Rental Inspections in Wisconsin (2026)
10 rules on the books across Wisconsin, 7 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Inspection Programs
Proactive rental inspection programs, registration requirements, systematic and periodic inspection cycles, what inspectors check, and the fees landlords pay to fund them.
Waukesha
Significant RestrictionsWaukesha requires every licensed rooming house to pass an annual inspection by the Community Development Department…
Read full rule →Beloit
Some RestrictionsNo one may lease a dwelling unit in the City of Beloit without a valid rental registration certificate from the…
Read full rule →Madison
Some RestrictionsMadison's Building Inspection Division Director is ordinance-bound to conduct systematic inspections of buildings…
Read full rule →Wausau
Some RestrictionsWausau runs a regularly scheduled rental-inspection program in designated Neighborhood Stabilization and Enhancement…
Read full rule →Milwaukee
Few RestrictionsMilwaukee's rental inspection program is opt-in: a landlord may request that the Commissioner examine a rental dwelling…
Read full rule →Tenant Complaint Process
How tenants can file complaints about code violations, what triggers a city inspection, and protections against landlord retaliation for reporting issues.
Burlington
Some RestrictionsA tenant complaint under Burlington's Property Maintenance Code triggers an inspection by the Building Inspector or the…
Read full rule →Fitchburg
Some RestrictionsFitchburg, Wisconsin tenants living in a building with an uncorrected rent-impairing code violation can force a hearing…
Read full rule →Madison
Some RestrictionsMadison tenants who complain about code violations to their landlord, the city's Building Inspection Division, or…
Read full rule →Milwaukee
Some RestrictionsMilwaukee tenants who complain to the commissioner about code violations or use rent withholding are protected from…
Read full rule →Wausau
Light RestrictionsAny tenant or citizen in Wausau can ask the city to inspect a rental property at any time, whether or not the unit sits…
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