Wisconsin Landlord-Tenant Law Guide
Wisconsin's landlord-tenant laws provide comprehensive protections with specific requirements for security deposits, property maintenance, and lease procedures. The state mandates detailed check-in/check-out procedures and strict security deposit handling.
Security Deposit
Limit: No statutory limit, but must be reasonable. Some municipalities may have caps.
Return Period: 21 days after termination of tenancy. Must provide itemized statement of damages. If landlord fails to comply, tenant may recover double the withheld amount.
Rent Increases
No statutory requirement for month-to-month tenancies, but reasonable notice (typically 30 days) is customary.
Entry Notice
Advance notice required as specified in lease, typically 12-24 hours is reasonable except in emergencies.
Key Statutes
- Wisconsin Statutes §704.28 - Security Deposits
- Wisconsin Statutes §704.07 - Repairs and Maintenance
- Wisconsin Statutes §704.05 - Right of Entry
- Wisconsin Statutes §704.17 - Termination Procedures
Common Issues
- Not returning deposits within 21 days
- Failure to provide itemized damages
- Not conducting proper move-in/move-out inspections
- Entering without adequate notice
- Not maintaining heating (critical in Wisconsin winters)