Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Ashland County, WI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Ashland County, WI, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are defined as residential dwelling units rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days (includes 2nd unit of owner-occupied duplex, mother-in-law apartments, and B&Bs). City of Ashland requires a City STR application plus an Ashland County Tourist Rooming House license; required materials include proof of property and commercial liability insurance, a site plan showing parking/recreational areas, scaled floor plan showing bedrooms, Fire Department self-inspection and official inspection, a State Lodging Establishment inspection dated within one year, and reporting for city accommodations/room tax. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals are defined as residential dwelling units rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days (includes 2nd unit of owner-occupied duplex, mother-in-law apartments, and B&Bs). City of Ashland requires a City STR application plus an Ashland County Tourist Rooming House license; required materials include proof of property and commercial liability insurance, a site plan showing parking/recreational areas, scaled floor plan showing bedrooms, Fire Department self-inspection and official inspection, a State Lodging Establishment inspection dated within one year, and reporting for city accommodations/room tax.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Ashland County. 1) Submit the City of Ashland Short-Term Rental application via the City Permit Portal and include required documents (proof of insurance, site plan, scaled floor plan, web-booking info, Fire Department self-inspection, State lodging inspection, and City Room Tax permit). 2) Obtain an Ashland County Tourist Rooming House license from Ashland County Health & Human Services (requires a pre-inspection for new establishments). 3) Pay the required fees: City initial application fee ($40) and Ashland County fees ($155 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection).

1) Submit the City of Ashland Short-Term Rental application via the City Permit Portal and include required documents (proof of insurance, site plan, scaled floor plan, web-booking info, Fire Department self-inspection, State lodging inspection, and City Room Tax permit). 2) Obtain an Ashland County Tourist Rooming House license from Ashland County Health & Human Services (requires a pre-inspection for new establishments). 3) Pay the required fees: City initial application fee ($40) and Ashland County fees ($155 annual license + $300 one-time pre-inspection).

Vrbo is permitted in Ashland County, WI under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Ashland County are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Ashland County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.