Wisconsin · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

Wisconsin security deposit law

In Wisconsin, your landlord has 21 days to return your deposit.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

Short answer

In Wisconsin, the deposit limit is: No statewide limit. The landlord must return it as follows: Within 21 days after the rental agreement ends, the landlord must deliver or mail the deposit (minus proper deductions) to your last known address.

deposit limit: No statewide limit
to return a deposit: 21 days
deposit penalty: Up to 2×

Get your letter ↓ Check the deadline ↓

Get your deposit back, step by step

Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
Give your landlord your new address in writing. In Wisconsin: Within 21 days after the rental agreement ends, the landlord must deliver or mail the deposit (minus proper deductions) to your last known address.
Wait for the deadline: Within 21 days after the rental agreement ends, the landlord must deliver or mail the deposit (minus proper deductions) to your last known address.
If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $10,000 ($5,000 for personal injury/tort claims); evictions go to small claims regardless of the rent owed. Small claims court in Wisconsin on RobinClaim

Deposit return calculator for Wisconsin

Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed.

Security deposit demand letter for Wisconsin

A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.

Your full name (required)

Where should they send your money? (your mailing address) (required)

Phone

Landlord or property manager (required)

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

Landlord's address (required to mail it)

Address of the rental (required)

I will hand it to the landlord or email it (no mailing address needed)

Date of the letter

Usually today. The deadline in the letter counts from this date.

Date you moved in

Date you moved out (required)

Deposit you paid ($) (required)

Amount the landlord returned ($)

Did you get an itemized list of deductions?

Days the landlord has to pay

We suggest 14 days.

Why the deductions are wrong (optional, in English)

One or two sentences. This text goes into the letter as written.

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Other formats

Sign it, keep a copy, and send it by certified mail with a return receipt. The receipt is your proof that the landlord got it.

Security deposit in Wisconsin

Limit: No statewide limit. Any payment at the start of a tenancy that is more than one month's prepaid rent is treated as a security deposit.
Deadline to return it: Within 21 days after the rental agreement ends, the landlord must deliver or mail the deposit (minus proper deductions) to your last known address. If you move out early, the landlord still has 21 days after the end of the rental agreement, unless the unit is re-rented before then, in which case the 21 days run from the re-rental. Not leaving a forwarding address does not take away your right to the deposit, but tell the landlord and the post office your new address. ATCP 134.06(2), (5).
Itemized list: If anything is deducted, the landlord must give a written itemized statement describing each item of damage or other reason and the amount withheld for it. The landlord may not falsify claims.
What may be deducted: Damage, waste or neglect by you or your guests; unpaid rent; unpaid utilities provided by the landlord; unpaid government utility charges that become the landlord's responsibility; and other reasons only if listed in a separately signed 'Nonstandard Rental Provision.' Never for normal wear and tear, including routine cleaning, painting or carpet cleaning.
Interest: State law does not require interest on deposits.
Move-in checklist: Before taking a deposit, the landlord must tell you in writing that you have at least 7 days after the tenancy starts to inspect and note existing damage on a check-in sheet. You can also ask for a list of damage charged to the previous tenant. Keep a copy. Wis. Stat. 704.08; ATCP 134.06(1).
If the landlord keeps it wrongly: You can sue (usually in small claims) for twice your money loss plus costs and reasonable attorney fees for a violation of the deposit rules (Wis. Stat. 100.20(5)). DATCP can also seek civil forfeitures of $100 to $10,000 per violation.
Law: Wis. Stat. 704.28; Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.06; Wis. Stat. 100.20(5)

Small claims court in Wisconsin

Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $10,000 ($5,000 for personal injury/tort claims); evictions go to small claims regardless of the rent owed.

How to file in Wisconsin

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Sources

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026