Renters Rights in Wisconsin

Renting an apartment, residential home, or vacation home in Wisconsin can be an easy and satisfying experience. The prospect of a new home or living space can open up a variety of choices, decisions, and excitement! Renters enjoy the opportunity to build credit and this step may also help to make the decision of ownership in the future. Depending on the location and landlord, other perks of renting include low property maintenance issues, ease of moving, and the option of subletting if you decide to look elsewhere.

Renters do have specific rights in the state of Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Department of Housing supports a range of tenant rights, laws, and protections on behalf of the renter. Resources and protection can include collecting on your security deposit, providing background information about a landlord or management company, providing legal rights, and giving you the appropriate contact information to resolve disputes.

Here’s your guide for renters rights in Wisconsin:

Security Deposit

Wis. Stat. Ann. §§ 704.01-.45
Although the length of time between departure and the mailing of your security deposit will vary, Wisconsin requires return of the security deposit within 21 days. Any deductions must be reflected on an itemized form, and signed by the landlord. You do have the right to question anything on this form, but may need to set up a meeting with your landlord first to discuss the various issues. Since security deposits cover normal ‘wear and tear’, this can often be a grey area of judgment. It will be up to the landlord to describe and assert what they expect, but you can ask questions.

Do remember to fill out and sign the initial check-in form when you sign the lease, and be as detailed as possible. Take pictures or even a camcorder to record and date all damaged areas. This is the best way to protect your security deposit, and can easily help to resolve potential disputes later. If you do not receive your security deposit within the 21 day range, you do have the right to take the case to small claims court.