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Madison short-term rental rules (2026)

Wisconsin · United States
Restricted
These rules apply inside Madison city limits only. Properties outside them follow county or neighboring-town rules.
Rules last checked  ·  Region: US

Market overview

RESTRICTEDStays under 30 nights

Allowed, with material limits.

Madison allows short-term rentals only in the operator's primary residence: a home they live in at least 183 days a year, one per person.

Why do places restrict rentals?

Property eligibility: Not assessed A market overview can't tell whether a specific home qualifies (zoning, permits, HOA).

ALLOWEDStays of 30+ nights

Longer stays (30+ days)

Stays of 30 nights or more fall outside the short-term rental rules here and are let as ordinary rentals.

Guests staying this long can gain tenant rights, such as protection from eviction.

Not legal advice. The legal framework, notes and sources are in the full report.

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The full Madison rules

16 rules on record for Madison, 2 of them from government sources. Every rule traced to its official source. How we research

Free account includes full rules for one place, with change alerts. Full report $39 · See a sample. For a lender or insurer: rules summary for one address, $29, free with the report. Already have an account? Sign in.

Source: cityofmadison.com (official), checked 7 Nov 2026. Official links, citations and how to apply come with a paid plan.

Quick answers

Is Airbnb legal in Madison?

Yes, with material limits. Madison allows short-term rentals only in the operator's primary residence: a home they live in at least 183 days a year, one per person.

Do you need a permit for a short-term rental in Madison?

Yes, a license or registration is required.

Can I rent for longer stays in Madison?

Stays of 30 nights or more fall outside the short-term rental rules here and are let as ordinary rentals. Guests staying this long can gain tenant rights, such as protection from eviction.

When were the Madison rules last checked?

We last checked the short-term rental rules for Madison on 7 Nov 2026.

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