Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Eau Claire, WI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Eau Claire, WI, but with restrictions. STRs are dwellings rented for fewer than 30 days and require a city license. Occupancy is limited by Wisconsin lodging code habitable-room standards, and at least one off-street parking space per guest room is required. Rentals are prohibited in detached ADUs, accessory structures, RVs, campers, or tents, and the license number must be displayed on all listings. 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.

STRs are dwellings rented for fewer than 30 days and require a city license. Occupancy is limited by Wisconsin lodging code habitable-room standards, and at least one off-street parking space per guest room is required. Rentals are prohibited in detached ADUs, accessory structures, RVs, campers, or tents, and the license number must be displayed on all listings.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Eau Claire. 1) Obtain a City-County Health Department tourist rooming house license, which requires a plan review and pre-inspection. 2) Apply online via the City's EvolvePublic portal, submitting the health license, building plans (showing guest rooms, parking, and trash), and paying the $700 initial review fee. 3) Maintain compliance for annual renewal by May 15 ($300 fee).

1) Obtain a City-County Health Department tourist rooming house license, which requires a plan review and pre-inspection. 2) Apply online via the City's EvolvePublic portal, submitting the health license, building plans (showing guest rooms, parking, and trash), and paying the $700 initial review fee. 3) Maintain compliance for annual renewal by May 15 ($300 fee).

Vrbo is permitted in Eau Claire, 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 Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.