Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Washington Island, WI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Washington Island, WI, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as residential dwellings rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days. Key constraints include a limit of 10 nights per year for unlicensed rentals, a requirement for the owner or a designated agent to be located on Washington Island, mandatory smoke/CO detectors, quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., and occupancy limits based on septic (POWTS) capacity or two persons per bedroom. 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 (STRs) are defined as residential dwellings rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days. Key constraints include a limit of 10 nights per year for unlicensed rentals, a requirement for the owner or a designated agent to be located on Washington Island, mandatory smoke/CO detectors, quiet hours from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., and occupancy limits based on septic (POWTS) capacity or two persons per bedroom.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Washington Island. 1. Obtain a State of Wisconsin DATCP Tourist Rooming House License and a Door County Tourism Zone Commission (DCTZC) Lodging Permit. 2. Submit a Town STR license application including proof of state/county permits, liability insurance, floor/site plans, and designated agent certification. 3. Pay the town-stipulated fee and ensure the property meets operational standards (smoke/CO detectors and island-based agent).

1. Obtain a State of Wisconsin DATCP Tourist Rooming House License and a Door County Tourism Zone Commission (DCTZC) Lodging Permit. 2. Submit a Town STR license application including proof of state/county permits, liability insurance, floor/site plans, and designated agent certification. 3. Pay the town-stipulated fee and ensure the property meets operational standards (smoke/CO detectors and island-based agent).

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