Wisconsin Tenant Rights Guide

Last updated: April 2026

Wisconsin has no rent control anywhere in the state — it's prohibited by state law. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice. Wisconsin's landlord-tenant law (Wis. Stat. § 704) provides solid protections on deposits, habitability, and notice — among the more detailed in the Midwest.

Check your address to see what tenant protections apply to your rental.

Wisconsin at a Glance

Rent control: None
Statewide rent cap: None — landlords can raise rent by any amount
Preemption: Wisconsin state law explicitly prohibits local governments from enacting rent control ordinances (Wis. Stat. § 66.1015).

What Protections Wisconsin Tenants Do Have

Even without rent control, Wisconsin law gives renters meaningful rights in these areas:

Security Deposit

Wisconsin has no statutory cap on security deposits. Landlords must return the deposit within 21 days of move-out with an itemized statement. Wrongful withholding entitles you to double the amount improperly withheld plus attorney's fees (Wis. Stat. § 704.28).

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 legal.

Repairs & Habitability

Wisconsin landlords must maintain the premises in a reasonable state of repair and comply with housing codes. After written notice, landlords have a reasonable time to make repairs. Tenants may have the right to withhold rent or terminate the lease (Wis. Stat. § 704.07).

Retaliation Protection

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 (Wis. Stat. § 704.45).

Lockout Prohibition

Self-help eviction is illegal in Wisconsin. Unauthorized lockouts entitle the tenant to punitive damages of up to 2 months' rent plus actual damages (Wis. Stat. § 704.11).

Major Cities in Wisconsin

Milwaukee — No rent control; Wisconsin state preemption prohibits it.
Madison — No rent control; Wisconsin state preemption prohibits it. Madison has an active Tenant Resource Center.
Green Bay — No rent control; Wisconsin state preemption prohibits it.
Kenosha — No rent control; Wisconsin state preemption prohibits it.

Wisconsin Tenant Resources

These organizations offer free or low-cost help to Wisconsin renters:

Legal Action of Wisconsin — Free civil legal aid for low-income residents of Southern Wisconsin, including Madison and Milwaukee, covering housing and eviction.
Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee — Free legal help for low-income Milwaukee County residents, including tenant rights and eviction defense.
Wisconsin Judicare — Free civil legal services for low-income residents of Northern and Central Wisconsin, including housing cases.
Tenant Resource Center – Madison — Free tenant counseling, education, and referrals for Madison-area renters.

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