Milwaukee, WI Local Law
Your complete guide to renter protections in Milwaukee, WI. Learn about local ordinances, rent control status, security deposit rules, and how city law works alongside Wisconsin state protections.
No
Rent Control
21
Days to Return Deposit
No limit
Max Deposit
3
Local Protections
Current rent regulation status
No Local Rent Control
Milwaukee does not have local rent control. Wisconsin state law governs rent increase practices.
Without local rent control, landlords in Milwaukee may raise rent with proper written notice as required by Wisconsin law. There is no cap on the amount of increase, but it must not be retaliatory or discriminatory.
Milwaukee-specific laws and ordinances
Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services rental inspection program
Wisconsin ATCP 134 provides strong tenant protections
State requires 21-day security deposit return
Local ordinances work alongside Wisconsin state law. Where local protections are stronger, the local rule typically applies. View full Wisconsin state protections.
Laws that apply to all Wisconsin renters
Max Security Deposit
No limit
Deposit Return Deadline
21 dayscounted from the date the rental agreement ends; if the tenant moves out early, from that date or, if earlier, the day a new tenant's tenancy begins; if the tenant moves out after the end date, from the day the landlord learns the tenant has left
Entry Notice Required
12 hoursnot a fixed minimum: you may agree to a shorter time when told of an entry, and a separate signed 'Nonstandard Rental Provisions' document may allow other entry
Governing Statute
Wisconsin Statutes
Something else? Contact our team
No, Milwaukee does not currently have local rent control. Wisconsin state law governs rent increase rules. Landlords must typically provide proper written notice before raising rent.
Wisconsin does not set a statutory cap on security deposits. However, landlords must return deposits within 21 days of move-out.
Milwaukee tenants benefit from several protections: Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services rental inspection program; Wisconsin ATCP 134 provides strong tenant protections; State requires 21-day security deposit return. These are in addition to Wisconsin state law.
You can contact the Milwaukee local housing authority or code enforcement department to file complaints about habitability issues, discrimination, or landlord violations. Visit your local housing authority's website for details. You can also file with the Wisconsin attorney general's office for state-level violations.
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