Legal Templates

Wisconsin Eviction Notice Forms

Updated August 17, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

A Wisconsin eviction notice is crucial for landlords initiating tenant eviction. This notice conforms to Wisconsin state law, stipulating the grounds for eviction and providing the tenant with the legally mandated duration to address the matter or vacate the premises.

The landlord can initiate an eviction lawsuit if the tenant fails to respond within the specified legal timeframe. Completing the eviction requires a court order as mandated by law.

Table of Contents

By Type

Eviction Laws & Requirements

  • Eviction Lawsuit: also called Forcible Entry and Detainer. (§ 799.40).
  • Rent Grace Period: None unless specified in the lease. (ATCP § 134.09(8)).
  • Non-Payment of Rent Notice: 5-day notice for the first violation; 14 days for a second violation, if within the same 12-month period. (§ 704.17(2)(a) & 704.17(2)(b)).
  • Non-Compliance Notice: 5-day notice for the first violation; 14 days for the second violation that falls within 12 months of the first violation. (§ 704.17(2)(a) & 704.17(2)(b)).
  • Termination (Month-to-Month Lease): 28 days (§ 704.19(3)).

How to Evict a Tenant in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, eviction lawsuits are governed by Chapter 799 § 799.40 through 799.45 of the Wisconsin Statutes.

Step 1: Provide Written Notice

Suppose a landlord wants to evict a tenant in Wisconsin. In that case, they must notify the tenant of the potential reason(s) for eviction: non-payment of rent, non-compliance, or termination of a month-to-month tenancy.

The notice must be properly served with evidence of the service, such as an affidavit or certified mail receipt.

The tenant has five (5) days to fix the problem, either by payment or curing non-compliance; if they do so, the landlord may not proceed with the eviction filing.

For a second violation within the same year, the tenant must be given 14 days’ notice to vacate the premises, but the landlord doesn’t need to allow the tenant to pay.

Step 2: File for Eviction 

If the tenant fails to respond by the required time and remains on the property, the landlord files a Forcible Entry and Detainer (eviction) action in the local small claims court where the property is located.

Landlords must file a Summons and Complaint and state why they want the tenant to move out in the eviction complaint. Landlords must also complete a Non-Military Service Affidavit and Affidavit of Service of Notice.

The court will set a date for the hearing and return on that date to plead your case to the judge.

Step 3: Serve the Tenant

The court will keep the original summons and complaint, and you must deliver the copies to a process server to serve your tenant. The tenant must be served five (5) days before the court date and may defend themselves by filing an Answer and Counterclaim form.

Step 4: Writ of Restitution

If the court finds for the landlord, it will grant a Writ of Restitution. The landlord must provide this form to the sheriff, who will complete the eviction. The sheriff will have ten (10) days to evict the tenant from receiving the Writ of Restitution.