Wisconsin Lease Agreement Guide

Lease Agreement requirements in Wisconsin

Both landlord and tenant must sign the lease agreement in writing (though oral leases are valid for under one year).
The lease must include names of all adult tenants, property address, rent amount, due date, and term.
Security deposit limits: In Wisconsin, landlords can charge no more than one month's rent for an unfurnished unit, or two months' rent for a furnished unit.
Landlords must provide a written receipt for security deposits and return it within 21 days of lease termination.
Wisconsin requires landlords to disclose lead paint hazards for properties built before 1978.
The lease must state who is responsible for utilities, trash removal, and maintenance duties.

How to create a Lease Agreement in Wisconsin

Download a Wisconsin-specific lease template or use a reputable online service.
Fill in all relevant details: property address, rent, security deposit, lease term, and tenant names.
Include any additional terms allowed by Wisconsin law, such as pet policies, parking rules, or late fees (must be reasonable).
Review Wisconsin landlord-tenant laws to ensure compliance, particularly regarding notice for entry, eviction rules, and repair duties.
Have both parties sign the lease, and keep a copy for your records.
For leases longer than one year, notarization is not required, but always sign in the presence of a witness if you want extra legal protection (not required by state law).

What a Lease Agreement typically costs

The cost to create a lease agreement in Wisconsin can be $0 if you use free templates, or range from $30 to $100 for professional or online forms. There is no filing fee to execute a lease, as it's a private contract. You may need to pay for notarization services (typically $10–$20) if you choose to notarize.

Get your Wisconsin lease agreement template now and ensure legally compliant renting.

Create your lease agreement

Before You Start: Wisconsin Lease Checklist

Prepare these essentials to create a valid, enforceable residential lease in Wisconsin.

Confirm the property's legal description and full rental address.
Have each tenant's full legal name and contact info ready, and decide if a cosigner is needed.
Decide on lease term (e.g., fixed-term or month-to-month) and whether rent is due monthly or otherwise.
In Wisconsin, leases for one year or longer must be in writing; for shorter terms, oral leases are legal but not recommended.
Ensure you know Wisconsin's security deposit rules: limit is generally two months' rent, and you must return it within 21 days after lease end if no deductions.
Check whether you need a Certificate of Compliance or rental license from the local municipality before renting.
Remember that Wisconsin does not require notarization or witnesses for a standard lease, but both parties should sign.
Review Wisconsin landlord-tenant law for mandatory landlord disclosures, such as the existence of lead paint in pre-1978 buildings.

Frequently asked questions

Are lease agreements required to be notarized in Wisconsin?

No, notarization is not required for lease agreements in Wisconsin. However, if you want to enhance the document's authenticity, you can have it notarized voluntarily.

Can a landlord charge a late rent fee in Wisconsin?

Yes, but the fee must be stated in the lease agreement. Wisconsin does not cap the amount, but it must be reasonable and not excessive.

What happens if a landlord doesn't return a security deposit in Wisconsin?

Landlords must return the security deposit within 21 days after the lease ends. If they fail to do so without proper reasoning, the tenant can sue for up to double the amount withheld.

Is a verbal lease agreement valid in Wisconsin?

Yes, oral leases are valid for terms under one year. For longer terms, the lease must be in writing to be enforceable.