What should Oshkosh hosts know about monthly room tax filing is?

Monthly room tax filing is mandatory even if you had zero rental income for the month.

Are there rental limits in Oshkosh?

Property is limited to a total of 180 rental nights per year.

Are there rental limits in Oshkosh?

Permit is only required if renting more than 16 nights per year; however, room tax may still apply.

Are there rental limits in Oshkosh?

Outdoor events are strictly limited to the hours of 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Oshkosh WI Short-Term Rental Laws &...

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Verified: Feb 11, 2026

Summary

The City of Oshkosh requires a Short-Term Rental License and a Room Tax Permit for any property rented for fewer than 29 consecutive days for more than 16 nights per year.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 6 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $150
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•Safety standards required
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an STR in Oshkosh, you must first pass a health inspection through Winnebago County and obtain a State Seller's Permit. You then need a city-issued STR license and a Room Tax Permit, with stays capped at a total of 180 nights per year. Room tax reports must be filed with the city every month, even if you had no bookings.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

180/year

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$150

Processing Time

2-4 weeks

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Oshkosh prohibits STRs in the following property types: RV, Camper, Tent, Temporary Structures.
•Oshkosh allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Two-Family, Condo, Apartment.
•Oshkosh: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
•Oshkosh: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(10)

•Oshkosh requires liability insurance for STR hosts. Liability insurance covering STR operations is required for application and renewal
•Oshkosh STR warning: Outdoor events are strictly limited to the hours of 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
•Oshkosh STR warning: Monthly room tax filing is mandatory even if you had zero rental income for the month.

Application Process(8)

•Step-by-step guide to get an STR permit in Oshkosh: Step 1: Obtain Winnebago County Tourist Rooming House License - Contact the Winnebago County Health Department for an inspection and to obtain the state-required license. Documents needed: Inspection Request. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 363. More info: https://www.winnebagocountywi.gov/health/environmental-health/licensing-and-inspections Step 2: Register for Wisconsin Seller's Permit - Register with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue to collect and remit state sales tax. Documents needed: Tax ID, Business Details. Estimated time: 1 week. Cost: 20. More info: https://tap.revenue.wi.gov/btr/_/ Step 3: Obtain City Room Tax Permit - Apply through the City of Oshkosh Finance Department to receive your room tax permit. Documents needed: Room Tax Permit Application. Estimated time: 1 week. More info: https://www.oshkoshwi.gov/Finance/RoomTax.aspx Step 4: Apply for City Short-Term Rental License - Submit the license application to the Department of Community Development with all required state and county licenses. Documents needed: Winnebago County License, State Inspection Form, Seller's Permit, Room Tax Permit, Insurance Proof. Estimated time: 2-4 weeks. Cost: 150. More info: https://www.oshkoshwi.gov/CommunityDevelopment/PlanningServices/ApplicationBrochures.aspx

Fees & Costs(1)

•Oshkosh charges a registration fee of $150 (annual).

Taxes(3)

•Oshkosh charges a Room Tax of 0.1%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb/VRBO remit but owners must still file a monthly return noting marketplace collection
•Wisconsin has a state sales tax of 0.05% that applies to STR rentals.
•Oshkosh: Monthly room tax filing is mandatory even if you had zero rental income for the month.

Limits & Restrictions(7)

•Oshkosh occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom if no separate enclosed bedroom; else based on sq ft (150 sq ft for 1st guest, 100 per additional). Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
•Oshkosh limits STRs to 180 nights per year. This applies to all rentals.
•Oshkosh: Outdoor events are strictly limited to the hours of 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
•Oshkosh limits stays to a maximum of 28 nights.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Oshkosh requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, 1 bathroom for every 6 occupants, Functional smoke/CO detectors per Wis. Admin. Code SPS 362, Egress leading to safe open space at ground level.

Penalties(2)

•Oshkosh: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
•Oshkosh enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Subject to citation and fines per Municipal Code. Second offense: Increased fines. Third offense: Revocation of license. Permit may be revoked for violations.

Exemptions(2)

•Oshkosh exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays, Rentals for 16 or fewer nights per year do not require a city STR license.
•Oshkosh: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

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Sturgeon Bay requires a Short-Term Rental License, a State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House license, and a Door County Tourism Zone permit. Stays are limited to a maximum of 180 days per year, and the property must pass an annual fire inspection.

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Short-term rentals in the Village of Ephraim are regulated under Ordinance 04-2022, requiring an annual Village license, a State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House license, and a Door County Tourism Zone permit. Rentals are subject to an 8% room tax and a minimum stay requirement of 7 nights in most residential areas.

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Short-term rentals in unincorporated Door County are regulated via a mandatory STR license and require coordination between Land Use Services and the Tourism Zone Commission. Hosts must also hold a Tourist Rooming House license from the Health Department and adhere to specific occupancy limits based on bedroom count.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Oshkosh

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(10)

Application Process(8)

Fees & Costs(1)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(7)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(2)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Oshkosh

Baseline Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

4 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Oshkosh?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Oshkosh?

3Are there rental night limits in Oshkosh?

4What are the application fees for STRs in Oshkosh?

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