Wisconsin Lease Agreements

Wisconsin lease agreements are crucial legal documents that define the relationship between landlords and tenants, setting the terms under which a property is rented. Crafting a compliant and detailed lease agreement is paramount for landlords in Wisconsin to protect their property and ensure a smooth landlord-tenant relationship. TurboTenant’s Wisconsin Lease Agreement Generator and Templates offer an efficient solution, ensuring that every lease is tailored to the unique requirements of Wisconsin law and best practices in property management.

Section 1 – Custom to You

Personalization is at the heart of creating an effective lease agreement. This section allows landlords to specify details unique to their rental situation, such as parties to the lease, rent amount, utility responsibilities, and more. Highlighting the importance of customization ensures that the lease agreement accurately reflects the terms of the rental arrangement, providing clarity and avoiding potential disputes.

Noteworthy Customizable Elements

• Additional Provisions: Landlords have the option to add property-specific rules, necessary local clauses, or other specifics to the lease. It’s recommended to review these additional provisions with a legal professional to ensure compliance and protect both parties’ interests.
• Lost Key Policy: This provision outlines the tenant’s obligation to return all keys upon moving out and the consequences of failing to do so, including the full cost of rekeying the property.

Section 2 – Specific to Wisconsin

Wisconsin has unique legal requirements that impact lease agreements. This section includes clauses to ensure compliance with state-specific regulations, covering aspects such as late fees, security deposit provisions, fair housing laws, and notices regarding domestic abuse protections. With our Advanced Editor feature, you can edit these clauses but know that doing so runs the risk of bringing you out of compliance with state and/or local laws. Consulting with an attorney first is always recommended.

Key Wisconsin Regulations

• Late Fees (Section 2.1): Wisconsin landlords may charge a late fee of $20 or 20% of the unpaid rent amount, whichever is greater, if rent is not received by the 5th day of the month. This clause provides a clear framework for enforcing late fees while ensuring fairness to tenants.
• Security Deposit Provisions (Section 2.4): Before accepting a security deposit, landlords must provide written notice for tenants to inspect the property for preexisting damages and disclose any deductions from previous tenants’ security deposits. Additionally, security deposits must be returned within 21 days post-tenancy, along with an itemized list of any deductions.
• Fair Housing (Section 2.11): Compliance with federal and Wisconsin fair housing laws is mandatory, prohibiting discrimination based on protected characteristics. Milwaukee offers added protections for individuals receiving rental assistance, and landlords should be aware of any local ordinances that may apply.
• Notice of Domestic Abuse Protections (Section 2.17): Wisconsin law provides protections for victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking, allowing for a defense against eviction based on related conduct. Landlords should understand and respect these protections in their lease agreements.

Required Disclosures

• Past Code Violations (Section 2.18): Disclosure of any current or past code violations is required to ensure tenants are aware of the property’s condition.
• Shared Utilities (Section 2.19): Landlords must provide a list of shared utilities and the formula for dividing costs among tenants, promoting transparency and fairness in utility billing.
• Sex Offender Notice
• Electronic Delivery Disclosure

Section 3 – General Clauses for Best Practices

This section includes standard clauses found in most lease agreements, emphasizing best practices in property management. These provisions cover subletting, alterations to the property, choice of law, and conduct requirements, ensuring a comprehensive and enforceable lease agreement.

Essential General Clauses

• Subletting (Section 3.1): Tenants are prohibited from subleasing the property without the landlord’s written permission, maintaining control over occupancy.
• Altering or Improving the Property (Section 3.2): Tenants must obtain written consent before making any alterations, ensuring the property remains in its original condition.
• Choice of Law (3.11): The lease agreement is governed by Wisconsin law, and disputes will be resolved in the county courts where the property is located, providing legal clarity and jurisdiction.
• Follow the Law (Section 3.14): Tenants must abide by all applicable laws and ordinances and avoid being a nuisance to neighbors, ensuring a peaceful and lawful tenancy.

FAQ

TurboTenant Wisconsin Lease Agreements

TurboTenant’s Wisconsin Lease Agreement Generator and Templates simplify the process of creating compliant, detailed, and personalized lease agreements for landlords in Wisconsin. By adhering to state-specific legal requirements and incorporating best practices, landlords can confidently enter into leasing arrangements, knowing their interests and their tenants’ rights are well-protected.

Wisconsin Resources

• Wisconsin Landlord Tenant Law