Landlord & Tenant Laws in Wisconsin.

Keep the lease, proof of deposit payment, move-out photographs, and any written demand or forwarding communication. Wisconsin’s deposit-return rule runs from surrender of the premises.

A Wisconsin security-deposit return dispute is generally a money claim, not a tort claim. Small claims court handles money claims up to $10,000, while tort or personal-injury claims have a lower cap.

A Wisconsin landlord generally must deliver or mail the security deposit within 21 days after the tenant surrenders the premises.

If any portion of the security deposit is withheld, the landlord generally must provide a written statement accounting for all amounts withheld.

A landlord may not lawfully withhold a security deposit for normal wear and tear. Lawful deductions are limited to unpaid rent, utilities or charges the tenant owes under the lease, and damages beyond ordinary wear and tear.

If a landlord violates Wisconsin’s deposit rules, the tenant may be able to recover twice the amount of the pecuniary loss, together with costs and reasonable attorney’s fees, in the right case.