Eviction and Tenant Rights in Wisconsin
Tenants in Wisconsin have certain rights under Wisconsin law. These rights allow them to live in clean and habitable rental property and retain their privacy. They also require that a landlord perform a legal eviction should the tenant break the terms of her lease.
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Leases
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The lease agreement, either written or oral, states how long the tenant will live at the property, what fees the tenant will pay and any rules the landlord wishes the tenant to follow. The landlord can state any legal provision he wishes in the lease such as a no-pets policy or a no-subletting policy. If, however, the landlord places an automatic renewal clause in the lease, he must remind the tenant of the automatic renewal in writing at least 15 days prior to the end of the lease, according to the Wisconsin State Legislature.
Fees
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According to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, before the tenant moves in, the landlord can charge the prospective tenant up to $20 to obtain a credit report. The landlord can also charge monthly rent and a security deposit. This security deposit protects the landlord in the event that the tenant damages the property. If the tenant lives up to her end of the lease agreement and does not damage the property, the landlord must return the security deposit within 21 days of the tenant vacating the property, according to the Wisconsin State Bar. If the tenant does damage the property, the landlord must provide her with a written list of deductions taken from the security deposit.
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Responsibilities
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The landlord must maintain the structure of the rental property and make any necessary repairs to equipment inside the property. This includes the electrical wiring, plumbing and central air system. The landlord must also, however, respect the tenant's privacy and give at least a 12-hour notice before entering the property, according to the Wisconsin State Bar. The tenant must abide by the terms of the lease and keep the property in a clean condition. If the tenant causes any damage to the property, he must make the necessary repairs or reimburse the landlord for them.
Evictions
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A landlord can evict a tenant who fails to pay the rent, breaks the lease agreement or, according to police notice received by the landlord, commits illegal acts on the property. If the tenant is on a month-to-month basis and does not have a lease agreement, the landlord can send a written request asking the tenant to pay any past due rent within five days or to vacate the property within 14 days, according to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. If the tenant does have a lease, the landlord must file a summons with the local court and both the tenant and the landlord will need to appear in court before the tenant can be evicted.
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