Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Walworth County, WI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Walworth County, WI, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals in unincorporated Walworth County must first obtain a State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House license. Properties using private onsite wastewater treatment systems (POWTS) must meet minimum code requirements for the proposed occupancy, which may require a professional inspection if records are not on file. Specific municipal ordinances (e.g., Town of Walworth) may impose additional constraints like 180-day annual caps or minimum stay durations within their boundaries. 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 in unincorporated Walworth County must first obtain a State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House license. Properties using private onsite wastewater treatment systems (POWTS) must meet minimum code requirements for the proposed occupancy, which may require a professional inspection if records are not on file. Specific municipal ordinances (e.g., Town of Walworth) may impose additional constraints like 180-day annual caps or minimum stay durations within their boundaries.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Walworth County. 1. Obtain a State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House license from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). 2. Submit the Walworth County Short Term Rental Licensing Application along with the required fee ($500 for new licenses, $200 for renewals). 3. Provide documentation of a compliant private septic system (POWTS) if applicable, which may involve a professional inspection and report. Licenses must be renewed annually.

1. Obtain a State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House license from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). 2. Submit the Walworth County Short Term Rental Licensing Application along with the required fee ($500 for new licenses, $200 for renewals). 3. Provide documentation of a compliant private septic system (POWTS) if applicable, which may involve a professional inspection and report. Licenses must be renewed annually.

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