Short-term rentals now legal in Madison after council vote

After doing extensive research gathering input from residents, the Madison City Council approved the addition of short-term rentals (STRs) within city limits. This includes rentals such as Airbnb or VRBO.

However, the approval comes with restrictions.

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Short-term rentals approved in Madison

While the Madison City Council did approve the operation of STRs within city limits, the two measures it approved made sure to regulate their operations.

Guidelines include:

• STR owners must obtain a special permit and renew it annually (at a cost of $350).
• A maximum of 190 STR’s are allowed to operate in the city with said permit.
• Hosts must alert neighbors that they are renting their residences.
• If a rental receives three complaints in a year, the city can suspend its permit.
• If a STR is located in an HOA neighborhood, they will need permission from the HOA to operate as a rental.
• Each STR unit must have a local point of contact.

Proponents for STRs say the lodging taxes are a good source of income for the city and attracting renters to the city helps hospitality revenue. Residents who voiced their opposition to the council Monday night said they worry about noise, parties and/or illegal activity at the rental homes.

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