Last updated: April 2026
Kenosha renters in Kenosha County are protected by Wisconsin state law, including a 21-day deposit return with double damages and strong anti-lockout provisions. Here is what every Kenosha tenant needs to know.
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Kenosha is a city of approximately 100,000 residents and the county seat of Kenosha County, situated on Lake Michigan between Milwaukee and Chicago. Kenosha has a significant and diverse renter population. Like all Wisconsin cities, Kenosha has no authority to enact rent control under state law, and tenants rely on Wisconsin's statewide landlord-tenant framework for their core housing protections.
Wisconsin's protections under Wis. Stat. Chapter 704 include a 21-day security deposit return deadline with double-damages for violations, a 28-day termination notice requirement, a strong anti-retaliation statute with a 6-month rebuttable presumption, and one of the strongest illegal-lockout statutes in the nation (up to 2 months' punitive damages). The Wisconsin Administrative Code (ATCP 134) provides additional rules on security deposits and lease 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.
Kenosha has no rent control, and Wisconsin law prohibits it from ever enacting one. Under Wis. Stat. § 66.1015, Wisconsin explicitly preempts local rent control — no city, village, town, or county may regulate residential rent amounts. Kenosha has no authority to stabilize rents under current state law.
A Kenosha landlord may raise rent by any amount with at least 28 days' written notice for month-to-month tenants (Wis. Stat. § 704.19). Many landlords give 30 days — both are legally sufficient. There are no caps, no annual limits, and no justification requirement for rent increases. Fixed-term leases cannot be changed mid-term without the tenant's consent.
Wisconsin state law — primarily Wis. Stat. Chapter 704 — governs all residential tenancies in Kenosha. The following protections are enforceable in Kenosha 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 written notice, landlords have a reasonable time to make repairs. For serious conditions, tenants may have the right to withhold rent or terminate the lease.
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): Landlords must give at least 28 days' written notice to terminate a month-to-month 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 for adverse actions within 6 months of a protected act.
Anti-Lockout (Wis. Stat. § 704.11): Self-help eviction is illegal. Unauthorized lockouts entitle the tenant to punitive damages of up to 2 months' rent plus actual damages.
Security deposit rules for Kenosha tenants are governed by Wis. Stat. § 704.28 and ATCP 134.
No Statutory Cap: Wisconsin law does not cap the security deposit amount.
Return Deadline: Landlords must return the deposit with an itemized written statement of deductions within 21 days of the tenant vacating (Wis. Stat. § 704.28(3)).
Double Damages: Wrongful withholding entitles the tenant to twice the improperly withheld amount plus reasonable attorney fees (Wis. Stat. § 704.28(4)).
ATCP 134: Wisconsin's administrative code imposes additional obligations on landlords, including move-in inspection requirements and restrictions on lease terms. Tenants should complete and return a signed move-in checklist to document the unit's initial condition.
Allowable Deductions: Unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Photograph the unit at move-in and move-out. Claims can be filed in Kenosha County Small Claims Court.
Evictions in Kenosha must follow Wisconsin's formal legal process under Wis. Stat. Chapter 799. A landlord cannot remove a tenant without a court order.
Written Notice:
Court Process: The landlord files an Eviction Action in Kenosha County Circuit Court (Small Claims). Both parties may appear and present their case. Contact Legal Action of Wisconsin before the hearing for free assistance.
Writ of Restitution: If the court rules for the landlord, the Kenosha 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.
No. Wisconsin state law (Wis. Stat. § 66.1015) explicitly prohibits any municipality from enacting rent control ordinances. Kenosha has no authority to regulate rent amounts, and landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
There is no legal limit. Wisconsin bans local rent control (Wis. Stat. § 66.1015), so Kenosha landlords can increase rent by any amount. 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). Fixed-term lease rent cannot be changed mid-term without your agreement.
21 days after you vacate, with an itemized written statement of any deductions (Wis. Stat. § 704.28(3)). If your landlord wrongfully withholds any portion, you are entitled to double the improperly withheld amount plus attorney fees (Wis. Stat. § 704.28(4)).
For nonpayment of rent, a 5-day notice to pay or vacate is standard. For end of a month-to-month tenancy, at least 28 days' written notice is required (Wis. Stat. § 704.19). After notice, the landlord must file an eviction action in Kenosha County Circuit Court and obtain a court order before removing you.
No. Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. § 704.11) explicitly prohibits self-help eviction. If your landlord locks you out or shuts off utilities without a court order, you are entitled to punitive damages of up to 2 months' rent plus actual damages. Document the incident and contact Legal Action of Wisconsin or law enforcement immediately.
Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. § 704.07) requires landlords to maintain premises in a reasonable state of repair and comply with housing codes. Send a written repair request and keep a copy. If serious conditions remain unaddressed after notice, you may have the right to withhold rent or terminate the lease. Contact Legal Action of Wisconsin for guidance on your specific situation.
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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