Twin Lakes, Wisconsin Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Twin Lakes, WI?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. The Village has established a comprehensive regulatory framework under Village Code Chapter 5.40 that permits and regulates short-term rental operations. Twin Lakes welcomes STR investors who comply with all applicable licensing, safety, and operational requirements.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Twin Lakes?

Twin Lakes hosts earn a median $49,542/year with $396 ADR and 51% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $76,020+ per year.

See the full Twin Lakes market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Twin Lakes

Step 1: Pre-Application Preparation

Before submitting your application, ensure your property meets all basic requirements:

Property Compliance: Your property must be suitable for habitation and comply with all building and safety codes
Zoning Verification: Confirm your property is located in an area where STRs are permitted (contact Building & Zoning Department)
Tax Clearance: Ensure you have no outstanding taxes, fines, or forfeitures owed to the State of Wisconsin or Village of Twin Lakes

Step 2: Obtain Required State Licenses

Prior to applying for the Village license, you must secure these state-level permits:

State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License
- Issued by Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) or Kenosha County Public Health
- Required under Wis. Stat. 66.1014(2)(d)2.a
- Must be current and valid
State of Wisconsin Seller's Permit
- Issued by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue
- Required for tax collection purposes

Step 3: Submit Village Application

Complete and submit the Village of Twin Lakes Short-Term Rental Application with all required documentation and fees.

Step 4: Inspection Process

The Village will coordinate required inspections:

Building Inspection: Conducted by Village Building Inspector
Fire Inspection: Conducted by Village Fire Department
Re-inspection Fee: $65 if corrections are required

Step 5: Final Approval

Once all inspections pass and requirements are met, the Village will issue your annual STR license.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Village of Twin Lakes Requirements

License Application

Short-Term Rental Application (completed in full)
Application Fees:
- New Application: $300
- Renewal: $150
License Period: January 1st to December 31st (no proration for partial year)

Required Documentation

Floor Plan showing:
- All bedrooms
- Doors and fire exits
- Available parking spaces
Property Manager Agreement (if applicable)
- Required if property is managed by 3rd party corporate entity
Platform Contract (if applicable)
- Airbnb/VRBO contract or similar platform agreement

State-Level Licenses

State of Wisconsin Tourist Rooming House License
- Issued by DATCP or Kenosha County Public Health
- Must remain current and valid
State of Wisconsin Seller's Permit
- Issued by Wisconsin Department of Revenue

Key Operational Guidelines

Maximum Occupancy

The maximum occupancy is determined by:

The total number of occupants licensed by the State of Wisconsin, OR
Two occupants per bedroom plus two additional occupants (whichever is less)

Property Management Requirements

Contact Updates: Must notify the Village within 24 hours of any change in contact information
3rd Party Management: If managed by corporate entity, property manager agreement must be attached

Inspection Requirements

Building Safety: Property must pass building inspection
Fire Safety: Property must pass fire inspection
Re-inspection Fee: $65 for any required follow-up inspections

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Village of Twin Lakes Regulations

Chapter 5.40 - Short-Term Rentals

The primary governing ordinance for STRs in Twin Lakes, establishing:

Licensing requirements and procedures
Operational standards and compliance
Inspection and enforcement mechanisms

Occupancy Standards (Chapter 5.40)

Maximum occupancy: 2 occupants per bedroom + 2 additional occupants per property
Must comply with state-licensed capacity if lower

Tax Compliance Requirements

No Outstanding Debts: License cannot be issued to anyone who owes:
- Any taxes to the State of Wisconsin
- Any taxes, fines, or forfeitures to the Village
Chapter 5.20.120(e): Tax clearance requirement for license eligibility

Inspection and Safety Standards

Mandatory Inspections: Both Building and Fire inspections required
Compliance Required: All recommended modifications must be completed
Re-inspection Process: $65 fee for any required re-inspections

State of Wisconsin Regulations

Tourist Rooming House License

Governed by Wis. Stat. 66.1014(2)(d)2.a
Issued by DATCP or Kenosha County Public Health
Must be maintained throughout STR operation

Seller's Permit Requirements

Issued by Wisconsin Department of Revenue
Required for collecting and remitting applicable taxes

Kenosha County Requirements

Public Health Oversight

Kenosha County Public Health serves as the issuing agent for the State Tourist Rooming House License, providing local enforcement of state health and safety standards.

Contact Information

Village of Twin Lakes - Primary STR Authority

Village Hall - Administration

Address: 105 East Main St., PO Box 1024, Twin Lakes, WI 53181
Phone: (262) 877-2858
Fax: (262) 333-3286
Website: www.twinlakeswi.gov

Department-Specific Contacts

Building & Zoning Department

Phone: (262) 877-2858
Function: Zoning compliance, building inspections, STR application processing
Website: www.twinlakeswi.gov/government/building-inspection/

Fire Department

Phone: (262) 877-2858
Function: Fire inspections, safety compliance
Website: www.twinlakeswi.gov/government/public-safety/

Police Department

Phone: (262) 877-2858
Function: Outstanding fines/forfeitures verification, code enforcement
Website: www.twinlakeswi.gov/police-department/

State-Level Contacts

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)

Function: Tourist Rooming House License issuer
Website: datcp.wi.gov

Wisconsin Department of Revenue

Function: Seller's Permit issuer
Website: revenue.wi.gov

Kenosha County Public Health

Function: Local agent for Tourist Rooming House License
Website: kenoshacounty.org/health

Important Deadlines and Renewal Process

Annual License Cycle

License Period: January 1st through December 31st
No Proration: Licenses are not prorated for partial-year applications
Renewal Required: Annual renewal mandatory

Application Timeline

Early Submission Recommended: Apply well before January 1st to ensure timely processing
Inspection Scheduling: Allow adequate time for required inspections and any necessary corrections

Compliance and Enforcement

Application Review Process

The Village conducts a thorough review including:

Tax Clearance Verification: Confirms no outstanding Village or state taxes
Building Department Review: Ensures property compliance with building codes
Fire Department Review: Verifies fire safety compliance
Police Department Review: Checks for outstanding fines or forfeitures

Ongoing Compliance Requirements

Contact Information: Must update Village within 24 hours of any changes
License Display: Maintain current licenses at the property
Tax Remittance: Stay current on all applicable tax obligations
Safety Standards: Maintain all safety equipment and exits

Enforcement Actions

Properties failing inspections must:

Complete all recommended modifications
Pay $65 re-inspection fee
Pass subsequent inspections before license issuance

Source Documents and Links

Primary Village Documents

Village of Twin Lakes Short-Term Rental Application (2024)

Village Ordinances and Resolutions

Key STR-Related Ordinances

Ordinance 2021-04-02: Created Chapter 5.40 - Short-Term Rentals
Ordinance 2021-08-02: Amended STR occupancy requirements
Ordinance 2024-2-2: Amended STR fees and submission requirements

Village Government Resources

Investment Considerations

Twin Lakes represents a STR-friendly market with clear regulatory pathways. The Village's structured approach provides investors with predictable requirements and enforcement, while the comprehensive licensing framework ensures market legitimacy and guest safety. Success in the Twin Lakes STR market requires diligent compliance with all multi-jurisdictional requirements, but the regulatory clarity provides a solid foundation for sustainable STR operations.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Twin Lakes

Twin Lakes is a small lakeside community in Kenosha County, in southeastern Wisconsin, set just a few miles north of the Illinois border. The unincorporated census-designated place is home to roughly six thousand residents and revolves around the two lakes that give it its name, which together form the heart of a year-round recreational community. Visitors and weekenders are drawn to the water in summer and the quiet small-town feel in the off-season, and Twin Lakes also serves as a convenient base for exploring the broader resort country of southeastern Wisconsin. It sits approximately 50 miles south of Milwaukee and about 80 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, putting big-city amenities within easy reach for day-trippers and second-home owners.

The lakes that anchor the community are the main draw for most visitors. The two connected lakes offer several miles of shoreline, public access points, and a small but lively waterfront that includes marinas, casual lakeside dining, and quiet coves for swimming, paddling, and fishing. Boating is a way of life here in the warmer months, and the lakes host fishing tournaments and summer regattas that bring a steady stream of visitors to local rental properties throughout the peak season.

Just west of town, Richard Bong State Recreation Area covers more than four thousand acres of prairie, oak savanna, and wetlands named after World War II fighter ace Richard Bong. About a ten-minute drive from Twin Lakes, the recreation area offers miles of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, a swimming beach, picnic areas, and seasonal hunting. It is one of the most popular outdoor destinations in Kenosha County and adds a different dimension to a stay in Twin Lakes for travelers who want more than just lake time.

About 20 miles to the northwest, Lake Geneva is one of the most storied resort towns in the upper Midwest. The walkable downtown is lined with galleries, restaurants, and ice-cream shops, and the historic shore path winds past the mansions that earned the area its reputation as a getaway for Chicago's elite. The roughly half-hour drive makes Lake Geneva an easy day trip from Twin Lakes and a complementary destination for guests who want a little more polish, shopping, and dining.

To the east, the city of Kenosha sits on the shore of Lake Michigan about twenty minutes away. Its revitalized downtown, harborfront museums, and Lake Michigan beaches give Twin Lakes visitors an urban counterpoint, with access to the streetcar, the Civil War Museum, and the harbor lighthouse without the cost or crowds of a Chicago visit.

Twin Lakes offers short-term-rental owners an appealing combination: genuine small-town character, two recreational lakes at the doorstep, a sizable state recreation area minutes away, and quick access to two of southeastern Wisconsin's strongest tourism draws in Lake Geneva and Kenosha. For travelers looking to balance a quiet lake setting with day-trip variety, the community makes a strong case as a home base.