Wisconsin Deposit Itemization Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Wis. Stat. §704.28 — Security Deposits
Itemization Requirement
Your landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions within 21 calendar days after termination of tenancy and delivery of possession.
Allowable Deductions
Unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, and amounts owed under the lease. Landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
Normal Wear & Tear
Deterioration that results from ordinary use and aging of the premises, taking into account the length of tenancy.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit or fails to provide proper itemization, you may be entitled to double the amount wrongfully withheld under Wis. Stat. §704.28(4).
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: No statutory limit
- Itemization required: Within 21 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $10,000
Additional Protections
- Landlord must provide check-in/check-out sheet to document conditions
- Failure to provide itemized statement within 21 days forfeits all withholdings
- Double damages for wrongful withholding
What Your Wisconsin Dispute Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Wisconsin's actual statute — not a generic template.
Itemization Requirements
Wis. Stat. §704.28 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the specific rules they must follow.
Disputed Deductions
Each disputed charge identified with your specific reasons, tied to Wisconsin law.
Wear & Tear Standard
Deterioration that results from ordinary use and aging of the premises, taking into account the length of tenancy...
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Wisconsin Deposit Itemization FAQ
What are the security deposit itemization requirements in Wisconsin?
Under Wis. Stat. §704.28, your landlord is required to provide an itemized statement of deductions within 21 calendar days after termination of tenancy and delivery of possession. The itemization must list each deduction, the amount, and the reason.
What deductions can my Wisconsin landlord legally take from my deposit?
In Wisconsin, allowable deductions are limited to: Unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, and amounts owed under the lease. Your landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
What counts as normal wear and tear in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin: Deterioration that results from ordinary use and aging of the premises, taking into account the length of tenancy. Examples include minor scuffs on walls, worn carpet from foot traffic, faded paint, and small nail holes.
What happens if my Wisconsin landlord wrongfully withholds my deposit?
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit or fails to provide proper itemization, you may be entitled to double the amount wrongfully withheld under Wis. Stat. §704.28(4). You can pursue this in small claims court.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin small claims court handles cases up to $10,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to dispute deposit deductions in Wisconsin?
No. A dispute letter is a formal written challenge, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Wisconsin-specific dispute letter citing Wis. Stat. §704.28 and your state's itemization requirements so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Deposit Itemization Dispute Letters by State
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