Wisconsin landlord-tenant law
Local rules also apply in: Milwaukee
Quick facts
| Topic | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Security deposit limit | Not yet verified |
| Deposit return deadline | Within 21 days after the trigger date (usually the date the rental agreement ends): return the deposit, less permitted amounts, with a wr… |
| Notice to enter | At least 12 hours' advance notice and entry at reasonable times, only to inspect, repair, or show the unit, unless the tenant consents, t… |
| Rent increase notice | Not yet verified |
| Late fees | Late fees only as specifically provided in the rental agreement. |
| Eviction notice (nonpayment) | Not yet verified |
| Rent control / state preemption | Preempted. |
Details & sources
Security deposit limit
Not yet verified
Back to quick facts ↑Deposit return deadline
Within 21 days after the trigger date (usually the date the rental agreement ends): return the deposit, less permitted amounts, with a written itemized statement of anything withheld.
Verified Source: Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.06(2), (4) · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Notice to enter
At least 12 hours' advance notice and entry at reasonable times, only to inspect, repair, or show the unit, unless the tenant consents, there's an emergency, or entry is needed to protect the premises while the tenant is away.
Verified Source: Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09(2) · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Rent increase notice
Not yet verified
Back to quick facts ↑Late fees
Late fees only as specifically provided in the rental agreement. Rent prepayments must be applied first, and there can be no fee for not paying a late fee.
Verified Source: Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09(8) · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Eviction notice (nonpayment)
Not yet verified
Back to quick facts ↑Rent control / state preemption
Preempted. No city, village, town or county may regulate the amount of rent or fees charged for a residential rental unit (except for units it owns or rent set by voluntary agreement).
Verified Source: Wis. Stat. § 66.1015(1) · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Cities in Wisconsin with their own rules
Nearby states
- Illinois landlord law
- Indiana landlord law
- Michigan landlord law
- Ohio landlord law
- Pennsylvania landlord law
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