Wisconsin Rental Lease Laws: What Your Lease Can and Can't Say
Everything below is generated from our Wisconsin law database — the same statute-backed rules our analyzer uses to check leases. Prohibited clauses and required disclosures include their statute citations.
Educational information: this page summarizes Wisconsin landlord-tenant law for renters. It is not legal advice. Laws change — consult a licensed attorney for your situation.
Wisconsin lease rules at a glance
| Security deposit limit | no statutory limit |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 21 days |
| Interest on deposits | not required |
| Landlord entry notice | 12 hours |
| Late fee cap | no statutory percentage cap |
| Rent grace period | no statutory grace period |
| Prohibited lease clauses | 4 clause types restricted |
| Required disclosures | 4 disclosures required |
Wisconsin lease law guides
- Wisconsin Security Deposit Limitno statutory limit
- Wisconsin Deposit Return Deadline21 days
- Wisconsin Deposit Interest Rulesno interest required
- Wisconsin Landlord Entry Notice12 hours
- Wisconsin Late Fee Lawsno statutory percentage cap
- Wisconsin Rent Grace Periodno statutory grace period
- Wisconsin Prohibited Lease Clauses4 restricted clause types
- Wisconsin Required Disclosures4 required disclosures
Lease clauses restricted under Wisconsin law
- Waiver of implied warranty of habitabilityLikely Illegal
- Waiver of tenant rightsLikely Illegal
- Confession of judgment clauseLikely Illegal
All 4 prohibited clause types in Wisconsin, with statute citations →
Disclosures Wisconsin landlords must provide
- Lead Paint
- Check-In Sheet
- Housing Code Violations
All 4 required disclosures in Wisconsin, explained with citations →
Check Your Lease Against Wisconsin Law
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Wisconsin lease law FAQ
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin sets no statewide statutory maximum on security deposits, so the amount is negotiated in the lease. Conditions can apply — see the Wisconsin security deposit limit guide for details.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Wisconsin?
- Generally 21 days after move-out. Conditions can apply — see the Wisconsin deposit return deadline guide for details.
- Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in Wisconsin?
- No statewide statute requires it in Wisconsin, though local ordinances or your lease can add the obligation. Conditions can apply — see the Wisconsin deposit interest rules guide for details.
- How much notice does a landlord need to enter my apartment in Wisconsin?
- Generally at least 12 hours. Conditions can apply — see the Wisconsin landlord entry notice guide for details.
- Is there a limit on late fees in Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin sets no fixed percentage cap, but late fees must be reasonable and can be challenged if punitive. Conditions can apply — see the Wisconsin late fee laws guide for details.
- How many days late can rent be before fees in Wisconsin?
- There is no statutory grace period in Wisconsin; rent is late the day after it is due unless your lease says otherwise. Conditions can apply — see the Wisconsin rent grace period guide for details.
- What lease clauses are illegal in Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin law restricts 4 clause types tracked in our database, such as: waiver of implied warranty of habitability; waiver of tenant rights; confession of judgment clause.
- What disclosures must a landlord provide in Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin requires: Lead Paint (Disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards for housing built before 1978); Check-In Sheet (Move-in condition checklist required; tenant has 7 days to return with noted damages); Housing Code Violations (Disclosure of any uncorrected housing code violations affecting habitability); Utility Information (Disclosure if tenant will be charged for utilities for areas outside their unit).
More renter resources
Sources: state statutes cited above. Data last updated 2024-01-01. Educational information only — not legal advice.