How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, a landlord must return the deposit, with an itemized statement for any deductions, within 21 days of move-out.

What is the small claims limit for a deposit dispute in Wisconsin?

Small claims court in Wisconsin handles disputes up to $10,000.

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Wisconsin security deposit law

⚠️ Not legal advice. DepositShield is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This information is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current — laws change and vary by city and situation. Verify it with an official source and consult a licensed attorney or your local tenants’ rights organization before relying on it or acting. Using DepositShield does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Return deadline

21 days

Small claims limit

$10,000

What you need to know

• Deposit due within 21 days with an itemized statement.
• Violations can cost double your damages plus attorney’s fees under consumer-protection law.

Itemization: Itemized statement of deductions required.

Interest: No interest required.

Deposit cap: No statutory cap.

If they wrongfully withhold: Violations: 2x your damages plus attorney’s fees under Wisconsin consumer-protection law.

Statute: Wis. Stat. § 704.28; ATCP 134

What’s at stake for you?

Deadlines and penalties are state law — check yours, then lock in the evidence.

Your state

Your security deposit ($)

💰 At stake: your $1,500 deposit.

⏱ Deadline: Wisconsin landlords must act within 21 days of move-out.

⚖️ Your leverage: wrongful withholding could cost your landlord up to $3,000 (Violations: 2x your damages plus attorney’s fees under Wisconsin consumer-protection law.)

🏛 If it comes to it: small claims in Wisconsin handles up to $10,000 — no lawyer needed.

None of this matters without evidence.

Document your place in 5 minutes — every photo timestamped and hash-verified.

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⚠️ Estimates for general information only — not legal advice and not guaranteed to be accurate. State laws change; verify current law before relying on this. Actual outcomes depend on the facts, your local law, and the courts.

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DepositShield is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This information is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current — laws change and vary by city and situation. Verify it with an official source and consult a licensed attorney or your local tenants’ rights organization before relying on it or acting. Using DepositShield does not create an attorney-client relationship.