Beginning in 2024, all Short-Term Rentals (STR) in the City of Wauwatosa must be licensed through the City of Wauwatosa Health Department. The license year runs from July 1-June 30, so all STRs in Wauwatosa must obtain a license by July 1, 2024.

STRs also must be inspected annually to verify the operation meets all requirements of Wisconsin Statutes & Wauwatosa Municipal Ordinances related to public health and safety.

Prior to occupancy or advertising a property for or as a short-term rental, the property owner (or local representative) shall obtain a City of Wauwatosa STR Permit. Review and approval of a STR permit application may take up to 30 business days, assuming all needed information is supplied.

How to License your Short-Term Rental:

1. License: Fill out and submit a STR license application.
2. Inspection: Only after Step 1 is complete can you contact the Health Department to schedule your pre-inspection. This can be done either through a phone call to (414) 479-8936, or by email, with the subject line Short-Term Rental Pre-Inspection. To begin operating your short-term rental, you must have your license approved and your inspection completed.
3. Review the inspection checklist before pre-inspection.

If you plan to rent your property for the RNC, please submit your short-term rental application no later than July 1, 2024.

Questions and Complaints:

To ask a question or to file a complaint, contact the Wauwatosa Health Department.

Resources:

ATCP 72: Hotels, Motels, and Tourist Rooming Houses, Administrative Code 

Short Term Rental Guide