Wisconsin Tenant Rights
Wisconsin's ATCP 134 is a detailed consumer protection rule that governs many specific rental practices.
Security Deposit
- Maximum allowed
- No statutory limit
- Return deadline
- 21 days
- Itemized deductions required
- Yes
Landlord Entry
- Notice required
- 12 hours
- Emergency exception
- Yes — landlord may enter without notice in genuine emergencies
Notice to Vacate
- Month-to-month
- 28 days
- Fixed-term lease
- No notice required — ends automatically
Rent Control
- Statewide rent control
- No
- Local ordinances allowed
- No
- Details
- Wisconsin prohibits local rent control ordinances (Wis. Stat. § 66.1015).
Late Fees & Grace Period
- Grace period
- No statutory grace period
- Late fee limit
- No statutory limit — must be reasonable
Early Lease Termination
Early termination for military deployment, domestic violence, sexual assault, uninhabitable conditions. Landlord must mitigate.
Key Statutes & Laws
- Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 134 (Residential Rental Practices)
- Wisconsin Stat. Ch. 704
Frequently Asked Questions — Wisconsin Tenant Rights
What is the security deposit limit in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, the security deposit limit is No statutory limit. Landlords must return the deposit within 21 days.
How much notice must a Wisconsin landlord give before entering?
Wisconsin requires 12 hours before landlord entry. Emergencies are exempt from notice requirements.
Does Wisconsin have rent control?
Wisconsin prohibits local rent control ordinances (Wis. Stat. § 66.1015).
Can I break my lease early in Wisconsin?
Early termination for military deployment, domestic violence, sexual assault, uninhabitable conditions. Landlord must mitigate.
What is the late fee grace period in Wisconsin?
No statutory grace period. Late fee limit: No statutory limit — must be reasonable.
Got a Wisconsin lease?
Our AI cross-references your specific lease clauses against Wisconsin tenant protection laws — flagging violations, missing protections, and negotiation opportunities.
Review My Lease — $9.99No account needed · Results in ~2 minutes · Not legal advice
This guide provides general information about Wisconsin tenant rights and is not legal advice. Laws change — always verify current statutes with your local tenant rights organization or a licensed attorney. Last updated March 2026.