How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin sets no statutory cap on the security deposit amount. The deposit must be accounted for within 21 days after the tenancy ends (Wis. Stat. § 704.28).

Is there a limit on late fees in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin sets no statutory late-fee cap; the fee must be stated in the lease.

How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Wisconsin?

Landlord must give at least 12 hours' advance notice before entering, except in an emergency. (Wis. Admin. Code ATCP § 134.09(2))

How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Wisconsin?

Either party must give at least 28 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. (Wis. Stat. § 704.19)

What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Wisconsin?

Tenant has 5 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for eviction. (Wis. Stat. § 704.17) The case is filed as an eviction in Circuit Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.

Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Wisconsin?

A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. A written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Wisconsin with the statutory citations printed in it.

Wisconsin Residential Lease Agreement

A lease that works in the State of Wisconsin has to respect Wisconsin landlord-tenant law: no statutory ceiling on the security deposit, accounted for within 21 days of move-out, and no statutory ceiling on late fees. Below is every number that governs a Wisconsin tenancy, with the statute it comes from.

Read the whole lease before you pay. $14.99 to download, or three for $29.

Wisconsin rental law at a glance

Each row is the rule Landy applies when it builds a Wisconsin lease. The citation is printed in the finished document too, so a tenant can check it.

Wisconsin landlord-tenant rules with statutory citations
Rule	Wisconsin	Citation
Security deposit limit	No statutory limitWisconsin sets no statutory cap on the security deposit amount.	No statute on point
Deposit return deadline	21 daysLandlord must return the deposit or an itemized statement of deductions within 21 days after the tenancy ends.	Wis. Stat. § 704.28
Interest on deposits	Not requiredWisconsin does not require interest on security deposits.	Wis. Stat. § 704.28
Late fee limit	No statutory limitWisconsin sets no statutory late-fee cap; the fee must be stated in the lease.	No statute on point
Grace period before rent is late	No statutory grace periodWisconsin sets no statutory grace period for rent.	No statute on point
Notice to pay or quit	5 daysTenant has 5 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for eviction.	Wis. Stat. § 704.17
Time to cure a lease violation	5 daysTenant generally has 5 days to remedy a curable lease violation, or 14 days' notice without a right to cure for repeat violations.	Wis. Stat. § 704.17
Ending a month-to-month tenancy	28 days' noticeEither party must give at least 28 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy.	Wis. Stat. § 704.19
Notice before landlord entry	12 hoursLandlord must give at least 12 hours' advance notice before entering, except in an emergency.	Wis. Admin. Code ATCP § 134.09(2)

Disclosures a Wisconsin lease must carry

Missing a required disclosure is the most common way an otherwise fine lease creates a problem. Landy adds these automatically, plus any that apply only to your specific property.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, landlords must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling, provide any available records and reports to the tenant, and give the tenant the EPA-approved pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home." Tenant acknowledges receipt of this information by signing below.
42 U.S.C. § 4852d; 24 C.F.R. Part 35; 40 C.F.R. Part 745 · applies to housing built before 1978
Building Code Violations Disclosure
Landlord discloses any uncorrected building or housing code violations of which Landlord has actual knowledge that present a significant threat to health or safety.
Wis. Admin. Code ATCP § 134.04
Shared Utility Disclosure
Landlord discloses whether utilities serving the dwelling are separately metered, and if not, how charges are allocated among units.
Wis. Admin. Code ATCP § 134.04(3)

If things go wrong in Wisconsin

Where eviction is filed

Circuit Court, as an eviction.

Governing law

Cited from the Wisconsin Statutes.

Never self-help

Changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities to force a tenant out is unlawful. A court order is the only route.

Wisconsin lease questions, answered

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Wisconsin?: Wisconsin sets no statutory cap on the security deposit amount. The deposit must be accounted for within 21 days after the tenancy ends (Wis. Stat. § 704.28).
Is there a limit on late fees in Wisconsin?: Wisconsin sets no statutory late-fee cap; the fee must be stated in the lease.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in Wisconsin?: Landlord must give at least 12 hours' advance notice before entering, except in an emergency. (Wis. Admin. Code ATCP § 134.09(2))
How do you end a month-to-month tenancy in Wisconsin?: Either party must give at least 28 days' written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy. (Wis. Stat. § 704.19)
What happens if a tenant does not pay rent in Wisconsin?: Tenant has 5 days to pay rent or vacate before the landlord may file for eviction. (Wis. Stat. § 704.17) The case is filed as an eviction in Circuit Court. A landlord may never change the locks or remove a tenant's belongings without a court order.
Does a residential lease have to be in writing in Wisconsin?: A written lease is not always legally required, but it is what makes the terms enforceable and provable. A written lease is the practical way to document rent, deposits, and each party's obligations. Landy builds a lease specific to Wisconsin with the statutory citations printed in it.

Build a Wisconsin lease with these rules already in it.

Answer questions in plain English. Landy writes the Wisconsin lease around your answers, applies every limit above, and shows you the finished document before you decide to pay.

Lease laws in other states

This page summarizes Wisconsin law for general information and is not legal advice. Landy is a self-help document service, not a law firm. Cities and counties may impose additional requirements, and statutes change. Have a licensed Wisconsin attorney review your lease before you rely on it.