Wisconsin Landlord-Tenant Laws
This overview summarizes common Wisconsin landlord-tenant topics using published statute references (Wisconsin Statutes 704). Laws change — confirm details with official sources.
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Wisconsin at a glance: Security deposit limit: No statutory limit. Return deadline: 21 days. Month-to-month notice: 28 days. Source: Wisconsin Statutes 704.
Security deposit
- Maximum deposit
- No statutory limit
- Return deadline
- 21 days
- Interest required
- No statutory requirement
The rule: No statewide deposit limit. Within 21 days after the tenancy ends the landlord must return the deposit less lawful deductions, with a written statement itemizing each one; normal wear and tear may not be deducted (Wis. Stat. § 704.28; Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.06).
Landlords should provide an itemized deduction list when withholding any portion of the deposit.
Source read · Wis. Stat. § 704.28; Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.06
Eviction notice
- Nonpayment of rent
- 5 days notice
- Lease violation
- 14 days notice
Court filing and service rules vary by county. Use our eviction timeline calculator for planning.
Notice to vacate
- Month-to-month lease
- 28 days notice
- Fixed-term lease
- No notice required if lease ends
Late rent fees
- Grace period
- 5 days
- Maximum late fee
- No limit
Additional regulations
- Rent control
- No statewide rent control
- Landlord entry notice
- 12 hours
Primary statute reference: Wisconsin Statutes 704
Sources
When to use Wisconsin document templates
Use LeaseCraft templates when you need PDF and editable DOCX lease and notice forms built for Wisconsin landlords and tenants. Start with the residential lease generator, then add notices from the list of Wisconsin documents.
Common mistakes in Wisconsin
- Relying on verbal agreements instead of a written lease with required disclosures
- Missing the security deposit return deadline (21 days)
- Serving eviction or termination notices with incorrect day counts
Frequently asked questions
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Wisconsin sets no statewide security deposit limit. The return deadline is 21 days. No statewide deposit limit. Within 21 days after the tenancy ends the landlord must return the deposit less lawful deductions, with a written statement itemizing each one; normal wear and tear may not be deducted (Wis. Stat. § 704.28; Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.06).
Confirm current rules in Wisconsin Statutes 704.
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Wisconsin month-to-month tenancies typically require 28 days written notice unless the lease specifies otherwise.
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Use our Wisconsin lease agreement generator to build a residential lease with state-structured clauses. Preview free before download.
Educational summary only, not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for specific guidance. LeaseCraft is not a law firm. Statutes change — verify requirements with official Wisconsin sources before relying on this information.
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