How much notice is required to raise rent in Wisconsin?
28 days notice
- 28 days notice for month-to-month
- No rent control
- Lease terms control
Legal basis: Wis. Stat. § 704.19
Know your rights as a renter in Wisconsin. This guide covers security deposits, landlord entry, rent increases, eviction protections, and more under Wisconsin law.
Legal basis: Wisconsin landlord-tenant law — Wisconsin Statutes
21
Days to Return Deposit
No limit
Max Deposit
12h
Entry Notice
Not Required
Deposit Escrow
What Wisconsin law says about deposits
Maximum Deposit
No limit
Return Deadline
21 days
Penalties, interest & late-fee rules under Wisconsin law
If your deposit is wrongfully or late returned
Tenant may recover double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus costs and reasonable attorney fees, under Wis. Stat. § 100.20(5) for a violation of ATCP 134.06; no bad-faith showing required.
Interest on your deposit is not required
Grace period
No mandatory statewide grace period — ATCP 134.09(8) does not require one; late fees are governed by the rental agreement (some municipalities, e.g. Madison, impose local grace-period/cap rules)
Must be in the lease
Yes — a late fee is only enforceable if it is written into your lease
Your privacy protections
Required Notice Period
12 hours
hours advance notice
In Wisconsin, your landlord must provide proper notice before entering your rental unit, except in genuine emergencies. This protects your right to privacy and peaceful enjoyment of your home.
Exceptions: Landlords may enter without notice in cases of emergency (fire, flooding, etc.) or if you've abandoned the property.
28 days notice
Legal basis: Wis. Stat. § 704.19
Varies
Legal basis: Wis. Stat. § 704.07
Protected
Legal basis: Wis. Stat. § 704.45
Early termination
Legal basis: Wis. Stat. § 704.16
Self-help illegal
Legal basis: Wis. Stat. § 704.05
Important facts about Wisconsin rental law
Wisconsin has no limit on security deposits.
Wisconsin landlords must return deposits within 21 days of move-out.
Wisconsin requires landlords to provide a move-in checklist within 7 days.
Wisconsin tenants can recover up to 2x the deposit for bad faith withholding.
Common questions about Wisconsin tenant rights
Wisconsin does not have a statutory limit on security deposits.
Wisconsin landlords must return security deposits within 21 days after you move out.
In Wisconsin, landlords must provide 12 hours notice before entering your rental unit (hours advance notice).
Late fees in Wisconsin: No statutory cap — $20 or 20% of rent (whichever is greater) is deemed reasonable per ATCP 134. No mandatory statewide grace period — ATCP 134.09(8) does not require one; late fees are governed by the rental agreement (some municipalities, e.g. Madison, impose local grace-period/cap rules).
28 days notice. 28 days notice for month-to-month. No rent control. Lease terms control. Source: Wis. Stat. § 704.19.
Varies. Landlord must maintain habitability. Reasonable time to repair. Rent withholding available. Source: Wis. Stat. § 704.07.
Protected. Retaliation prohibited. Cannot evict for complaints. Document communications. Source: Wis. Stat. § 704.45.
Early termination. Can terminate early. Documentation required. No penalty. Source: Wis. Stat. § 704.16.
Self-help illegal. Self-help evictions illegal. Court process required. Contact police if locked out. Source: Wis. Stat. § 704.05.
Wisconsin tenants have rights including security deposit protections, notice requirements for landlord entry, habitability standards, and protections against retaliation. Use Honestkey™ to analyze your specific lease against Wisconsin law.
Upload your lease to see exactly how it complies with Wisconsin law. Honestkey™ checks every clause against state statutes.
Free Lease ScanNo credit card required
Plain-language answers that apply in Wisconsin and beyond
Start today — your first scan is free and takes about a minute. No credit card.