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

04 requires that "the owner of a building shall maintain the structures and exterior property in compliance with these requirements," and bars anyone from occupying, or letting another person occupy, "premises which are not in a sanitary and safe condition and which do not comply with the requirements of this chapter," while tenants must keep clean and safe whatever part of the unit or premises they occupy and control. 04 requires that "all exterior surfaces, including but not limited to doors, door and window frames, cornices, porches, trim, balconies, decks and fences shall be maintained in a reasonably good state of repair and in a clean and sanitary condition," with wood surfaces protected against decay and all siding and masonry joints kept weather resistant and watertight.

Roofs must be sound, tight and free from defects that admit rain, foundation walls free of open cracks that threaten occupant safety, and every window and door kept weathertight, with boarded-up windows barred for more than two months absent a City or state order. 03 backs this up with inspection authority: the Housing Inspector and Fire Prevention Inspector may inspect any building on complaint or when necessary, and owners, operators and occupants must allow access at reasonable times once the inspector shows credentials.