Landlord tools · Wisconsin

Wisconsin residential lease agreement.

Everything a Wisconsin lease must get right in 2026 — deposit limits, late fees, notice periods, and required disclosures — plus a free builder that applies each rule for you and outputs a signable PDF.

No capSecurity deposit cap

21 daysDeposit return deadline

12 hrsEntry notice required

28 daysTo end month-to-month

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Security deposits in Wisconsin

Wisconsin doesn't cap security deposits by statute — most landlords charge one to two months' rent. No statutory limit After the tenancy ends, the deposit must be returned within 21 days. Refund with itemized withholding statement within 21 days of surrender Returning one now? Use the free Wisconsin deposit return letter generator — it computes the deadline and itemizes deductions for you.

Late fees and grace periods

Wisconsin sets no statutory dollar cap on late fees, but courts require them to be reasonable and they must appear in the written lease. No grace period is required by statute, though many leases include one. No statutory cap; must be in rental agreement; no late fee on a late fee.

Landlord entry and notices

Landlords must give at least 12 hours' notice before entering, except in emergencies. At least 12 hours' advance notice, reasonable times. Ending a month-to-month tenancy takes 28 days' written notice (28 days' written notice either party). No statute; effectively 28 days via month-to-month term change. Planning an increase? The free Wisconsin rent increase notice generator applies the notice period automatically.

Required disclosures in a Wisconsin lease

Lead-based paint (federal). Required for pre-1978 housing (Required when: pre-1978 housing.)
Known code violations. Disclose uncorrected building/housing code violations threatening health or safety (Required when: known violations exist.)
Utility charges and allocation. Disclose non-included water/heat/electric charges and allocation basis if not separately metered (Required when: utilities not in rent.)
Owner/agent identity. Name and address of manager and owner/agent for notices (Always required.)
Check-in sheet and inspection rights. Provide check-in sheet; notify tenant of right to inspect and get prior deduction list (Required when: if deposit collected.)
Domestic abuse protections notice. Rental agreement must include the § 704.14 notice of domestic abuse protections (Always required.)

Clauses you can’t put in a Wisconsin lease

Clauses that void the ENTIRE lease: waiving landlord liability, authorizing self-help eviction, one-sided fees (Wis. Stat. § 704.44 / ATCP 134.08)

Utilities and pets

Utilities: Mandatory pre-lease disclosure of any utilities not included in rent and how shared-meter charges are allocated. Pets: No statute on pet deposits or fees; pet damage deductible from deposit. Assistance animals exempt from pet charges.

Frequently asked questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin has no statutory limit on security deposits — one to two months' rent is customary. No statutory limit

How long does a Wisconsin landlord have to return the deposit?

21 days after the tenancy ends. Refund with itemized withholding statement within 21 days of surrender

Are late fees limited in Wisconsin?

There's no statutory dollar cap, but fees must be reasonable and stated in the lease. No statutory cap; must be in rental agreement; no late fee on a late fee

How much notice before a landlord can enter the unit in Wisconsin?

At least 12 hours, except in emergencies. At least 12 hours' advance notice, reasonable times

Does Wisconsin have rent control?

No statewide rent control. State preemption

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Key statutes: Wis. Stat. § 704.19 · § 704.44 · Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134. Last reviewed 2026-07. This guide summarizes state law for convenience and is not legal advice; cities and counties may add their own rules.