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Platteville is a small city of approximately 12,000 residents in Grant County, southwestern Wisconsin, home to the University of Wisconsin–Platteville. With a significant student and young-adult renter population, housing turnover is high and many residents rent apartments, houses, and units near campus. Renters in Platteville frequently search for information about security deposit returns, lease-end notice requirements, and what to do when a landlord fails to make repairs.
All tenant rights in Platteville flow from Wisconsin state law — primarily Wis. Stat. Chapter 704 — since the city has enacted no local tenant protection ordinances beyond what the state requires. Wisconsin's landlord-tenant statutes are among the more detailed in the Midwest and provide meaningful protections on deposits, habitability, retaliation, and unlawful lockouts. Understanding these state-level rules is essential for any Platteville renter.
This article summarizes the laws that apply to Platteville renters as of April 2026. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change and individual situations vary — consult a licensed attorney or legal aid organization for guidance specific to your circumstances.
Platteville has no rent control, and no Wisconsin municipality may enact one. Wisconsin state law explicitly prohibits local governments from adopting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. The preemption statute, Wis. Stat. § 66.1015, states that no local unit of government may enact an ordinance that controls rents. This means neither the City of Platteville nor Grant County can impose any cap on how much a landlord may charge or increase rent.
In practical terms, a Platteville landlord may raise your rent by any dollar amount at any time — as long as proper advance notice is given before the new rent takes effect. For month-to-month tenants, that means at least 28 days' written notice under Wis. Stat. § 704.19. For fixed-term leases, the rent amount is locked in for the lease term; a landlord cannot raise rent mid-lease unless the lease explicitly allows it. There is no state or local agency that reviews or limits rent increases in Platteville.
Wisconsin's landlord-tenant law (Wis. Stat. Chapter 704) provides several important protections for Platteville renters:
Security Deposits (Wis. Stat. § 704.28): Wisconsin does not cap the amount a landlord may charge for a security deposit. However, landlords must return the deposit — along with a written, itemized statement of any deductions — within 21 days after the tenant vacates and returns the keys. Allowable deductions are limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and other specific costs. If a landlord improperly withholds any portion, the tenant is entitled to double the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees.
Habitability & Repairs (Wis. Stat. § 704.07): Landlords in Platteville are legally required to maintain rental premises in a reasonable state of repair and to comply with applicable local housing and building codes. If a repair issue materially affects health or safety, the tenant must provide written notice to the landlord and allow a reasonable time to fix it. Depending on the severity and the landlord's response, tenants may have the right to withhold rent, make repairs and deduct the cost, or terminate the lease without penalty.
Notice to Terminate (Wis. Stat. § 704.19): To end a month-to-month tenancy, either the landlord or the tenant must give at least 28 days' written notice before the next rent due date. Fixed-term leases expire automatically at the end of the term unless renewed. Wisconsin law does not require just cause to terminate a tenancy or decline to renew a lease.
Anti-Retaliation (Wis. Stat. § 704.45): A landlord may not retaliate against a tenant for reporting housing code violations, contacting a government agency about habitability, or exercising any legal right. Wisconsin law creates a rebuttable presumption of retaliation if a landlord takes an adverse action (such as raising rent, threatening eviction, or reducing services) within 6 months of a protected act by the tenant. Retaliatory conduct can be raised as a defense in eviction proceedings or as a basis for a damage claim.
Lockout Prohibition (Wis. Stat. § 704.11): Self-help eviction is illegal in Wisconsin. A landlord may not remove a tenant by changing the locks, removing doors, shutting off utilities, or using any other means outside of the formal court eviction process. A tenant subjected to an unlawful lockout may recover punitive damages of up to two months' rent plus actual damages.
Wisconsin law does not set a maximum dollar amount a Platteville landlord may collect as a security deposit — there is no statutory cap. Landlords may also collect other move-in fees, such as a pet deposit, though those are subject to general fairness and disclosure requirements under Wis. Admin. Code § ATCP 134.
After a tenant vacates and returns possession of the unit, the landlord has 21 days to either return the full deposit or mail an itemized written statement explaining any deductions along with the remaining balance (Wis. Stat. § 704.28). The 21-day clock typically begins when the tenant surrenders the keys or otherwise vacates, whichever is later.
Permissible deductions include unpaid rent, damage to the unit beyond normal wear and tear, and any costs specifically authorized in the lease. Deductions for normal wear and tear — such as minor scuffs, carpet fading, or small nail holes — are not allowed under Wis. Admin. Code § ATCP 134.06.
If the landlord fails to return the deposit or the itemized statement within 21 days, or makes deductions that are not legally justified, the tenant may sue under Wis. Stat. § 704.28 and recover double the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees. Tenants should document the condition of the unit with dated photos at move-in and move-out to support any dispute.
Wisconsin law sets out a strict process for evicting a tenant in Platteville. Landlords must follow each step correctly — skipping steps or attempting self-help eviction is illegal and can expose the landlord to significant liability.
Step 1 — Written Notice (Wis. Stat. § 704.17): Before filing for eviction, a landlord must deliver a written notice to the tenant. The required notice type and period depend on the reason for eviction:
Step 2 — Filing in Small Claims Court: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file an eviction action (also called an unlawful detainer action) in Grant County Circuit Court. There is a filing fee, and the tenant will be served with a summons and complaint.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: Both parties appear before a judge. The tenant has the right to present a defense, including claiming the eviction is retaliatory (Wis. Stat. § 704.45) or that the landlord failed to maintain the premises (Wis. Stat. § 704.07). If the court rules for the landlord, a Writ of Restitution is issued.
Step 4 — Enforcement: The Writ of Restitution authorizes the sheriff to physically remove the tenant if they have not vacated. Only a law enforcement officer may carry out a physical removal — the landlord may not act on their own.
Self-Help Eviction Is Illegal (Wis. Stat. § 704.11): A landlord in Platteville may not lock out a tenant, remove their belongings, shut off heat, electricity, or water, or use any other means of forcing a tenant out without a court order. A tenant who experiences an unlawful lockout may recover punitive damages of up to two months' rent plus actual damages.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws are subject to change, and the application of any law depends on the specific facts of your situation. If you have a housing dispute or legal question, you should consult a licensed attorney or contact a qualified legal aid organization in Wisconsin. RentCheckMe does not provide legal representation and is not responsible for actions taken in reliance on the information presented here.
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