Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Mercer, WI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Mercer, WI, but with restrictions. STRs (Tourist Rooming Houses) require a Town permit and a filed Conditional Use Permit from Iron County. Operators must designate a resident agent who is a full-time Mercer resident (at least 21 years old), demonstrate adequate off-road parking, and attend a public hearing. State licensing through DATCP is also required. 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 (Tourist Rooming Houses) require a Town permit and a filed Conditional Use Permit from Iron County. Operators must designate a resident agent who is a full-time Mercer resident (at least 21 years old), demonstrate adequate off-road parking, and attend a public hearing. State licensing through DATCP is also required.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Mercer. 1. Obtain and file a Conditional Use Permit from Iron County. 2. Submit the Town of Mercer Tourist Rooming House Permit application with a $150 fee, a rental agreement, and proof of a local resident agent. 3. Attend a required public hearing for Town and County approval.

1. Obtain and file a Conditional Use Permit from Iron County. 2. Submit the Town of Mercer Tourist Rooming House Permit application with a $150 fee, a rental agreement, and proof of a local resident agent. 3. Attend a required public hearing for Town and County approval.

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