Tenant Rulebook
General information from state law and official guides, not legal advice. Cities and counties can add their own rules.

All states

Landlord and tenant rules in Wisconsin

The statewide rules on deposits, notice, entry and rent in Wisconsin, mainly from the Wisconsin Statutes chapter 704 (Landlord and Tenant), section 66.1015 and Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134. Checked 29 October 2026.

Security deposits and fees

Security deposit limit

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Deposit return deadline

21 days1Wis. Stat. 704.28(4)

The landlord must return the deposit within 21 days. The count usually starts when the lease ends, but if the tenant leaves early it can start when a new tenant moves in or the landlord learns the tenant has left.

Interest on deposits

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Late fees

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Notice, entry and rent

Tenant ending a month-to-month tenancy

28 days2Wis. Stat. 704.19(2)(a), (3)

Either side can end a month-to-month tenancy with at least 28 days' written notice. If rent is paid more often than monthly, notice equal to the rent period is enough.

Landlord ending a month-to-month tenancy

28 days2Wis. Stat. 704.19(2)(a), (3)

A landlord must give the same written notice of at least 28 days.

Notice of a rent increase

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Statewide rent limits

None statewide, local governments barred by law3Wis. Stat. 66.1015(1)

Wisconsin cities, villages, towns and counties may not regulate the amount of rent or fees for residential rental units.

Landlord entry

12 hours4Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09(2)(a)2

The landlord must give at least 12 hours' advance notice and enter at reasonable times, unless the tenant agrees to a shorter period. This rule comes from a state consumer protection regulation.

Notice for unpaid rent

5 days to pay or vacate5Wis. Stat. 704.17(1p)(a), (2)(a)

For a month-to-month tenancy, the landlord can give a 5-day notice to pay or move out, or a 14-day notice to move out. A lease of one year or less uses the 5-day notice.

Many cities and counties add their own rules, such as rent stabilization or longer notice periods, and a lease can give a tenant more protection than the law requires. Check your local housing office or a legal aid group before you act.

Sources

  1. Wis. Stat. 704.28, Wisconsin State Legislatureofficial
  2. Wis. Stat. 704.19, Wisconsin State Legislatureofficial
  3. Wis. Stat. 66.1015, Wisconsin State Legislatureofficial
  4. Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09, Wisconsin State Legislature, 2015-11-01official
  5. Wis. Stat. 704.17, Wisconsin State Legislatureofficial

"Secondary" sources reproduce the official text. We use them only where the official site could not be read.