Wisconsin statute guide
Wisconsin Security Deposit Statute Guide
Wisconsin security deposit disputes usually involve both Wis. Stat. section 704.28 and Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.06. Together, they cover lawful withholdings, the 21-day return and accounting rule, normal-wear limits, and itemized written accounting when money is kept.
Plain-English map of the rules
- Wis. Stat. section 704.28: sets limits on what a landlord may withhold from a security deposit.
- ATCP 134.06(1): covers the tenant's 7-day check-in opportunity for preexisting damage or defects.
- ATCP 134.06(2): covers the 21-day return rule and the early-move-out branch.
- ATCP 134.06(3): addresses lawful withholding categories and normal wear limits.
- ATCP 134.06(4): requires an itemized written accounting if deductions are made.
- ATCP 134.06(5): addresses last-known-address issues and says a missing forwarding address does not wipe out the tenant's rights.
Why the trigger matters
The baseline 21-day deadline runs after the end of the rental agreement. If the tenant leaves before the rental agreement ends, Wisconsin guidance describes a re-rental branch that can affect when the 21 days begin. That is why the move-out date, lease end date, surrender/key return, and re-rental facts can all matter.
Official sources
Source reviewed: April 2026.
Related Wisconsin guides
- Wisconsin security deposit deadline
- Deposit not returned in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin move-out checklist
- Wisconsin security deposit demand letter
The statute guide above gives you the rule structure. The paid system gives you the Wisconsin letters that apply those rules in order.
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