Lake Geneva, WI
Short-term rental host guide. First, find out which jurisdiction your property is in. A "Lake Geneva" mailing address does not mean it is inside city limits.
State of Wisconsin
Tourist Rooming House (TRH) license
A whole-home rental is generally a Tourist Rooming House and needs a DATCP license. As of the posting, fees are $296/yr plus a $592 one-time pre-inspection for 1 TRH, and licenses expire June 30. The updated ATCP 72 rules took effect Jan 25, 2026.
Licenses don't transfer
Licenses are not transferable to a new owner's property. Plan to apply after you close.
Sales & county tax
Wisconsin sales tax (5%) and county tax (0.5%) apply to lodging.
Inside the City of Lake Geneva
City STR/Business/Room Tax License
All STRs need a city STR/Business/Room Tax License, applied for through the city's portal.
Room tax: 8%
8% of gross receipts under City Code Ch. 70 Art. III. 2% is kept by the filer and 98% goes to the city. A separate annual room tax permit is filed with the Treasurer.
Fees
The city fee schedule PDF lists a Tourist Rooming/STR license at $683/yr and a room tax license at $10/yr. Local press reported a 2026 fee of $1,300.
Ordinance requirements (third-party summary)
A third-party summary of the city ordinance says it requires: a period of operation of up to 180 days in a 365-day period, which must be consecutive; floor and site plans; maximum occupancy per ATCP 72.14; a city building code inspection; proof of property and liability insurance; the state TRH license; a room tax permit; a general business license; and renewal by Jan 31.
Town of Linn (and other unincorporated towns)
Walworth County STR license
Required for unincorporated areas (ordinance adopted 2018). It requires the state TRH license first, property rules posted on site (quiet hours 10pm to 7am, max 4 pets, parking, garbage), weekly garbage pickup, and proof of a compliant septic system (POWTS) where there's no sewer. Wells must be tested for the state license.
County fees & minimum stay
County fees per 2024 slides: $500 initial, $200 renewal, $663 per violation. The county FAQ says its zoning code prohibits stays of less than 7 days.
Town of Linn room tax permit
The Town of Linn requires an annual town room tax permit from the Town Treasurer (Town Code Ch. 19). STR use counts as the "primary use" if rented more than 45 nights in any 90-day period.
Town of Geneva
Not yet researched.
Local vendors
These businesses were found on their own public websites, with phone numbers as published there. They are not endorsements. Featured spots will be clearly labeled.
Cleaners (turnover)
| Business | Phone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Elite Rental Cleaning | (262) 205-7990 | Vacation rental cleaning and inspecting; lists Lake Geneva/Como, Williams Bay/Fontana/Linn |
| Cleaning by Jennie | See website | Airbnb turnovers, seasonal open/close cleans |
| Sparkling and Beyond | (844) 844-0989 | Short-term rental cleaning page for Lake Geneva |
| Lake Geneva Carpet Cleaning | 262-581-6140 | Carpet/upholstery; vacation rental turnover service listed |
Handymen
| Business | Phone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HT Services LLC | 262-949-0114 | Handyman and home repair |
| NL Custom Works LLC | (262) 755-0955 | Handyman services, Lake Geneva |
| Odd Job Larry | (262) 287-7391 | Repairs and maintenance |
Home inspectors
| Business | Phone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tri County Inspection & Environmental | 262-225-9668 | Home inspection plus radon, water, sewer scope |
| Amelia's Home Inspection | (262) 249-6764 | Radon testing offered |
| Vertical Inspections | (262) 374-5547 | Based in Williams Bay |
| Kettle Moraine Home Inspections (KMHI) | (262) 729-7076 | Radon, termite, mold testing |
Photographers
| Business | Phone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| KayserPhotography | 262-903-8833 | Real estate photos, 3D tours |
| Gordon Real Estate Photography | (262) 844-4646 | Photo and video |
Seasonality
Coming soon, once sourced data is available.