Can you short-term rent in the Town of Delavan?

Licenses and fees

The Town requires a state Tourist Rooming House license (DATCP, $300 new, $110 renewal), a Walworth County short-term rental license ($500 new, $200 renewal) and a Town short-term rental license ($500 new, $250 renewal), plus a $25 general business registration. Town renewals paid within 30 days after the renewal date carry a $50 late fee; after that a new license is needed. Applications go to the Town's Administrative Committee, which meets at the start of each month.

Confirm with: Town of Delavan Clerk

Sources: Town of Delavan

Definition and Town license

A short-term rental is a residential dwelling offered for a fee for fewer than 29 consecutive days. Renting more than 10 nights in any 365 days needs a Town license under Section 10.20 (Residential Rental Licensing). The license must be posted inside the main entrance, expires each July 31 and is not transferable; a change of ownership needs a new registration. The Town may inspect.

Confirm with: Town of Delavan Clerk

Sources: Town of Delavan

Room tax

8% of room rent, reported and paid quarterly (due April 30, July 31, October 31 and January 31). The operator keeps 2% of the tax collected. If a booking platform collects the tax, the owner must still get the platform's quarterly report to the Town.

Confirm with: Town of Delavan Treasurer

Sources: Town of Delavan, Town of Delavan

Walworth County rules (all unincorporated towns)

The County licenses rentals of less than 30 days in unincorporated areas (County Code Ch. 26, Art. VII; zoning definitions in Ch. 74, adopted April 19, 2018). The County zoning code allows one rental per 7-day period: a new guest can't arrive within 7 days of the last guest's arrival. A state license must come first. Occupancy is limited to what the septic system (POWTS) is sized for or the state license, whichever is less; on septic that is generally two people per bedroom. A septic inspection may be required, private wells must be tested, and the license and house rules must be posted. Citations for operating without a license are $663 a day.

Confirm with: Walworth County Land Use and Resource Management, 262-741-4972

Sources: Walworth County, Walworth County, Walworth County

Complaints

The Town runs a 24-hour short-term rental complaint hotline (1-866-257-0149) and online form. Complaints are logged and the rental's local contact is notified.

Sources: Town of Delavan