Madison requires Certificate of Compliance every 4 years for rentals under MGO §27.05 and operates a Chronic Nuisance program. 2017 Act 317 preempts cities from mandating broader rental registration or inspection fees. Fitchburg and Stoughton run similar limited programs.
Madison General Ordinance §27.05 requires owners of rental dwelling units to obtain a Certificate of Compliance, which is renewed at change of ownership or approximately every 4 years, and to pass a housing inspection under the state Uniform Dwelling Code (for 1-2 family) or the commercial building code (for 3+ family). 2017 Wisconsin Act 317 and 2011 Act 108 significantly preempted local rental registration: cities may no longer require blanket proactive inspections, impose rental-unit-specific fees beyond cost recovery, or mandate rental-property licensing as a revenue tool. Madison's Chronic Nuisance Premises ordinance (MGO §25.09) addresses repeated police calls. Fitchburg, Sun Prairie, Middleton, Verona, Stoughton, and Monona operate limited complaint-driven inspection programs under Wis. Stat. §66.0119 authority. Smoke and CO alarms required per SPS 321.09 and Wis. Stat. §101.145. Lead-paint disclosure under 42 USC §4852d still required for pre-1978 units.
Operating without Certificate of Compliance in Madison: forfeiture $100-$1,000 per unit plus re-inspection fees. Failed housing inspection: correction order, vacate order if unsafe. Missing smoke/CO alarms: $50-$500 per violation.
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See how Dane County's rental registration rules stack up against other locations.
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