Does Milwaukee, WI have its own rent control ordinance?

No. Milwaukee, WI does not appear to have a local rent control ordinance, Wisconsin state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Wisconsin Statute 66.1015 — Rent Control Preemption.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown FAQ Sources More in Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)

Few Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Rent control rules in Milwaukee, WI, also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances, limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.

Key Facts

State Preemption: WI Stat. 66.1015: bans local rent control
Enacted: 2011 Wisconsin Act 108
Effect: No rent caps or rent stabilization permitted
Rent Increases: No limits: subject to lease terms only

Summary

Rent control does not exist in Milwaukee because Wisconsin state law (Wis. Stat. 66.1015) expressly preempts any local government from enacting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. This 2011 statute prohibits cities, villages, towns, and counties from regulating the amount of rent charged for private residential or commercial property. Milwaukee landlords may set and increase rents without restriction, subject only to lease terms and general contract law.

66.1015 Municipal rent control, inclusionary zoning, prohibited. (1) No city, village, town or county may regulate the amount of rent or fees charged for the use of a residential rental dwelling unit. (2) This section does not prohibit a city, village, town, county, or housing authority or the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority from doing any of the following: (a) Entering into a rental agreement which regulates rent or fees charged for the use of a residential rental dwelling unit it owns or operates. (b) Entering into an agreement with a private person who regulates rent or fees charged for a residential rental dwelling unit. (3) (a) In this subsection: 1. "Inclusionary zoning" means a zoning ordinance, as defined in s. 66.10015 (1) (e), regulation, or policy that prescribes that a certain number or percentage of new or existing residential dwelling units in a land development be made available for rent or sale to an individual or family with a family income at or below a certain percentage of the median income. 2. "Median income" has the meaning given in s. 234.49 (1) (g). (b) No city, village, town, or county may enact, impose, or enforce an inclusionary zoning requirement.

Source: Wisconsin Statute 66.1015 — Rent Control PreemptionView official code

Full Breakdown

Milwaukee operates under free-market rental pricing. State law prohibits municipalities from enacting rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. Landlords may increase rent by any amount with proper notice, typically 30 to 60 days for month-to-month tenancies and at lease renewal for fixed-term leases. Tenants' primary protection is the lease agreement itself. State tenant rights laws still apply regarding habitability, security deposits, and notice requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Milwaukee have rent control?

No. Wisconsin Statute 66.1015 prohibits any local government from enacting rent control or rent stabilization. Milwaukee cannot regulate the amount of rent landlords charge for private property.

Can my landlord raise rent by any amount?

Yes, as long as the increase is done in accordance with your lease terms and proper notice is provided. Wisconsin law does not cap rental increases. Month-to-month tenants must receive 28 days' notice of a rent increase.

Sources & Official References

[1]Wisconsin Statute 66.1015 — Rent Control Preemption

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