Wisconsin sets no statutory cap on the amount of a residential security deposit. After a tenancy ends, the landlord must mail or deliver the deposit, less lawful deductions, within 21 days. If any amount is withheld, the landlord must include a written, itemized statement describing each deduction. Normal wear and tear cannot be charged.
Wis. Stat. § 704.28(4) requires a landlord to "deliver or mail to a tenant the full amount of any security deposit paid by the tenant, less any amounts that may be withheld" within 21 days after the lease ends, the tenant surrenders the premises, or a new tenant moves in early, whichever applies. Permitted deductions under § 704.28(1)-(2) include tenant damage, waste, or neglect; unpaid rent for which the tenant is legally responsible; unpaid utility charges; and certain municipal permit fees. Section 704.28(3) provides that the law "does not authorize a landlord to withhold any amount from a security deposit for normal wear and tear." Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.06 requires that when any portion is withheld the landlord deliver or mail a written statement accounting for all amounts withheld, describing each item, within the same 21-day window.
Withholding a deposit improperly violates ATCP 134, an order issued under Wis. Stat. § 100.20. Under § 100.20(5) a tenant suffering pecuniary loss "shall recover twice the amount of such pecuniary loss, together with costs, including a reasonable attorney fee" — double damages plus costs and attorney fees.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa Municipal Code Chapter 7.46 (Noise) within Title 7 prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing noise that injures the health, peace, or comfort of othe...
Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa requires pets to be confined by leash, pen, or fence on owner's property. Persistent barking is a nuisance violation under Ch. 7.46. Residents may ...
Wauwatosa, WI
RV and boat storage in Wauwatosa residential areas is regulated by city zoning. Generally one RV permitted on a residential lot with setback requirements. Fr...
Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa street parking follows local signage and Wisconsin traffic law. No city-wide overnight parking ban unless posted. Snow emergency restrictions apply...
Wauwatosa, WI
Wauwatosa requires vehicles parked on improved surfaces. Front lawn parking prohibited. Driveway modifications require permits.
Wauwatosa, WI
Abandoned vehicles in Wauwatosa are regulated under state law (Wis. Stat. §342.40) and city nuisance ordinances. Inoperable or unlicensed vehicles visible fr...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Milwaukee County.
See how Wauwatosa's security deposit rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.