Wisconsin Caps Local Rental Inspection and Registration

Under Wis. Stat. 66.0104, Wisconsin municipalities cannot impose blanket rental registration or inspection programs. Inspection programs are allowed only in designated districts where evidence of blight, high rates of code violations, or declining property values exists. State law caps inspection fees, generally at about $75 for an initial inspection and $150 for follow-up inspections, and limits how often a property may be inspected absent cause. Cities cannot require landlords to obtain information beyond what state law permits, cannot impose extra security deposit rules, and cannot regulate communication with tenants beyond state and federal mandates. Properly licensed and recently inspected properties qualify for exemptions from re-inspection.

Ordinances exceeding the statutory caps or applying outside qualifying districts are preempted. Landlords may challenge improper fees or registration mandates and recover overcharges in court.