Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Hayward, WI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Hayward, WI, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (Tourist Rooming Houses) are regulated by Sawyer County and require both a State and County license. Operators must have a valid Wisconsin Seller’s Permit for sales tax, pass a pre-licensing inspection by a sanitarian to ensure compliance with ATCP 72 health codes, and may be subject to local municipal room taxes. 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 (Tourist Rooming Houses) are regulated by Sawyer County and require both a State and County license. Operators must have a valid Wisconsin Seller’s Permit for sales tax, pass a pre-licensing inspection by a sanitarian to ensure compliance with ATCP 72 health codes, and may be subject to local municipal room taxes.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Hayward. 1. Obtain a Wisconsin Seller’s Permit for sales tax collection. 2. Submit a completed Tourist Rooming House License Application and required fees to Sawyer County Health and Human Services. 3. Schedule and pass a pre-licensing inspection with a County Sanitarian to ensure the facility meets ATCP 72 health and safety codes.

1. Obtain a Wisconsin Seller’s Permit for sales tax collection. 2. Submit a completed Tourist Rooming House License Application and required fees to Sawyer County Health and Human Services. 3. Schedule and pass a pre-licensing inspection with a County Sanitarian to ensure the facility meets ATCP 72 health and safety codes.

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