Wisconsin Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Wisconsin requires only 12 hours’ notice before a landlord enters — the shortest period in the country (Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09). Deposits have no cap but must be returned within 21 days, and tenants must get a check-in sheet to note existing damage.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Wisconsin?
A Wisconsin landlord has 21 days after the tenant vacates to return the deposit with an itemized statement of any amounts withheld.
| Maximum Deposit | No statutory limit |
| Return Deadline | 21 days |
| Interest Required | No |
| Itemized Statement | Required |
| Statute Reference | Wis. Stat. § 704.28; ATCP 134.06 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin prohibits local rent control; rent cannot be raised during a fixed-term lease, and month-to-month changes need 28 days’ notice.
| Late Fee Limit | Must be reasonable and in the written lease |
| Rent Control Status | Prohibited (Wis. Stat. § 66.1015) |
| Rent Increase Notice | 28 days for month-to-month |
| Statute Reference | Wis. Stat. §§ 66.1015, 704.19 |
How to Evict a Tenant in Wisconsin
A Wisconsin eviction for unpaid rent needs a 5-day notice to pay or vacate for month-to-month tenants, or a 5-day or 14-day notice under a lease, depending on the circumstances.
| Non-Payment Notice | 5 days (month-to-month); 5 or 14 days under a lease |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 28 days |
| Illegal Activity | 5 days for drug or criminal activity |
| Statute Reference | Wis. Stat. §§ 704.17, 704.19 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Wisconsin?
No, but the bar is low: Wisconsin requires just 12 hours’ advance notice for entry, except in an emergency.
| Notice Required | 12 hours |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed without notice |
| Permitted Reasons | Inspect, repairs, show the unit |
| Statute Reference | Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09 |
What Must a Wisconsin Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
- Uncorrected building code violations and conditions affecting habitability (ATCP 134.04)
- Utility charges not included in rent (ATCP 134.04)
- Check-in sheet for the tenant to note existing damage (ATCP 134.06)
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin landlords must keep the premises in reasonable repair and structurally sound; tenants can seek a rent abatement when a defect affects habitability.
What Wisconsin landlords must maintain
- • Keep the premises structurally sound and in reasonable repair (Wis. Stat. § 704.07)
- • Maintain plumbing, heating and electrical systems
What a Wisconsin tenant can do
- • Rent abatement while the unit is unfit (Wis. Stat. § 704.07(4))
- • Vacate if the unit becomes untenantable
| Statute Reference | Wis. Stat. § 704.07 |