Can Wisconsin Landlords Raise Rent During a Lease?

As a renter in Wisconsin, you may worry about sudden rent increases. Understanding whether a landlord can raise rent during your lease is vital for protecting your housing stability. This guide explains your legal rights, state law, and practical steps if you face a rent hike while renting in Wisconsin.

Rent Increases and Leases: What Wisconsin Law Says

In Wisconsin, the rules around rent increases depend on your rental agreement type—fixed-term lease or month-to-month tenancy. For renters with a typical 12-month lease, the rental price is legally locked in for the full term unless your lease specifically allows increases.

Fixed-Term Leases (e.g., 12 months)

• Landlords cannot raise your rent during the fixed lease period unless your lease agreement specifically allows for an increase and states when and how it can happen.
• If your lease does not mention rent increases, your rent stays the same until the lease ends.
• When your lease renews (or goes month-to-month), your landlord may propose a new rent amount with proper notice.

Month-to-Month Rental Agreements

• For month-to-month tenancies, landlords may raise the rent, but must give at least 28 days' written notice before the increase goes into effect (Wisconsin Statutes § 704.19).
• Verbal notice or notice shorter than 28 days is not valid.
• Notice must be delivered to you directly, left at your home, or mailed to your last known address.

If you're unsure about your lease type, check your written agreement for the end date and rent increase clauses.

When Can a Landlord Raise Rent Mid-Lease?

• Only if your written lease clearly gives the landlord the right to do so and describes the process (e.g., by providing a formula for increase or allowing increases due to property taxes).
• Otherwise, mid-lease rent increases are not legal in Wisconsin.

If your landlord tries to raise your rent during your current lease term and your lease does not permit it, you are not required to pay the increased amount.

How to Respond if Your Landlord Tries to Raise Rent Illegally

• Review your lease: Look for any terms about rent increases.
• Communicate in writing: Politely inform your landlord that your lease does not allow a rent increase at this time.
• If the landlord insists, do not pay the increased rent—this may be viewed as you accepting the new terms.
• Contact the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) for advice or to file a complaint (DATCP Landlord-Tenant Resources).

Relevant Forms for Renters Facing Rent Increases

• Wisconsin Notice of Rent Increase (No official state form)
  When used: If your landlord tries to increase your rent for a month-to-month tenancy, they must provide at least 28 days' written notice. There is no official form, but written notice is required.
  Example: Your landlord delivers a letter stating, “Your rent will increase from $800 to $850 effective August 1”—and provides at least 28 days' notice.
  Rent Increase Notice – Statutory Requirements
• DATCP Consumer Complaint Form
  When used: Use this form if your landlord violates Wisconsin rental laws (such as raising rent mid-lease without cause).
  Example: Your landlord demands higher rent without a lease clause permitting this. You contact DATCP and are directed to this Consumer Complaint Form.

Who Handles Landlord-Tenant Disputes in Wisconsin?

The primary agency handling residential tenancy disputes is the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)’s Consumer Protection Bureau. For legal disputes, you may also need to use your local county small claims court.

Relevant Wisconsin Tenancy Law

• Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 – Landlord and Tenant Law
• Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 134 – Residential Rental Practices

1. Can my landlord raise my rent in the middle of my lease?
   In Wisconsin, a landlord cannot raise your rent during the term of a fixed-term lease unless your lease specifically allows for it.
2. What notice does my landlord need to give for a rent increase if I rent month-to-month?
   Landlords must provide at least 28 days’ written notice before a rent increase takes effect for month-to-month tenants.
3. Do I have to use a specific form to dispute an illegal rent increase?
   There is no specific dispute form, but you can use the Consumer Complaint Form to file a complaint with DATCP if your landlord violates rent increase laws.
4. What should I do if my landlord threatens eviction over an unpaid illegal rent increase?
   Contact the DATCP Consumer Protection Bureau and keep written records. Do not pay the increased amount if it is not legally permitted.
5. Who can I contact about rent disputes in Wisconsin?
   You can reach out to DATCP or your local county small claims court for assistance with landlord-tenant disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wisconsin DATCP Landlord-Tenant Resources: Information and complaint filing
• DATCP Consumer Complaint Form
• Wisconsin Courts: Tenant Self-Help
• Local legal aid networks, such as Legal Action of Wisconsin
• Call DATCP Consumer Protection Hotline: 1-800-422-7128

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1. It is not legal for Wisconsin landlords to raise rent during a fixed-term lease unless the lease specifically allows for it.
2. Rent increases in month-to-month tenancies require 28 days' written notice.
3. Contact DATCP with any concerns, and keep written records of all landlord communication.

1. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704: Landlord and Tenant
2. Wisconsin Administrative Code: ATCP 134 Residential Rental Practices
3. Wisconsin DATCP Landlord-Tenant Resources

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