Last updated: April 2026
Stevens Point renters are protected by Wisconsin's landlord-tenant statutes — covering security deposits, habitability repairs, eviction notice, and retaliation — but Wisconsin law bans rent control statewide.
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Stevens Point is a mid-sized city in Portage County, Wisconsin, home to approximately 26,000 residents and the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point. With a substantial student and working-class renter population, understanding Wisconsin's landlord-tenant laws is essential for anyone leasing in the city. Tenant rights in Stevens Point are governed almost entirely by Wisconsin state law — specifically Chapter 704 of the Wisconsin Statutes (Wis. Stat. § 704.01 et seq.) — which covers security deposits, habitability, notice to terminate, and eviction procedure.
Stevens Point has not enacted any local landlord-tenant ordinances that go beyond state law. This means Wisconsin's statutes are your primary and essentially only legal framework as a renter. Wisconsin's rules are relatively detailed — including a firm 21-day deposit return window and a double-damages penalty for wrongful withholding — but they offer no rent stabilization of any kind, and month-to-month tenants can be asked to leave with just 28 days' notice.
This guide is intended as general informational education only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws can change, and your specific situation may involve facts that affect how the law applies to you. If you have an urgent housing problem, contact a qualified attorney or one of the legal aid organizations listed at the bottom of this page.
Stevens Point has no rent control, and Wisconsin law explicitly forbids it. Wis. Stat. § 66.1015 states that no local governmental unit — including any city, village, town, or county in Wisconsin — may enact an ordinance or adopt a resolution that controls the amount of rent charged for residential rental housing. This statewide preemption applies equally to Stevens Point, leaving no path for the city to introduce any form of rent stabilization.
In practice, a Stevens Point landlord can raise rent by any dollar amount at lease renewal or, for month-to-month tenants, with proper advance written notice. Wisconsin does not require landlords to justify the size of a rent increase or provide any notice beyond what the lease specifies. For month-to-month tenants, a landlord may simultaneously issue a termination notice and propose a new higher rent — tenants who decline must vacate within the notice period.
Tenants who receive a rent increase they cannot afford have no legal mechanism in Wisconsin to challenge the amount. Their options are limited to negotiating directly with the landlord, seeking more affordable housing, or contacting a legal aid organization to explore whether any other lease terms or local agreements apply to their situation.
Wisconsin's Chapter 704 of the Wisconsin Statutes (Wis. Stat. § 704.01 et seq.) establishes the core rights of all Wisconsin renters, including those in Stevens Point. These protections apply statewide and are enforceable in Portage County Circuit Court.
Habitability and Repairs: Under Wis. Stat. § 704.07, landlords must maintain the premises in a reasonable state of repair and comply with applicable housing codes affecting health and safety. After a tenant provides written notice of a needed repair, the landlord must make repairs within a reasonable time. If the landlord fails to do so, tenants may have the right to withhold rent, terminate the lease, or pursue damages — particularly for conditions that substantially affect habitability.
Security Deposit Rules: Wisconsin requires landlords to return security deposits (and any pet deposit) within 21 days of the tenant vacating the unit, along with a written itemized statement of any deductions (Wis. Stat. § 704.28). Landlords may only deduct for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and certain other specifically enumerated charges. Wrongful withholding entitles the tenant to double the improperly withheld amount plus reasonable attorney's fees.
Notice to Terminate: Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 28 days' written notice before the landlord terminates the tenancy (Wis. Stat. § 704.19). Many landlords use 30 days — both are legally sufficient. The notice must specify the termination date.
Retaliation Protection: Under Wis. Stat. § 704.45, landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting housing code violations, contacting a building inspector, or exercising other legal rights. A rebuttable presumption of retaliation arises for any adverse action taken within six months of a protected act. Retaliation is a recognized defense in eviction proceedings.
Lockout Prohibition: Self-help eviction is illegal in Wisconsin. Under Wis. Stat. § 704.11, a landlord who locks out a tenant, removes doors or windows, or shuts off utilities without a court order may be liable for punitive damages of up to two months' rent plus actual damages. Tenants experiencing an unlawful lockout should contact law enforcement and a legal aid organization immediately.
Security deposit rules in Stevens Point are governed by Wis. Stat. § 704.28. Wisconsin's deposit rules are among the more tenant-protective in the Midwest, with a firm return deadline and meaningful penalties for violations.
No Statutory Cap: Wisconsin law does not cap the amount a landlord may charge as a security deposit. Landlords in Stevens Point may set any deposit amount, though market norms typically range from one to two months' rent. Before signing a lease, confirm the exact deposit amount and the conditions under which it may be withheld.
21-Day Return Deadline: After you vacate the unit, your landlord has exactly 21 days to return your deposit — along with a written itemized statement of any deductions. The statement must identify each specific charge and the dollar amount. If the full deposit is being returned, an itemized statement is not required.
Allowable Deductions: Landlords may deduct for unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid utilities the tenant was responsible for, and certain other charges specifically authorized by the lease and Wisconsin law. Normal wear and tear — minor scuffs, small nail holes, ordinary carpet wear — cannot be charged to the tenant. Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP § 134.06 provides additional detail on what landlords may and may not deduct.
Double-Damages Penalty: If a landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the required itemized statement within 21 days, or makes deductions that are not permitted, the tenant may sue for double the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees (Wis. Stat. § 704.28(4)). Claims can be filed in Portage County small claims court for amounts under $10,000. Document your unit's condition with photographs at move-in and move-out, and provide your forwarding address in writing when you leave.
Evictions in Stevens Point must follow Wisconsin's formal legal process under Wis. Stat. Chapter 799 (small claims procedure) and Wis. Stat. § 704.17. A landlord cannot remove a tenant through self-help — any lockout, utility shutoff, or removal of belongings without a court order violates Wis. Stat. § 704.11.
Step 1 — Written Notice: The landlord must serve a written notice before filing for eviction. The type and length of notice depends on the reason:
Step 2 — Filing a Summons and Complaint: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file an eviction action (Summons and Complaint) in Portage County Circuit Court (1516 Church Street, Stevens Point, WI 54481). A hearing will be scheduled, typically within 7–14 days.
Step 3 — Court Hearing: Both parties appear and present their case. Tenants may raise defenses such as improper notice, habitability violations, retaliation (Wis. Stat. § 704.45), or that the notice was served incorrectly. Tenants who cannot afford an attorney should contact Legal Action of Wisconsin or Wisconsin Judicare before the hearing date.
Step 4 — Writ of Restitution: If the court rules in the landlord's favor and the tenant has not vacated, the landlord may obtain a Writ of Restitution, which authorizes the Portage County Sheriff's Office to remove the tenant. Only the sheriff may physically carry out a removal.
No. Stevens Point has no rent control, and Wisconsin law makes it illegal for any city or county in the state to enact rent control under Wis. Stat. § 66.1015. Your landlord can raise rent by any amount with proper notice — there is no cap or percentage limit.
There is no legal limit on rent increases in Stevens Point. Wisconsin's statewide preemption (Wis. Stat. § 66.1015) bars any local rent stabilization law. Your landlord must give you proper advance notice — typically specified in your lease — before a new rent amount takes effect. For month-to-month tenants, a 28-day notice of termination is often paired with an offer of a new lease at a higher rent.
Your landlord has 21 days after you vacate to return your deposit along with a written itemized statement of any deductions, under Wis. Stat. § 704.28. If the landlord fails to return the deposit or makes improper deductions, you can sue for double the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney's fees. Document your unit's condition with photos at move-in and move-out, and provide your forwarding address in writing when you leave.
For nonpayment of rent, your landlord must give you 5 days' written notice to pay or vacate (Wis. Stat. § 704.17(2)(a)). For a month-to-month tenancy with no stated cause, 28 days' written notice is required (Wis. Stat. § 704.19). After the notice period, the landlord must file an eviction action in Portage County Circuit Court — they cannot remove you without a court order.
No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Wisconsin under Wis. Stat. § 704.11. A landlord who changes your locks, removes doors or windows, or shuts off utilities without a court order may owe you punitive damages of up to two months' rent plus actual damages. If you are locked out illegally, document the situation and contact Legal Action of Wisconsin or local law enforcement immediately.
Under Wis. Stat. § 704.07, landlords must maintain the premises in a reasonable state of repair and comply with housing codes. Give your landlord written notice of the needed repair and keep a copy. If repairs are not made within a reasonable time, you may have the right to withhold rent, terminate the lease, or pursue damages depending on the severity. Contact Legal Action of Wisconsin or Wisconsin Judicare for guidance specific to your situation.
This page is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information reflects laws in effect as of April 2026, but statutes and local rules can change. The application of any law depends on the specific facts of your situation. If you are facing eviction, a security deposit dispute, or another housing issue in Stevens Point, consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney or contact Legal Action of Wisconsin or Wisconsin Judicare. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and cannot provide legal representation or legal advice.
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