Madison enforces tenant protections through the Department of Civil Rights and ATCP 134. Landlords may not retaliate against tenants who report code violations, contact the Tenant Resource Center, or organize for habitability improvements.
Wisconsin Act 76 (2018) limits Madison's ability to write its own anti-harassment code, but the City still enforces ATCP 134.09 and Wis. Stat. Sec. 704.45 prohibitions on retaliation. A landlord may not raise rent, file eviction, or refuse renewal because a tenant filed a code complaint, joined a tenant association, or invoked rights under Sec. 704. Madison Building Inspection coordinates with the Tenant Resource Center to document patterns. The Department of Civil Rights can pursue protected-class harassment under MGO Ch. 39, including for race, disability, or domestic-violence status. Remedies include civil penalties and orders restoring tenancy.
Retaliation claims under Wis. Stat. 704.45 entitle a tenant to defend against eviction and recover damages plus attorney fees in Dane County Circuit Court.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Madison, WI
Madison has no city ordinance restricting lawn ornaments on residential property. MGO Chapter 27 (Property Maintenance) requires general yard upkeep but does...
Madison, WI
Madison has no city ordinance regulating residential inflatable holiday displays. MGO Chapter 24 (Noise) sets residential noise standards that could theoreti...
Madison, WI
Madison has no municipal ordinance regulating residential holiday lights. Timing, brightness, and animation are governed by HOA and condo covenants under Wis...
Madison, WI
Madison requires building permits for outdoor kitchens with gas lines, electrical wiring, plumbing, or structural roofs. Permits route through Madison Buildi...
Madison, WI
Madison has no specific smoker ordinance. MGO Chapter 24 (Noise) and Chapter 7 (Public Health) provide nuisance authority for excessive smoke. Wisconsin DNR ...
Madison, WI
Madison Fire Code under MGO Chapter 34 adopts the Wisconsin Commercial Building Code (SPS 361-366) and Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 314 (Fire Prevention...
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