Wisconsin Tenant Rights
Wisconsin landlord-tenant law is governed by Wis.
Last reviewed:
Key Laws by Topic
Eviction Laws
- Nonpayment Notice:
- 5 days written notice to pay rent or vacate (month-to-month tenancy)
- Lease Violation Notice:
- 5 days to cure for certain lease violations; others allow immediate termination
- Periodic Tenancy Notice:
- 28 days notice for month-to-month termination
- Rent Control:
- No rent control — Wisconsin preempts local rent control ordinances
Security Deposit Laws
- Limit:
- 1 month's rent maximum
- Return Deadline:
- 21 days after tenant vacates
- Itemization Required:
- Yes — written itemized statement required within 21 days
- Move In Checklist:
- Landlord must provide written check-in form; failure may affect right to deductions
- Bad Faith Penalty:
- Tenant may recover twice the wrongfully withheld amount under ATCP 134 (consumer protection statute)
Repair & Habitability Laws
- Repair And Deduct:
- Yes — available after written notice and landlord's failure to repair within a reasonable time
- Rent Withholding:
- Tenant may terminate for serious uninhabitable conditions
- Notice Required:
- Written notice to landlord required with reasonable repair period
- Habitability Standards:
- Structural integrity, weatherproofing, heating, plumbing, electrical, sanitary conditions
Tenant Harassment Laws
- Retaliation Prohibited:
- Yes — retaliatory rent increases, evictions, and service reductions prohibited
- Self Help Prohibited:
- Yes — lease provisions allowing self-help eviction are void; court process required
- Remedies:
- Actual damages, 2 months rent minimum, attorney's fees under ATCP 134
- Consumer Protection:
- ATCP 134 provides additional consumer protection remedies for landlord violations
Notice & Entry Laws
- Notice Required:
- At least 12 hours advance notice required (Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09)
- Permissible Entry Reasons:
- Repairs, inspections, showing unit, emergencies
- Emergency Entry:
- Permitted without advance notice for genuine emergencies
- Time Of Entry:
- Reasonable times only
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.