Wisconsin Rental Laws

Wisconsin Rental Laws

Your Wisconsin Rental Laws Guide to helpful links and information for leases, rent, security deposits, tenant screening, real estate and government.

Official Website of the State of Wisconsin

The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of Wisconsin was 5,757,564 on July 1, 2014, a 1.24% increase since the 2010 United States Census.

The State of Wisconsin has 72 counties.

State Rules and Regulations

Important Lease Terms

Security Deposits

  • Amount: No Restrictions
  • Return Deadline:  21 Days

Notice and Fees

  • Applications Fees: $20 maximum.  It is required to provide the tenant with a copy of the report.
  • Termination Notice:  5 Days
  • Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent: Yes

Landlord Disclosures

Real Estate Links

Federal Goverment

  • Fair Credit Reporting Act:  Federal Government legislation which promotes the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information contained in the files of consumer reporting agencies.
  • Fair Housing Act:  The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing. The prohibitions specifically cover discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and the presence of children

Credit Reports

Tenant Screening

  • Counties covered:  Adams,   Ashland,   Barron,   Bayfield,   Brown,   Buffalo,   Burnett,   Calumet,   Chippewa,   Clark,   Columbia,   Crawford,   Dane,   Dodge,   Door,   Douglas,   Dunn,   Eau Claire,   Florence,   Fond Du Lac,   Forest,   Grant,   Green,   Green Lake,   Iowa,   Iron,   Jackson,   Jefferson,   Juneau,   Kenosha,   Kewaunee,   La Crosse,   Lafayette,   Langlade,   Lincoln,   Manitowoc,   Marathon,   Marinette,   Marquette,   Menominee,   Milwaukee,   Monroe,   Oconto,   Oneida,   Outagamie,   Ozaukee,   Pepin,   Pierce,   Polk,   Portage,   Price,   Racine,   Richland,   Rock,   Rusk,   St. Croix,   Sauk,   Sawyer,   Shawano,   Sheboygan,   Taylor,   Trempealeau,   Vernon,   Vilas,   Walworth,   Washburn,   Washington,   Waukesha,   Waupaca,   Waushara,   Winnebago,   Wood
  • Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

Last Updated: April 21, 2020