Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Milwaukee, WI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Milwaukee, WI, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (less than 1 month) are classified as Tourist Rooming Houses. An operator may rent up to 4 units under a single TRH license; 5 or more units require a Hotel License. Permits are valid for 12 months and require a floor plan submission. 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 (less than 1 month) are classified as Tourist Rooming Houses. An operator may rent up to 4 units under a single TRH license; 5 or more units require a Hotel License. Permits are valid for 12 months and require a floor plan submission.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Milwaukee. 1. Download and complete the TRH permit application and the required checklist, including a detailed floor plan. 2. Submit the forms via email or mail to the DNS Environmental Division. 3. Pay the license fee upon receipt of instructions, then schedule and pass a mandatory property inspection.

1. Download and complete the TRH permit application and the required checklist, including a detailed floor plan. 2. Submit the forms via email or mail to the DNS Environmental Division. 3. Pay the license fee upon receipt of instructions, then schedule and pass a mandatory property inspection.

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