Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Wausau, WI?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Wausau, Wisconsin. There are no city ordinances prohibiting short-term rental operations, and Wisconsin state law allows short-term rentals as "Tourist Rooming Houses" (TRH) with appropriate licensing and permits.

Important Distinction: Wausau's existing rental registration program applies specifically to residential rental units with lease terms of 30 days or greater. This is separate from short-term rental regulations and does not restrict STR operations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Wausau, WI

Starting an STR business in Wausau requires a multi-step licensing process at the state, county, and city levels. Follow this sequential approach:

Step 1: Obtain State-Level Licensing

• Tourist Rooming House License from Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)
• Properties with 1-4 rooms require TRH license
• Properties with 5+ rooms require hotel license
• Annual license fee: $110
• Pre-inspection fee: $300
• Valid from July 1 to June 30 annually

Step 2: Secure County-Level Health Permit

• Marathon County Tourist Rooming House License through the Health Department
• Annual inspection required for health and safety compliance
• Contact Marathon County Health Department at 715-261-1900

Step 3: Register for State Taxes

• State Seller's Permit (if renting outside major platforms like Airbnb/Vrbo)
• State Sales Tax Registration (5% state rate)
• Room Tax Registration through Wisconsin Department of Revenue

Step 4: Complete Local Requirements

• Wausau Rental Registration if applicable (for 30+ day leases)
• City Room Tax Registration if required by local ordinances

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

State-Level Requirements:

• Wisconsin DATCP Tourist Rooming House License
• State Seller's Permit
• State sales tax registration
• Proof of property ownership or lease agreement
• Federal EIN and SSN/ITIN documentation
• $110 annual license fee + $300 pre-inspection fee

County-Level Requirements (Marathon County):

• Marathon County Health Department TRH License
• Annual health inspection approval
• Compliance with Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 72 (Hotels/Motels) and ATCP 73 (Bed & Breakfasts)
• Proof of insurance coverage
• $172 license fee + $250 pre-inspection fee

Local Requirements:

• Wausau Rental Registration ($10 per building, if leasing 30+ days)
• Local room tax registration
• Property maintenance compliance
• Zoning compliance verification

Standard Documentation Required:

• Driver's license
• Federal EIN
• Property ownership proof or lease
• Property insurance documentation
• Site plan and floor plan
• Inspection reports
• Business records and guest registry system

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

State Regulations (Wisconsin):

• Definition: Tourist Rooming House includes all lodging places offering sleeping accommodations to tourists/transients for pay
• Licensing: Annual state licensing required for properties with 1-4 rooms
• Inspection: Pre-inspection and ongoing compliance with state health codes
• Tax Obligations: 5% state sales tax + local taxes
• No Rental Day Limits: State law prohibits local governments from limiting rentals to fewer than 180 days annually

County Regulations (Marathon County):

• Health Inspections: Annual inspections covering utensil washing, bedding, room sizes, windows, locks, bathrooms, waste disposal
• Safety Requirements: Compliance with fire safety, smoke/CO detector regulations
• Licensing Display: License must be visibly posted in the rental property
• Operational Standards: Must meet health and safety standards for transient accommodations

Local Regulations (Wausau):

• Rental Registration: $10 building fee for residential rentals (30+ day leases)
• Property Maintenance: Standard city property maintenance codes apply
• Zoning Compliance: STRs must comply with local zoning ordinances
• No Specific STR Ordinances: Wausau has not enacted specific short-term rental regulations

Health and Safety Standards:

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
• Fire extinguisher requirements
• Maximum occupancy limits
• Parking regulations
• Waste management protocols
• Kitchen and bathroom safety standards

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Wausau Inspections & Zoning (City Level)

• Address: 407 Grant Street, Wausau, WI 54403
• Phone: 715-261-6780
• Fax: 715-261-4102
• Email: inspections@wausauwi.gov
• Website: www.wausauwi.gov/your-government/inspections/rental-properties/rental-registration

Marathon County Health Department (County Level)

• Address: 1000 Lake View Drive, Suite 100, Wausau, WI 54403
• Phone: 715-261-1900 (also TDD)
• Fax: 715-261-1901
• Email: MCHDEnvironmentalHealth@co.marathon.wi.us
• Website: www.marathoncounty.gov/services/licenses-permits/lodging

Wisconsin Department of Revenue (State Tax Registration)

• Website: www.revenue.wi.gov/Pages/TaxPro/2021/Homeowners-and-Individuals-Selling-Short-Term-Lodging.aspx

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection

• Website: datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Programs_Services/TouristRoomingHouses.aspx

Important Source Links

Primary Regulatory Sources:

• Wausau Rental Registration: https://www.wausauwi.gov/your-government/inspections/rental-properties/rental-registration
• Marathon County Lodging Permits: https://www.marathoncounty.gov/services/licenses-permits/lodging
• Wisconsin STR Laws Overview: https://www.gosummer.com/post/wisconsin-short-term-rental-laws
• Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association STR Resources: https://www.wisconsinlodging.org/short-term-rentals.html

State Administrative Codes:

• ATCP 72 (Hotels/Motels): https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/atcp/055/72
• ATCP 73 (Bed & Breakfasts): https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/atcp/055/73

Application Forms:

• Marathon County License Application: https://www.marathoncounty.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/11953/638835242006600000
• Wausau Rental Registration Form: https://www.wausauwi.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/2099/638653569189730000

Note for Investors: While Wausau allows short-term rentals without specific restrictive ordinances, compliance with state and county health/safety requirements is mandatory. The relatively straightforward regulatory environment makes Wausau an attractive market for STR investment, but proper licensing and ongoing compliance are essential for successful operations. Always verify current requirements with local authorities before proceeding with any STR investment.