Transient / Short Term Rental

Short-Term Rental (Transient Lodging) License

Property owners who rent their home for fewer than 30 consecutive days must obtain a Short-Term Rental License from the City of New Berlin. Most properties must also hold a State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License.

Planning to operate a short-term rental?

  • Obtain a Tourist Rooming House License from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection (DATCP).
  • Apply for a City of New Berlin Short-Term Rental License for each property.

City license fees are set by Common Council resolution based on administrative and monitoring costs.

How to Apply

Submit a complete application to the City Clerk.

  • Completed application form
  • A copy of your State Tourist Rooming House License
  • Owner and/or property manager contact information
  • Description and address of the rental property
  • Required license fee (nonrefundable)

Properties must pass a Building Inspection and Fire Department inspection before a license is issued.

Basic Requirements

License holders must comply with City and State regulations.

  • Owner or property manager must be available 24/7 while rented.
  • Minimum of **one off-street parking stall per bedroom**, with two stalls required.
  • Sleeping areas allowed only inside the main home (not accessory buildings).
  • Occupancy limits follow **Wisconsin ATCP 72** standards.
  • Trash/recycling containers must be screened from public view.
  • Guests must receive a copy of the license before each stay.

Annual Renewal

Licenses are valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

  • Submit renewal at least 45 days before expiration.
  • Renewals require updated documents and a new fee.
  • Fire and Building inspections are required again each year.

Important Information

  • Licenses cannot be transferred—a new license is required if the property is sold.
  • Violations may result in enforcement action or license revocation.
  • Full legal requirements are available in the Municipal Code.

Contact

Questions about short-term rental licensing?