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

Permissive

WisconsinUpdated Feb 11, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 11, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

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

Severity 6

Classification

Permissive

Severity

Why this classification

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

In plain English

What this means for you

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

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limit180/year

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$150

Processing time2-4 weeks

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Monthly room tax filing is mandatory even if you had zero rental income for the month.
2Property is limited to a total of 180 rental nights per year.
3Permit is only required if renting more than 16 nights per year; however, room tax may still apply.
4Outdoor events are strictly limited to the hours of 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility5 rules

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.

Requirements10 rules

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 process8 rules

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 & costs1 rule

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

Taxes3 rules

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 & restrictions7 rules

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 requirements1 rule

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.

Penalties2 rules

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.

Exemptions2 rules

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).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Oshkosh

0/4

steps completed

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.

2-4 weeks$363

Documents needed

Inspection Request

Official resource

Step 2

Register for Wisconsin Seller's Permit

1 week$20

Documents needed

Tax ID
Business Details

Official resource

Step 3

Obtain City Room Tax Permit

Apply through the City of Oshkosh Finance Department to receive your room tax permit.

1 weekFree

Documents needed

Room Tax Permit Application

Official resource

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.

2-4 weeks$150

Documents needed

Winnebago County License
State Inspection Form
Seller's Permit
Room Tax Permit
Insurance Proof

Official resource

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Oshkosh

Permissive

WisconsinUpdated Feb 11, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 0 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Feb 11, 2026Sources 0

Summary

Plain-english overview

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

Severity 6

Classification

Permissive

Severity

Why this classification

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

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limit180/year

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$150

Processing time2-4 weeks

4 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Monthly room tax filing is mandatory even if you had zero rental income for the month.
2Property is limited to a total of 180 rental nights per year.
3Permit is only required if renting more than 16 nights per year; however, room tax may still apply.
4Outdoor events are strictly limited to the hours of 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility5 rules

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.

Requirements10 rules

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 process8 rules

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 & costs1 rule

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

Taxes3 rules

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 & restrictions7 rules

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 requirements1 rule

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.

Penalties2 rules

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.

Exemptions2 rules

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).

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Oshkosh

0/4

steps completed

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.

2-4 weeks$363

Documents needed

Inspection Request

Official resource

Step 2

Register for Wisconsin Seller's Permit

1 week$20

Documents needed

Tax ID
Business Details

Official resource

Step 3

Obtain City Room Tax Permit

Apply through the City of Oshkosh Finance Department to receive your room tax permit.

1 weekFree

Documents needed

Room Tax Permit Application

Official resource

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.

2-4 weeks$150

Documents needed

Winnebago County License
State Inspection Form
Seller's Permit
Room Tax Permit
Insurance Proof

Official resource

Frequently asked questions

4 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Obtain Winnebago County Tourist Rooming House License

Register for Wisconsin Seller's Permit

Obtain City Room Tax Permit

Apply for City Short-Term Rental License

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?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

4 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Obtain Winnebago County Tourist Rooming House License

Register for Wisconsin Seller's Permit

Obtain City Room Tax Permit

Apply for City Short-Term Rental License

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?

Disclaimer