Just cause eviction rules in Milwaukee, WI — sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances — list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Milwaukee does not have a just-cause eviction ordinance. Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. Chapter 704) governs landlord-tenant relationships statewide. Landlords may decline to renew a lease or terminate a month-to-month tenancy with 28 days' notice without stating a reason. For-cause evictions proceed through small claims court for nonpayment of rent (5-day notice) or lease violations (14-day notice). Wisconsin law preempts local just-cause eviction protections beyond what state statute provides.
Milwaukee follows state eviction procedures. Landlords must provide proper written notice before filing eviction actions. For month-to-month tenancies, typically 30 to 60 days notice is required for no-cause termination. Fixed-term leases end on their termination date. Eviction for cause (non-payment, lease violation) follows faster timelines. Retaliatory and discriminatory evictions are prohibited under state and federal law. Self-help evictions such as changing locks or shutting off utilities are illegal.
Illegal self-help eviction: tenant damages and penalties. Retaliatory eviction: prohibited, tenant may counterclaim. Improper notice: eviction case dismissed.
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