Wisconsin security deposit demand letter
Create a Wisconsin security deposit demand letter using the residential-deposit rules verified July 24, 2026. The form checks the facts that control statutory coverage, the return clock, itemization, notice, and any qualified remedy before it inserts state-law text.
What law governs a residential security deposit in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin Stat. § 704.28 governs permitted withholding and return timing; Wis. Admin. Code ATCP § 134.06 governs the itemized withholding statement and related residential-rental practices; Wis. Stat. § 100.20(5) supplies the private double-damages/fees remedy for a pecuniary loss caused by an ATCP violation. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Wis. Stat. § 704.28; ATCP § 134.06.
Source: Wis. Stat. § 704.28 · Verified July 24, 2026
When is a security deposit or accounting due in Wisconsin?
The deadline is 21 calendar days, but the trigger varies: 1. If the tenant vacates or is evicted before termination: the agreement’s termination date, or the new tenant’s tenancy start if the landlord re-rents earlier. 3. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Wis. Stat. § 704.28(4).
Source: Wis. Stat. § 704.28(4) · Verified July 24, 2026
What itemization or documentation is required in Wisconsin?
Yes. If any amount is withheld, the landlord must deliver or mail a written statement within the 21-day period describing each physical-damage item or other claim and the amount withheld for each. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: ATCP § 134.06(4).
Source: ATCP § 134.06(4) · Verified July 24, 2026
What remedy may apply if a Wisconsin landlord does not comply?
When an ATCP 134 violation causes pecuniary loss, Wis. Stat. § 100.20(5) states that the claimant shall recover twice that proven loss, plus costs including a reasonable attorney fee. The § 100.20(5) remedy is mandatory when an ATCP violation causes pecuniary loss; Wisconsin decisions do not recognize a general good-faith exception to wrongful security-deposit withholding. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Wis. Stat. § 100.20(5).
Source: Wis. Stat. § 100.20(5) · Verified July 24, 2026
Does Wisconsin require a demand, delivery method, or prescribed form?
No Wisconsin provision reviewed prescribes a special method for the tenant’s ordinary deposit demand. The cited law does not prescribe a tenant demand form or mandatory wording. ATCP 134.06 prescribes the landlord’s statement content, not the tenant’s letter. Verified July 24, 2026. Source: Wis. Stat. § 704.28(4); ATCP § 134.06(4).
Source: Wis. Stat. § 704.28(4); ATCP § 134.06(4) · Verified July 24, 2026
Wisconsin Stat. § 704.28 governs permitted withholding and return timing; Wis. Admin. Code ATCP § 134.06 governs the itemized withholding statement and related residential-rental practices; Wis. Stat. § 100.20(5) supplies the private double-damages/fees remedy for a pecuniary loss caused by an ATCP violation.