Sun Prairie, WI Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- All residential land and buildings
- Enforcing official
- City building inspector
- Notice to correct
- Minimum 30 days (non-emergency)
- Unfit-dwelling vacate order
- 24 hours to 3 days
- Security lock upgrade deadline
- Effective January 1, 2024
- Appeal body
- Property maintenance board of appeals
Summary
Sun Prairie's Residential Property Maintenance Code applies to all residential land and buildings in the city, requiring owners and occupants to keep every structure clean, sanitary, structurally safe, weatherproofed, screened against insects, and heated with properly working equipment, enforced by the building inspector.
This chapter shall apply to all residential land and buildings. ... Every premise shall be maintained in a clean, sanitary and safe condition and complies with all applicable legal requirements of the city.B.Every foundation, roof, floor, exterior and interior wall, ceiling, inside and outside stair, every porch and every appurtenance thereto, shall be safe to use and capable of supporting the loads that normal use may cause to be placed thereon; and shall be maintained in sound condition and good repair. ... The owner of any dwelling unit shall provide heating equipment and apparatuses which are properly installed in accordance with the building code and maintained in a safe and good working condition.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 71).
Full Breakdown
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. 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.
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. 070 requires safe electrical wiring and code-compliant light and ventilation in every habitable room. 100 within 24 hours to three days, subject to appeal to the property maintenance board of appeals.
Violations & Fines
A property maintenance violation carries the city's general forfeiture under Chapter 1.24, with each day the violation continues a separate offense, per Sections 15.36.095 and 15.36.070. The city can also seek an injunction to force compliance and recover its attorney fees and costs from the violating owner, occupant, operator or agent. A dwelling designated unfit for human habitation must be vacated and stays placarded until the building inspector confirms the defect is corrected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What maintenance standards must a Sun Prairie rental meet?
Can the building inspector enter my rental unit without notice?
What happens if my landlord doesn't fix a cited violation?
Can a dwelling be condemned under this code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sun Prairie
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Repairs & Habitability in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Dane County handle repairs & habitability.