Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Milwaukee County, WI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Milwaukee County, WI, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (Tourist Rooming Houses) are limited to a maximum of 4 units per license. Under state law, municipalities cannot prohibit rentals of 7+ days but may cap the total annual rental duration to no fewer than 180 days for stays between 7 and 28 days. Operators must obtain both state (DATCP) and local municipal licenses if the property is rented for more than 10 nights per year. 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 limited to a maximum of 4 units per license. Under state law, municipalities cannot prohibit rentals of 7+ days but may cap the total annual rental duration to no fewer than 180 days for stays between 7 and 28 days. Operators must obtain both state (DATCP) and local municipal licenses if the property is rented for more than 10 nights per year.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Milwaukee County. 1. Download and submit the TRH license application and checklist to the DNS Environmental Division via email or mail. 2. Pay the required fees (approx. $110 annual license fee plus a $300 one-time pre-inspection fee). 3. Schedule and pass a property inspection by the Department of Neighborhood Services. Licenses must be renewed annually.

1. Download and submit the TRH license application and checklist to the DNS Environmental Division via email or mail. 2. Pay the required fees (approx. $110 annual license fee plus a $300 one-time pre-inspection fee). 3. Schedule and pass a property inspection by the Department of Neighborhood Services. Licenses must be renewed annually.

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