Wisconsin Tenant Rights Guide
Security deposits, eviction laws, rent control, and tenant protections in Wisconsin
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Wisconsin landlord-tenant law (Wis. Stat. § 704 and ATCP § 134) requires deposits to be returned within 21 days with itemization — one of the shorter timelines nationally. Landlords must give 12 hours advance notice before entry under the administrative code. No rent control or repair-and-deduct right exists statewide.
Security Deposit Max
No cap
Deposit Return
21 days
Entry Notice Required
12 hours
Rent Control
Not permitted
Just Cause Eviction
Not required
Repair & Deduct
Not allowed
Detailed Protections
⚠️
Security Deposit Limit
No statutory cap (Wis. Stat. § 704.28)
Limited Protection
✅
Deposit Return Period
21 days after move-out with itemized statement
Strong Protection
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Entry Notice Required
12 hours advance notice required (Wis. Admin. Code ATCP § 134.09)
Protection Exists
❌
Rent Control
Not permitted statewide
No Protection
❌
Repair & Deduct
Not allowed by statute
No Protection
❌
Just Cause Eviction
Not required
No Protection
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Retaliation Protection
Prohibited — Wis. Stat. § 704.45
Protection Exists
Last reviewed 2026. Laws change — verify with your state attorney general or a local tenant rights organization.
Common Questions
🔍 Wisconsin tenant rights🔍 Wisconsin security deposit law🔍 Wisconsin eviction process🔍 Wisconsin ATCP 134