Wisconsin Lease Agreement Templates (6)

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure – Any property built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint; therefore, under federal law, the landlord is required to disclose any knowledge of lead-based paint to the tenant on the premises.

Landlord’s Identification – The landlord is legally required to disclose the name and address of the property owner or manager before signing a lease agreement. (§ 134.04(1)(a))

Utility Charges – Before signing the lease agreement, the landlord must state whether the rent includes the water, heat, and electricity. (§ 134.04(3))

Security Deposit Receipt – The landlord is required to provide a receipt to the tenant if they pay their security deposit with cash. If a check is used to pay for the security deposit then no receipt is mandatory. (§ 134.03(2)(b))

Notice of Domestic Abuse Addendum – The lease agreement must include legal protections if the tenant is a victim of domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual assault. The details must be written in the lease agreement or in a separate appendix. (§ 704.14)

Move-In Checklist – The tenant has a right to inspect the property and note any damages or issues with the property before moving in and signing the lease agreement. (§ 134.06(1)(a))

Maximum Amount – In Wisconsin, there is no maximum amount the landlord may charge for a supercity deposit. After inspecting the property it is advised that the tenant creates a list of prior damages. (ATCP 134.06)

Returning to Tenant – The landlord must return the security deposit within 21 days of the lease’s end. (ATCP 134.06(2))

General Access – A minimum of 12-hour notice is required for a landlord to enter the property legally. The landlord may enter the property for maintenance repairs, showings, or inspection but only at a reasonable time. The landlord must announce their presence before entering by knocking or ringing the doorbell. § 704.05(2)

Emergency Access – The landlord may enter the property if a health or safety emergency exists or to protect the property from damage. A 12-hour notice is not required to be given for an emergency. (§134.09(2)(b)2.)

Grace Period – While there is no specific grace period on late rent, the landlord may serve the tenant with a five-day notice to quit or pay the rent. (§ 704.17(2)(a))

Maximum Late Fee – The landlord has the right to charge the tenant a late fee only if it is written and agreed upon in the lease agreement. There is no specific dollar amount for late rent. (§ 134.09(8)(a))

Returned Checks (NSF) – A bad check written for payment carries a maximum fine of $15 per bounced check in the state of Wisconsin. (§ 422.202(1)(d))

Non-Payment of Rent – In the state of Wisconsin, if the tenant does not pay the rent on time, they can be served a 5-day or 30-day notice to quit. (§ 704.17(2)(a))

Non-Compliance – If the tenant violates any part of the lease agreement, the landlord has the right to evict that renter. Non-compliant behavior, such as not paying the rent on time, smoking in the unit if not allowed, housing a pet, or housing extra people, may result in an eviction. (§ 704.17(2)(b))

Illegal Activity – The landlord has the right to evict the renter if illegal activity is occurring on the premises and may serve a 5-day quit notice to the tenant.