Wisconsin Repair & Habitability Laws
Wisconsin landlords must maintain rental units in a reasonable state of repair under Wis. Stat. § 704.07[confirmed ].
Key Rules
- 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
Applicable Statutes
Source confirmed . Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.
Landlord's duty to maintain premises: must keep structural elements, roof, windows, floors, and systems in a reasonable state of repair. Must comply with applicable housing codes.
Source confirmed · Official state source
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“704.07704.07 Repairs; untenantability. 704.07(1)(1) Application of section. This section applies to any nonresidential tenancy if there is no contrary provision in writing signed by both parties…”
Tenant remedies for landlord's failure to repair: if landlord fails to repair after a reasonable time, tenant may have repairs made and deduct the cost from rent, or terminate the lease.
Source confirmed · Official state source
View archived excerpt
“…s minor in relation to the rent. 704.07(3)(c)(c) A tenant in a residential tenancy shall comply with a local housing code applicable to the premises. 704.07(4)(4) Untenantability. If the premises become untenantable because of damage by fire, water, or other casualty or because of any condition hazardous to…”
Legal Aid Resources
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