Sun Prairie, WI Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

Chapter 15.36 applies to all residential land and buildings in the City of Sun Prairie, per Section 15.36.010(B), and Section 15.36.020 sets the baseline maintenance duties every owner or responsible occupant must meet: every premises kept clean, sanitary and safe; every foundation, roof, floor, wall, ceiling, stair and porch kept safe and capable of supporting normal loads; exterior surfaces periodically repainted or resealed against weathering; gutters, leaders and downspouts kept free of rust and working to drain stormwater properly; and windows, doors and ventilation openings screened against insects.

Section 15.36.030 adds owner and occupant duties around rubbish and garbage storage, rat-proofing, and shared responsibility for pest extermination costs depending on where an infestation originates. Section 15.36.035 requires deadbolt locks with a minimum one-inch throw, approved window sash fasteners, and, in multi-unit buildings, self-closing guarded entry locks, effective citywide since January 1, 2024. Section 15.36.040 requires heating equipment that is properly installed under the building code and kept in safe, good working condition, and Section 15.36.070 requires safe electrical wiring and code-compliant light and ventilation in every habitable room.

The building inspector can conduct exterior inspections without notice and interior inspections on five calendar days' notice, issue a written notice of violation giving at least 30 days to correct a non-life-threatening problem, and, if unfit conditions create an immediate hazard, order a dwelling vacated under Section 15.36.100 within 24 hours to three days, subject to appeal to the property maintenance board of appeals.