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Wisconsin landlord rules
None of the values below has a source-confirmed statute citation on file yet. They are conservative reference values from Aptoria's compliance data. Confirm each one against the current statute before relying on it.
Application fee >$25 must be returned within 60 days of denial.
Deposits, fees, and notices
Security deposit limit
Unverified reference value
No statewide cap
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Deposit return deadline
Unverified reference value
21 days after move-out
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Late fees
Unverified reference value
No statewide cap (reasonableness standard)
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Rent-increase notice
Unverified reference value
28 days
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Month-to-month termination notice
Unverified reference value
28 days
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Pay-or-quit notice
Unverified reference value
5 days
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Non-emergency entry notice
Unverified reference value
12 hours
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Application fee limit
Unverified reference value
$25
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Statewide rent regulation
Unverified reference value
No statewide rent regulation (check local ordinances)
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Separate pet deposit
Unverified reference value
Permitted
No verified statutory citation on file. Confirm with the current statute.
Payments, fair housing, and licensing
Card surcharges on rent
Allowed within card-network limits
Returned-payment (NSF) fee
No statewide statutory cap on file
Source-of-income protection
No statewide protection on file
Local ordinances can extend protection beyond the statewide rule.
Property-management licensing
License generally required to manage for others
State real estate broker license required for property management for others — confirm with state commission.
Wisconsin next to its neighbors
Own units on both sides of a state line? These are the same reference values for every bordering jurisdiction. Open a state to see its citations.
| Rule | Wisconsin | Illinois | Iowa | Michigan | Minnesota |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Security deposit limit | No statewide cap | No statewide cap | 2× monthly rent | 1.5× monthly rent | No statewide cap |
| Deposit return deadline | 21 days after move-out | 45 days after move-out | 30 days after move-out | 30 days after move-out | 21 days after move-out |
| Late fees | No statewide cap (reasonableness standard) | Capped at $20; 5 days grace | Capped at $60 | No statewide cap (reasonableness standard) | Capped at 8% of monthly rent |
| Rent-increase notice | 28 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 60 days |
| Non-emergency entry notice | 12 hours | Reasonable notice | 24 hours | Reasonable notice | 24 hours |
| Pay-or-quit notice | 5 days | 5 days | 3 days | 7 days | 14 days |
| Source-of-income protection | No statewide protection on file | Protected statewide | No statewide protection on file | Protected statewide | Protected statewide |
| Card surcharges on rent | Allowed within card-network limits | Allowed within card-network limits | Allowed within card-network limits | Allowed within card-network limits | Allowed within card-network limits |
Lease disclosures on file
• Lead-based paint hazards (pre-1978 housing) — EPA Pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home"
• Code violations on file
• Utility billing arrangements
Run the numbers
Security deposit calculator
Late fee calculator
Rent increase calculator
Move-in / move-out inspection checklist
Educational information only, not legal advice. Laws, local ordinances, court interpretations, and the facts of a tenancy can change the result. Verify the current binding text and obtain advice from a qualified local professional before acting.