All states are required by Federal law to include specific protections and elements in all Lease and Rental Agreements. Such information includes:
- Personal and identifying information of both tenant and landlord,
- The legal description and address of the property,
- Pet allowances, prohibitions, and conditions,
- Information and disclosures regarding known health or safety risks,
- Rent specifics, including the amount due, whether a security deposit is required, and the payment methods accepted.
All states have specific leasing and rental requirements, so make sure to acquaint yourself with Wisconsin’s nuances and guidelines. Failing to do so could result in financial or legal issues that leave you out of your house and home.
Other Wisconsin Real Estate documents you might be interested in are:
- Sublease Agreement – Used by a tenant to rent out all or part of their rented property to a new tenant.
- Eviction Notice – Used by a landlord to start the eviction process with a current tenant.
1. Wisconsin Residential Lease Agreement Sample
The sample Wisconsin lease agreement below describes a contract between “Landlord” Kevin Lee and “Tenant” Olivia Graham. She agrees to rent a duplex in Columbia for $1,000 per month for a fixed term beginning on June 01, 2017, and ending on August 09, 2017. The tenant agrees to pay for all utilities and services for the Premises. This is a good example of what provisions a simple lease agreement might contain, and how one should look in its final form.
2. Wisconsin Landlord and Tenant Laws
Wisconsin imposes specific and distinct requirements for landlords and tenants rental agreement. For example, Wisconsin Statute provides for the following:
Security Deposit
- There is no limit Wisconsin landlords may request from their tenants as a security deposit. (Wis. Admin. Code §§ 134.06)
- Landlords must return a tenant’s security deposit within twenty-one (21) days of either the termination date of the agreement or the date a new tenant’s tenancy begins. ((Wis. Admin. Code §§ 134.06(2))
- Tenants who do pay a security deposit are afforded seven (7) days from the start of the rental agreement to inspect the premises for any damages or defects. (Wis. Admin. Code §§ 134.06(1)(a))
Landlord Right of Entry
- Wisconsin landlords are required to provide at least twelve (12) hours notice to a tenant before entering the premises. However, the amount of notice can be shortened if the tenant agrees. (Wis. Stat. Ann. §§ 704.05(2))
- Emergency entry by a landlord is allowed without any notice. (Wis. Stat. Ann. §§ 704.05(2))
Additionally, Wisconsin law requires:
Domestic Violence
- Wisconsin landlords cannot refuse or end a lease due to a tenant having been a victim of documented sexual assault, stalking, or domestic violence. (Wis. Stat. Ann. §§ 106.50(5m)(dm))
- Both a landlord and tenant may terminate the tenancy if a tenant or child of the tenant is under threat of immediate physical harm if the tenant remains at the property. (Wis. Stat. Ann. §§ 704.16)