State Law Guide · Updated January 2026
Wisconsin Security Deposit Laws
Under Wisconsin Statutes § 704.28, Wisconsin landlords must return security deposits within 21 days of a tenant moving out. Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face penalties of up to Up to 2x the deposit wrongfully withheld.
Quick Answer
In Wisconsin, landlords have 21 days to return your security deposit after you move out and provide a forwarding address. The maximum deposit is No statutory limit. If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you can sue in Small Claims Court (up to $10,000) and may recover Up to 2x the deposit wrongfully withheld under Wisconsin Statutes § 704.28. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions.
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What Wisconsin Law Requires
Return Deadline
Landlords have exactly 21 days to return your deposit after you move out. If they make deductions, they must provide an itemized statement explaining each charge with documentation.
Penalties for Violations
Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face Up to 2x the deposit wrongfully withheld. You can file in small claims court for amounts up to $10,000without needing an attorney.
Interest Requirements
No interest requirement
Common Deductions Landlords Make
Federal guidelines from HUD and the IRS establish "useful life" standards that limit what landlords can charge. Many common deductions are partially or fully invalid under these guidelines.
Carpet Replacement
Typical: $500-1,6005-year useful life per HUD MAP Guide Appendix 5C. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
Interior Paint
Typical: $200-8003-year useful life per HUD Handbook 4350.1. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
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HUD/IRS Citations
Useful life depreciation built in
$19 · Avg Wisconsin deposit: $1,150 · Potential 60x return
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Wisconsin landlord have to return my deposit?
Wisconsin landlords have 21 days to return your deposit with an itemized statement of deductions.
What are Wisconsin's check-in/check-out requirements?
Wisconsin requires landlords to provide a check-in form within 7 days of move-in. Failing to do so weakens their deduction claims.
What penalties exist for Wisconsin landlords?
Wrongful withholding can result in up to 2x the deposit amount.
City-Specific Rules
Some Wisconsin cities have additional tenant protections:
- Milwaukee: Additional tenant resources. Strong tenant advocacy.
- Madison: Tenant-friendly policies. Active legal aid resources.
Official Resources
- Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Consumer Protection(Government)
- Legal Action of Wisconsin(Legal Aid)
Compare Other States
See how Wisconsin's security deposit laws compare to nearby states:
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Based on Wisconsin Statutes § 704.28 · HUD Handbook 4350.1 · IRS Publication 527