Wisconsin Security Deposit Limit
no statutory limitWisconsin has no statewide statutory cap on residential security deposits — the amount is a matter of contract between you and the landlord. That makes reviewing the deposit clause in your lease especially important.
Educational information: generated from our Wisconsin law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How Wisconsin compares
30 of 51 US jurisdictions cap security deposits by statute; the other 21 set no statewide cap (local caps can still apply in some cities). Here is how Wisconsin compares with other states in our database.
Frequently asked questions
- 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. Wisconsin is one of 21 US jurisdictions without a statewide deposit cap. No statutory limit on deposit amount. Return within 21 days with itemized statement. Must provide check-in sheet at move-in; tenant has 7 days to note pre-existing damages. Penalty: 2x amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees.
- Does Wisconsin require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
- No. Wisconsin does not have a statewide requirement that landlords pay interest on security deposits.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Wisconsin?
- Wisconsin landlords generally must return the deposit within 21 days after move-out.
Check Your Lease Against Wisconsin Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with Wisconsin law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
Analyze My Lease FreeEducational tool — not legal advice. First analysis is free, no signup required.
More Wisconsin lease law guides
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin for your specific situation.