Wisconsin Tenant Harassment Laws

Wisconsin prohibits landlord retaliation under Wis.

Last reviewed:

Key Rules

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

Applicable Statutes

Wis. Stat. § 704.45

Retaliatory acts by landlord prohibited: landlord may not increase rent, decrease services, or threaten eviction in retaliation for tenant reporting housing code violations or exercising rights.

Wis. Stat. § 704.44

Provisions making rental agreements void or voidable: agreements waiving tenant's right to habitable premises or allowing self-help eviction are void as against public policy.

Legal Aid Resources

Tenant Resource Center

608-257-0006

Dane County / Madison area

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