| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Permitted with registration |
| Permit / License Required | Yes |
| Tax Rate | ~8-13% total (5% WI state + local room tax, typically 3-8% for WI municipalities) |
| Night / Day Cap | 180 days per consecutive 365-day period |
| Permit Fee | $1,300 |
| Primary Residence Required | No |
Short-term rental operations in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are $1,300.
Short-term rental operators in Lake Geneva should be aware of these tax obligations: ~8-13% total (5% WI state + local room tax, typically 3-8% for WI municipalities).
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Lake Geneva include: Primary residence requirement: No. Rental day cap: 180 days per consecutive 365-day period.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Lake Geneva with proper registration and permits. $1,300/year city STR license (increased from $683; effective 2026). $250 late fee if renewed after January 31. Local operator within 25 miles required. Min 2 off-street parking spaces. Guest rules for
Yes. Lake Geneva requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.
Short-term rental hosts in Lake Geneva are subject to the following tax obligations: ~8-13% total (5% WI state + local room tax, typically 3-8% for WI municipalities).
$1,300/year (2026 rate). 180-day annual cap. One of the higher STR fees in Wisconsin. Non-transferable license. Ordinance 98-206(y), updated December 22, 2025.
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