I've been hosting guests in my home since approx. June of 2016, and open for reservations from March to the end of October in a calendar year. Living at the far edge of Madison, and not knowing what the winter weather may bring, I prefer to not host during this time period. Having said that, I've had wonderful guests and even repeat guests.
A little history on hosting in the City of Madison:
Madison is the capital city, home to UW Madison, and a host of large corporations such as
UW Hospital, Epic, American Family Insurance, Sub-Zero, WPS Health Insurance. But you know what they say about location? My guests for the most part are not vacationers, but come here to work, interview, and attend meetings. Not being in close proximity to the capitol (approx 5 miles), UW Madison Campus, nor government offices, a stay at the "edge of the city" isn't always ideal.
Then, the City of Madison has ordinances that require hosts to be compliant and each year I am inspected by the Health Department with an inspection by Zoning* (ZTRHP Zoning Tourist Rooming House Permit). These inspections come at a cost initially and a fee each year thereafter, along with stipulations on just how I may conduct my business as an
STR (TRH Short Term Rental).
*City of Madison Zoning requires that a tourist rooming house must be the operator's primary residence and that an operator may only rent the housing for 30 days per calendar year when not present.
I hope that I haven't discouraged any one from becoming a host, but it is better that you make yourself familiar with your local ordinances. Ordinances are also intended to protect the integrity of one's neighborhood. Blessings,