As weather gets warmer and students start moving back to school, Wisconsin landlords and tenants are gearing up for a busy season. Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is reminding both parties of their rights and responsibilities during this time.
Tenants have several rights under Wisconsin law, including the right to a habitable dwelling, the right to a security deposit, and the right to be free from discrimination. Landlords also have responsibilities, such as providing a habitable dwelling, making repairs in a timely manner, and returning security deposits in a timely manner.
DATCP offers several resources to help landlords and tenants understand their rights and responsibilities. The "Tenants' Rights and Responsibilities" fact sheet provides an overview of common rental housing issues, and the "Landlord-Tenant Guide" provides more detailed information on a variety of topics.
In 2022, DATCP received over 1,900 complaints from tenants and landlords who were unable to resolve their disputes on their own. This makes landlord-tenant disputes the top complaint category for DATCP.
Few tips for tenants moving into a new rental property:
Inspect the premises within seven days of moving in and notify the landlord of any defects. Take photos of any damage and keep a copy of all documentation.
Make sure the landlord provides you with the contact information of someone to contact for maintenance problems.
Read your lease carefully and understand your responsibilities, such as paying utilities, making repairs, and allowing the landlord access to your unit.
Few tips for tenants moving out of a rental property:
Ask landlord for a preliminary walkthrough before your final checkout. This will help you identify any cleaning or repairs that need to be done to avoid deductions from your security deposit.
Take detailed photos of the property during your final walkthrough to document the condition in which you left it.
Provide the landlord with your new address so they can return your security deposit promptly.
The security deposit must be returned to you within 21 days after the end of the rental agreement, minus any deductions for damage, waste, or neglect. Any deductions must be itemized for your review.
For more information and resources or to file a complaint, visit "ConsumerProtection.wi.gov."
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Categories: Wisconsin, Government & Policy