Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Vilas County, WI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Vilas County, WI, but with restrictions. County-level Tourist Rooming Houses (TRHs) require an annual permit with occupancy limited by the property’s sanitary (septic) permit (generally two persons per bedroom); R-1 (single-family) zoned TRHs must be rented for seven or more consecutive days; resident agent within Vilas County or within 40 miles required; off-street parking required at one space per two occupants plus one; posted property rules and compliance with Vilas County Public Health license, state sellers permit, and any municipal permits/room tax 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.

County-level Tourist Rooming Houses (TRHs) require an annual permit with occupancy limited by the property’s sanitary (septic) permit (generally two persons per bedroom); R-1 (single-family) zoned TRHs must be rented for seven or more consecutive days; resident agent within Vilas County or within 40 miles required; off-street parking required at one space per two occupants plus one; posted property rules and compliance with Vilas County Public Health license, state sellers permit, and any municipal permits/room tax required.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Vilas County. 1) Complete and submit Vilas County TRH Permit Application at least 30 days before first rental with owner and resident-agent signatures, a copy of the Vilas County Public Health TRH license (or submitted application), the required property rules, and payment (Initial permit $300; Renewal $200; Revision $80). 2) Zoning & Planning issues permit (mailed to applicant); permits expire Jan 31 the year after issuance and are non-transferable (new owner must apply). 3) Obtain separate Vilas County Public Health TRH license and State sellers permit/PRAT registration and any municipal licenses or room-tax registrations as required.

1) Complete and submit Vilas County TRH Permit Application at least 30 days before first rental with owner and resident-agent signatures, a copy of the Vilas County Public Health TRH license (or submitted application), the required property rules, and payment (Initial permit $300; Renewal $200; Revision $80). 2) Zoning & Planning issues permit (mailed to applicant); permits expire Jan 31 the year after issuance and are non-transferable (new owner must apply). 3) Obtain separate Vilas County Public Health TRH license and State sellers permit/PRAT registration and any municipal licenses or room-tax registrations as required.

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