Tourist rooming house (DATCP)
License threshold: More than 10 nights per year
Preemption law: Wis. Stat. 66.1014 (2017 Act 59)
Ban floor: 7 consecutive days
7-29 day rentals: Cap no fewer than 180 days

Last verified: August 21, 2026Source: Wisconsin State Legislature

Summary

Wisconsin requires a tourist rooming house license for a dwelling rented to transients for fewer than 30 days when rented more than 10 nights a year, and Wis. Stat. 66.1014 bars municipalities from prohibiting rentals of seven consecutive days or longer.

2. Any person who maintains, manages, or operates a short-term rental, as defined in s. 66.0615 (1) (dk), for more than 10 nights each year, shall do all of the following: 66.1014(2)(d)2.a.a. Obtain from the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection a license as a tourist rooming house, as defined in s. 97.01 (15k). 66.1014(2)(d)2.b.b. Obtain from a political subdivision a license for conducting such activities, if a political subdivision enacts an ordinance requiring such a person to obtain a license. 66.1014 HistoryHistory: 2017 a. 59; 2021 a. 55, 240; 2025 a. 129. 66.1014 AnnotationThe village's ordinance regulating short-term rentals was a zoning ordinance.

Source: Wisconsin State LegislatureView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Wis. Stat. 97.605 and related definitions, a person who rents a residential dwelling to transients for periods shorter than 30 days, for more than 10 nights per year, must obtain a tourist rooming house license from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection or an agent county. Wis. Stat. 66.1014 (2017 Act 59, the 'Right to Rent' law) bars municipalities from prohibiting rentals of seven consecutive days or longer; for rentals of 7 to 29 days a locality may limit use to no fewer than 180 days per year. Localities may license, inspect, and tax but cannot ban qualifying rentals. Hosts must also register with the Department of Revenue for taxes.

Violations & Penalties

Operating without a tourist rooming house license is a forfeiture under Wis. Stat. § 97.72; municipal violations may add daily fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my city ban short-term rentals in Wisconsin?

No. Wis. Stat. 66.1014 prohibits municipalities from banning rentals of seven consecutive days or longer. For 7-to-29-day rentals a city may cap use at no fewer than 180 days per year, but cannot prohibit qualifying rentals.

Do I need a state license for a short-term rental?

Yes, if you rent to transients for fewer than 30 days and more than 10 nights per year. You need a tourist rooming house license from DATCP or an agent county under Wis. Stat. 97.605.

Sources

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.