Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Waunakee, WI

Airbnb listings are allowed in Waunakee, WI, but with restrictions. STRs must be the owner's primary residence and require a minimum stay of 6 consecutive days. Total rental days are capped at 180 per year (or 30 days if the owner is not present), and a local property manager within 25 miles must be available 24/7. 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.

STRs must be the owner's primary residence and require a minimum stay of 6 consecutive days. Total rental days are capped at 180 per year (or 30 days if the owner is not present), and a local property manager within 25 miles must be available 24/7.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Waunakee. 1. Submit a completed application to the Village Clerk with the $1,000 initial fee and required documents (State Tourist Rooming House license, floor plan, and site plan). 2. Pass a general building and fire inspection. 3. Attend a public hearing held by the Village Board for final approval.

1. Submit a completed application to the Village Clerk with the $1,000 initial fee and required documents (State Tourist Rooming House license, floor plan, and site plan). 2. Pass a general building and fire inspection. 3. Attend a public hearing held by the Village Board for final approval.

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