Wisconsin Security Deposit Not Returned
If your Wisconsin security deposit was not returned, first identify the deadline trigger. The baseline rule is 21 days after the end of the rental agreement, but if you moved out before the agreement ended, Wisconsin's early move-out and re-rental branch can matter.
If the landlord kept any money, ask for the itemized written accounting. Wisconsin requires an accounting when deductions are made.
What to check first
- Rental agreement end date.
- Actual move-out and key-return date.
- Whether you left before the rental agreement ended.
- Whether the unit was re-rented.
- Deposit amount paid.
- Any itemized written accounting from the landlord.
- Any claimed deduction for normal wear, routine cleaning, painting, or carpet cleaning.
If no accounting arrived
If the deadline passed and the landlord kept money without an itemized written accounting, send a written request for the deposit balance and the accounting. Keep a copy and delivery proof.
If deductions were listed
Compare the deductions to the allowed categories: tenant damage, waste, or neglect; unpaid rent; actual utility amounts owed to the landlord; and properly authorized nonstandard rental provisions. Challenge ordinary wear and tear, vague charges, and routine across-the-board cleaning or carpet charges caused only by normal wear.
What to do next
- Wisconsin security deposit deadline
- Wisconsin security deposit deductions
- Wisconsin security deposit evidence guide
- Wisconsin security deposit demand letter
The free guides above help you understand the Wisconsin process. The paid system gives you the letters that use that process in order.