Home · Landlord-tenant rules · Wisconsin
Deposit, notice, and late-fee figures cited to the state statute.
| Rule | Rule text |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | When a landlord returns a security deposit, the landlord shall deliver or mail the full amount of any security deposit paid by the tenant, less any amounts that may be withheld under the section, within 21 days after the dates the section lists, including the date a rental agreement terminates if the tenant vacates on that date. Wis. Stat. § 704.28(4). As of 2026-10-09. |
| Notice to end a tenancy | At least 28 days' notice must be given to terminate a periodic tenancy, except that if rent is payable on a basis less than monthly, notice at least equal to the rent-paying period is sufficient. An agricultural tenancy from year to year requires at least 90 days' notice. Wis. Stat. § 704.19(3). As of 2026-10-09. |
| Notice before entry | The landlord may, upon advance notice and at reasonable times, inspect the premises, make repairs, and show the premises to prospective tenants or purchasers. If the tenant is absent and the landlord reasonably believes entry is necessary to preserve or protect the premises, the landlord may enter without notice and with such force as appears necessary. Wis. Stat. § 704.05. As of 2026-10-09. |
| Eviction notice | If a tenant under a lease for one year or less, or a year-to-year tenant, fails to pay rent when due, the tenancy is terminated if the landlord gives notice requiring the tenant to pay rent or vacate on or before a date at least 5 days after the giving of the notice and the tenant fails to pay. Wis. Stat. § 704.17(2)(a). As of 2026-10-09. |
When a landlord returns a security deposit, the landlord shall deliver or mail the full amount of any security deposit paid by the tenant, less any amounts that may be withheld under the section, within 21 days after the dates the section lists, including the date a rental agreement terminates if the tenant vacates on that date.
If a tenant under a lease for one year or less, or a year-to-year tenant, fails to pay rent when due, the tenancy is terminated if the landlord gives notice requiring the tenant to pay rent or vacate on or before a date at least 5 days after the giving of the notice and the tenant fails to pay.
Figures are from Wisconsin statutes, retrieved 2026-10-09. Primary sources: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/704/28, https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/704/19, https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/704/17, https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/704/05.
When a landlord returns a security deposit, the landlord shall deliver or mail the full amount of any security deposit paid by the tenant, less any amounts that may be withheld under the section, within 21 days after the dates the section lists, including the date a rental agreement terminates if the tenant vacates on that date. Source: Wis. Stat. § 704.28(4), https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/704/28, as of 2026-10-09.
At least 28 days' notice must be given to terminate a periodic tenancy, except that if rent is payable on a basis less than monthly, notice at least equal to the rent-paying period is sufficient. An agricultural tenancy from year to year requires at least 90 days' notice. Source: Wis. Stat. § 704.19(3), https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/704/19, as of 2026-10-09.
The landlord may, upon advance notice and at reasonable times, inspect the premises, make repairs, and show the premises to prospective tenants or purchasers. If the tenant is absent and the landlord reasonably believes entry is necessary to preserve or protect the premises, the landlord may enter without notice and with such force as appears necessary. Source: Wis. Stat. § 704.05, https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/704/05, as of 2026-10-09.
If a tenant under a lease for one year or less, or a year-to-year tenant, fails to pay rent when due, the tenancy is terminated if the landlord gives notice requiring the tenant to pay rent or vacate on or before a date at least 5 days after the giving of the notice and the tenant fails to pay. Source: Wis. Stat. § 704.17(2)(a), https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/704/17, as of 2026-10-09.
Estimates for planning; not tax/legal advice.