Rent increases in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has no rent-increase statute; to raise rent in a periodic tenancy the landlord gives the written notice needed to end it: at least 28 days (or one rent period if rent is paid more often than monthly), and the change can only start at the end of a rental period. The day notice is given counts as day 1. Notice sent by registered or certified mail counts as given on the 2nd day after mailing (5th day if mailed out of state); a copy left at or posted on the premises plus regular mail counts from the later of leaving/posting or mailing. (Wis. Stat. § 704.19(2)(b), (3), (4), (7); § 704.21(1))

No separate rent-increase rule: the periods below are the notice to end a periodic tenancy.

• The notice must be in writing.
• Mailed notice: add 2 days.
• The change can only start at the end of a rental period (on a rent day).

Earliest date the new rent can start, with rent due on the 1st, worked out from the Wisconsin rule above:

• For a month-to-month tenant of 1 year raising rent 5% or a month-to-month tenant of 3 years raising rent 12% or a week-to-week tenant raising rent 5%: Tuesday, December 1, 2026

During a fixed-term lease the rent can't be raised until the lease ends unless the lease itself provides for mid-lease rent adjustments. (Wisconsin Law Help — All About Rent Increases and Late Fees)

No city, village, town or county may regulate the amount of rent or fees charged for a residential rental unit (agreements on units they own or fund are allowed). (Wis. Stat. § 66.1015(1))

A landlord may not raise rent (or threaten to) if a preponderance of evidence shows it would not happen but for retaliation against the tenant for a good-faith complaint to an elected official or housing code agency, a complaint to the landlord about code or repair violations, or exercising a legal tenant right. A tenant who pays everything except a prohibited increase can't be evicted for nonpayment. No presumption period. A rental agreement that allows the landlord to raise rent because the tenant contacted law enforcement, health or safety services is void and unenforceable as a whole. (Wis. Stat. § 704.45; Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.08(1))

• DATCP: there are no state laws limiting the amount of a rent increase.
• Year-to-year periodic tenancies end only at the end of the rental year (Wis. Stat. § 704.19(2)(b)1).
• For an auto-renewing lease the landlord must remind the tenant of the renewal clause 15–30 days before the tenant's notice deadline (Wis. Stat. § 704.15).
• A new owner is bound by the existing lease and can't raise rent until it ends (Wisconsin Law Help, citing § 704.09(3)).

Security deposit

No statutory limit. Return deadline: 21 days (see details).

Tenant's notice to move out

28 days, ending with a rental period

Notice for unpaid rent

5 days (pay or move out)

How a written notice is delivered (eviction-notice rules)

(a) personal delivery to the tenant, or leaving a copy at the tenant's home with a competent family member at least 14 who is told what it is; (b) leaving a copy with a competent person in charge of or occupying the premises AND mailing a copy; (c) if (a) or (b) cannot be done with reasonable diligence, posting in a conspicuous place on the premises AND mailing a copy; (d) registered or certified mail to the last-known address; or (e) service like a summons. A notice actually received is valid even if not given by these methods (Wis. Stat. § 704.21(1), (5)).

Notice for other lease violations

5 days (fix it or move out)

Small claims court limit

$10,000 — where most deposit and rent disputes are filed.

Repairs

Time to repair: A reasonable time. Repair and deduct: not addressed by state law; withholding rent: allowed with limits.

Deposit kept wrongly

A tenant with a pecuniary loss from a violation of ATCP 134 may recover twice the loss, plus costs and reasonable attorney fees (Wis. Stat. § 100.20(5)).

Lawful reasons to end a lease early

Domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking; Unit unlivable or landlord fails to repair; Military service (state law); Other

• Wis. Stat. § 704.19 Retrieved October 15, 2026.
• Wis. Stat. § 704.45 Retrieved October 15, 2026.
• Wis. Stat. § 66.1015 Retrieved October 15, 2026.
• Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134 Retrieved October 15, 2026.
• Wisconsin Law Help — All About Rent Increases and Late Fees in Wisconsin Retrieved October 15, 2026.
• Wisconsin DATCP — Tenants' Rights and Responsibilities Retrieved October 15, 2026.
• Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.08 Retrieved October 15, 2026.
• Wis. Stat. § 704.21 Retrieved October 15, 2026.

Laws change. This page was checked against the sources above on October 15, 2026. It is legal information, not legal advice; for a dispute, contact your state's legal aid. See our methodology.