Green Bay is a city of approximately 108,000 residents and the county seat of Brown County in northeastern Wisconsin. Best known as home to the Green Bay Packers, the city has a substantial renter population across a range of housing types. Like all Wisconsin municipalities, Green Bay is subject to a state law that prohibits local rent control, so renters depend on Wisconsin state law for their housing protections.
Wisconsin's landlord-tenant framework — primarily Wis. Stat. Chapter 704 — provides meaningful protections including a 21-day security deposit return requirement with double damages for violations, a 28-day termination notice requirement, and one of the country's strongest anti-lockout statutes (up to two months' punitive damages for an illegal lockout). The Wisconsin Administrative Code (ATCP 134) also contains detailed rules on security deposits and landlord disclosures.
This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenants with specific housing issues should contact Legal Action of Wisconsin or a qualified attorney.
Green Bay has no rent control, and Wisconsin state law prohibits it from ever enacting one. Under Wis. Stat. § 66.1015, Wisconsin explicitly preempts all local rent control ordinances — no city, village, town, or county may regulate the amount of rent charged for the use of residential property. Green Bay has no authority to enact rent stabilization under current Wisconsin law.
This means a Green Bay landlord may raise rent by any amount, as long as the tenant receives proper advance written notice. For month-to-month tenants, at least 28 days' written notice is required before the new rent or tenancy termination takes effect (Wis. Stat. § 704.19). Many landlords use 30 days — both are legal. Fixed-term lease rent cannot be changed mid-term without mutual consent. There are no caps, no annual limits, and no requirement to justify the size of an increase.
Wisconsin state law governs all residential tenancies in Green Bay. The following protections under Wis. Stat. Chapter 704 and ATCP 134 are enforceable in Brown County courts.
Repairs and Habitability (Wis. Stat. § 704.07): Landlords must maintain premises in a reasonable state of repair and comply with applicable housing codes. After receiving written notice of a deficiency, landlords have a reasonable time to make repairs. For serious conditions, tenants may have the right to withhold rent or terminate the lease, subject to following proper legal procedures.
21-Day Deposit Return (Wis. Stat. § 704.28): The security deposit must be returned with an itemized statement within 21 days of move-out. Wrongful withholding entitles the tenant to double the improperly withheld amount plus attorney fees.
28-Day Termination Notice (Wis. Stat. § 704.19): Month-to-month landlords must give at least 28 days' written notice before terminating the tenancy.
Anti-Retaliation (Wis. Stat. § 704.45): Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations or exercising legal rights. A rebuttable presumption of retaliation applies to adverse actions taken within 6 months of a protected act.
Anti-Lockout (Wis. Stat. § 704.11): Self-help eviction is illegal in Wisconsin. An unauthorized lockout entitles the tenant to punitive damages of up to 2 months' rent plus actual damages.
Security deposit rules for Green Bay tenants are governed by Wis. Stat. § 704.28 and ATCP 134.
No Statutory Cap: Wisconsin law does not cap the amount of a security deposit.
Return Deadline: Landlords must return the deposit with an itemized written statement of any deductions within 21 days of the tenant vacating (Wis. Stat. § 704.28(3)). This is one of the shortest statutory deadlines in the Midwest.
Double Damages: If a landlord wrongfully withholds any portion of the deposit, the tenant is entitled to recover twice the amount improperly withheld plus reasonable attorney fees (Wis. Stat. § 704.28(4)). This is a strong deterrent against improper withholding.
ATCP 134 Requirements: Wisconsin's ATCP 134 regulations impose additional obligations on landlords, including specific move-in inspection requirements and restrictions on allowable lease terms. Tenants should request a move-in inspection checklist and return a signed copy to document the unit's condition.
Allowable Deductions: Unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Photograph the unit thoroughly at move-in and move-out. Claims for wrongfully withheld deposits can be filed in Brown County Small Claims Court.
Evictions in Green Bay must follow Wisconsin's formal legal process under Wis. Stat. Chapter 799. Landlords must obtain a court order before removing a tenant.
Written Notice:
Court Process: If the tenant does not comply, the landlord files an Eviction Action in Brown County Circuit Court (Small Claims). A hearing is scheduled, typically within a few weeks. Both parties may appear and present their case. Tenants should contact Legal Action of Wisconsin before the hearing for free assistance.
Writ of Restitution: If the court rules for the landlord, the Brown County Sheriff executes the writ of restitution. Only the sheriff can physically remove a tenant.
Self-Help Eviction is Illegal (Wis. Stat. § 704.11): Unauthorized lockouts entitle the tenant to punitive damages of up to 2 months' rent plus actual damages. If your landlord locks you out or shuts off utilities, contact law enforcement and Legal Action of Wisconsin immediately.
This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information reflects Wisconsin laws in effect as of April 2026, but laws can change. If you are facing eviction, a deposit dispute, or another housing issue, consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney or contact Legal Action of Wisconsin. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and cannot provide legal representation or advice.
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