Regulations >
Wisconsin >
Friendship

Want to see how Friendship compares to other top cities in Wisconsin?  Explore all city regulations in Wisconsin. →

B

Friendship, WI

Generally Investor Friendly

Local STR Agent

Local STR Agent

Friendship STR Expert
Friendship, Wisconsin skyline

STR Regulations for Friendship, Wisconsin

Executive Summary

Yes, short-term rentals ARE allowed in Friendship, Wisconsin. The Town of Friendship, located in Fond Du Lac County, has established specific licensing requirements and regulations for short-term rental operations. Investors must obtain an annual license from the Town, with renewals reviewed yearly in January.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Friendship?

Friendship hosts earn a median $36,728/year with $289 ADR and 43% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $53,324+ per year.

See the full Friendship market breakdown

Market Overview

Friendship, Wisconsin is a small town in Fond Du Lac County that offers unique opportunities for short-term rental investors. While smaller than major tourist destinations, the area provides access to outdoor recreational activities and maintains a "charming small town" atmosphere that appeals to guests seeking peaceful getaways.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Friendship, WI

Step 1: Initial Assessment

  • Verify your property is located within Town of Friendship limits
  • Confirm your property zoning allows for short-term rental use
  • Review the Town's Short-Term Rental Licensing Ordinance

Step 2: License Application

  • Complete the Short-Term Rental application form
  • Submit required documentation (see permits section below)
  • Pay applicable licensing fees
  • Submit application to Town officials for review

Step 3: Compliance Setup

  • Install required safety equipment per ordinance
  • Establish tax collection procedures (5% Wisconsin state sales tax minimum)
  • Create operational policies for guests

Step 4: Ongoing Management

  • Prepare for annual license renewal process
  • Maintain compliance with all regulations
  • Monitor changes to local ordinances

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Municipal Requirements

  • Short-Term Rental License (required annually)
  • Building Permits (if renovations required)
  • Special Exception Permit (if applicable to zoning)

Key Forms Available

  1. Short Term Rental Application - Initial license application
  2. Short-Term Rental Renewal Form - Annual renewal process
  3. Short-Term Rental Licensing Ordinance - Governing regulations

State Requirements

  • Wisconsin State Sales Tax registration and collection (5% minimum)
  • Potential local room tax collection requirements

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Town of Friendship Requirements

License Duration and Renewal

  • License Period: Annual licenses effective for one year
  • Renewal Review Date: Second Thursday in January (regardless of original issue date)
  • Renewal Deadline: Application must be submitted at least 45 days prior to license expiration
  • Review Process: Town Board reviews all renewal applications

Operational Guidelines

  • Must comply with all provisions of the Short-Term Rental Licensing Ordinance
  • Property must meet all safety and zoning requirements
  • Ongoing compliance monitoring required

Fond Du Lac County Requirements

  • County-level zoning regulations may apply
  • Building code compliance required for all structures
  • Fire safety regulations enforced through Van Dyne Fire Department

Wisconsin State Requirements

  • State Sales Tax: 5% minimum collection requirement
  • Local Taxes: Additional room taxes may apply
  • Business Registration: May be required for ongoing operations

Contact Information

Town of Friendship

Address:
W6931 County Rd N
Van Dyne, WI 54979

Phone: (920) 251-7025

Email: Contact through official website contact form

Website: www.townfriendship.com

Key Departments

  • Town Board: Primary license approval authority
  • Building Department: Permits and inspections
  • Plan Commission: Zoning and special exception reviews
  • Van Dyne Fire Department: Safety inspections and compliance

Source Links

Official Government Sources

Additional Resources

Important Notes for Investors

  1. Official Sources Only: Rely on Town of Friendship official documents and ordinances for definitive regulations
  2. Annual Renewal Critical: Missing the 45-day renewal deadline could result in license lapse
  3. Zoning Compliance: Ensure property zoning permits short-term rental use before investing
  4. Tax Compliance: Wisconsin state sales tax collection is mandatory
  5. Local Variations: Regulations may vary from nearby communities - confirm specific requirements for Friendship

Recommended Next Steps

  1. Contact Town officials directly to discuss specific property requirements
  2. Review complete licensing ordinance before making investment decisions
  3. Consult with local real estate professionals familiar with Friendship regulations
  4. Verify current zoning status of target properties
  5. Establish relationship with Van Dyne Fire Department for safety compliance

This guide provides the foundation for STR investment in Friendship, Wisconsin. Always verify current requirements with official town sources before making investment decisions or beginning operations.

Next step

Found a property in Friendship?

Paste any address and get estimated revenue, cash-on-cash return, and comparable STR performance in under 5 minutes. 3 free analyses per day.

Ask the AI Advisor about Friendship

Free brief

Get the free Friendship STR Investment Brief

Revenue data, top neighborhoods, seasonal trends, and the key regulations for Friendship, Wisconsin in one email.

Friendship

Market Saturation Score

036912
Moderate Saturation
5/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
5–7 declining months: moderate saturation risk - market may be nearing capacity.
View Full Friendship Market Analysis

Photos of Friendship

Overview of Friendship

Friendship is a small village in Adams County, in the heart of central Wisconsin. With a population of approximately 700 residents, it sits immediately adjacent to the city of Adams, and the two communities together form the small Adams-Friendship area. The village has a quiet, rural character, surrounded by forests, lakes, and farmland, and it serves as a relaxed gateway to the broader central Wisconsin outdoor recreation region. Madison, the nearest major city, lies roughly 100 miles to the south, while Wisconsin Rapids is about 30 miles to the north.

Roche-A-Cri State Park is one of the area's most distinctive natural attractions, set a short drive north of Friendship. The park is anchored by a 300-foot rock outcropping that rises above the surrounding woodlands and features ancient petroglyphs carved by Native Americans centuries ago. Visitors come to climb the stairway to the top for sweeping views of the central Wisconsin landscape, and the park also offers hiking trails, camping, and a small visitor center. It is a popular stop for guests interested in both geology and local history.

Castle Rock Lake, the fourth-largest lake in Wisconsin, lies just a few miles southeast of Friendship. Part of the broader Petenwell–Castle Rock waterway system, the lake draws anglers, boaters, and paddlers throughout the warmer months and is a quieter alternative to the busier lake destinations elsewhere in the state. The shoreline includes public access points, small marinas, and a number of vacation homes, making it a focal point of the local tourism economy and a natural draw for short-term-rental guests.

About 35 miles to the southwest, the Wisconsin Dells offers a dramatically different kind of experience. Widely recognized as the "Waterpark Capital of the World," the Dells is famous for its concentration of indoor and outdoor waterparks, scenic riverboat tours through the sandstone gorges of the Wisconsin River, and family-oriented attractions. It is one of the most-visited tourism destinations in the upper Midwest and pulls day-trippers and overnight visitors from across the region.

Buckhorn State Park, situated along the Wisconsin River not far from Friendship, adds another layer of outdoor appeal. The park is known for its sandy swimming beach, quiet backwaters, and stands of old-growth hardwood, and it provides a more peaceful counterpoint to the busier Dells-area attractions. Together, these nearby destinations give the Friendship area a versatile mix of quiet natural beauty and easy access to high-energy regional tourism.

For short-term-rental owners, Friendship offers an appealing combination of small-town affordability, abundant outdoor recreation, and proximity to one of the Midwest's most popular tourism corridors. Guests can spend mornings on Castle Rock Lake, afternoons hiking at Roche-A-Cri, and evenings a short drive from the lights and attractions of the Dells, all while staying in a community that retains the unhurried pace of rural Wisconsin.

Want to know if a property in Friendship is a good investment?

Enter an address to get instant revenue potential and comps.