Wisconsin Eviction Notice Rules: 30-Day vs. 7-Day Explained

If you rent a home or apartment in Wisconsin, receiving an eviction notice can be stressful and confusing—especially if you're unsure what it means or how much time you have. Wisconsin law allows landlords to use different types of eviction notices depending on the situation, with the 30-day and 7-day notices being the most common. Knowing the difference is essential to understanding your rights, how much time you have, and your next steps.

Understanding Eviction Notices in Wisconsin

Notices are formal warnings from your landlord that your tenancy may end. In Wisconsin, landlords can give different notice periods based on the type of lease and the reason for eviction. The two most common are the 30-day notice and the 7-day notice.

What is a 30-Day Notice?

A 30-day notice is typically used when a landlord wants to end a month-to-month rental agreement, or when the tenant is not at fault—such as ending the tenancy for no reason other than the normal expiration of a lease or non-renewal. This notice gives you 30 calendar days from when it is served to move out.

• Used for: Terminating a month-to-month lease, or in some cases, ending a tenancy with no specific violation.
• Form: Wisconsin does not require a statewide standardized form for this notice, but it must be in writing. Your landlord may use their own form or template. Examples can be found on the Wisconsin Department of Administration Landlord-Tenant page.
• Action: If you receive this notice, you typically have until the end of the notice period to move out or try to negotiate with your landlord.

What is a 7-Day Notice?

The 7-day notice in Wisconsin is used for serious lease violations or repeated nonpayment of rent. There are different types of 7-day notices:

• 7-Day Notice to Cure or Vacate: Gives you 7 days to fix the violation (like paying overdue rent), or move out.
• 7-Day Notice to Vacate (No Right to Cure): For repeat violations or serious situations—the landlord wants you to move out in 7 days, with no opportunity to fix the problem.

The exact notice required depends on your lease, the type of violation, and your rental history. Learn more by reading the official Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 and Chapter 799 on landlord-tenant law.

Which Notice Applies to You?

The type of notice you get depends on your rental agreement:

• Month-to-month lease: Usually requires a 28-day (sometimes called 30-day) written notice before ending by either party. See Wis. Stat. § 704.19.
• Year-long or fixed-term lease: If you violate the lease (such as by not paying rent), the landlord may use a 5-day or 14-day notice (for first-time and repeated late payment), or a 7-day notice for other violations. It's important to check your lease and the statute to see what applies.

Example: 7-Day Notice for Nonpayment

If you have not paid your rent, you may receive a 5-day Notice to Pay or Vacate for a first-time offense. If you pay within those 5 days, you can stay. If this happens again within a year, the landlord may serve a 14-day Notice to Vacate with no chance to pay and stay. For some serious breaches, a 7-day Notice to Vacate could also be used under specific circumstances outlined in your agreement and state law.

Official Forms and Where to Find Them

• Notice to Terminate Tenancy (No Form Number): Used for ending a month-to-month lease. Create one using the sample language on the Wisconsin Department of Administration Landlord-Tenant Desk. For example, if your landlord wants you to leave without a violation, they can deliver a written notice stating when your last day is.
• Eviction Complaint (Form GF-175): Filed by the landlord in court after a proper notice period ends if you have not moved out. See and download from the Wisconsin Court System: Civil Forms.

If you have received any notice, keep a copy, note the date, and consider reaching out to a legal aid service for support.

How to Respond If You Receive an Eviction Notice

It's important not to ignore any eviction notice, no matter the timeframe.

• Read the notice carefully. Note the reason and deadline for moving.
• Check your lease. Does the stated violation match your rental agreement?
• Communicate in writing. Contact your landlord to ask questions or attempt to resolve the matter.
• Document everything. Keep records of all communication and notices received.
• Seek legal help quickly, especially if you believe the notice is unfair or invalid.

The Tribunal That Handles Evictions

Eviction cases in Wisconsin are handled by the Wisconsin Circuit Courts. If your landlord files for eviction after the notice period, you'll receive a court summons. For more information about how eviction cases work, see the state's Eviction Self-Help Resources.

Common Steps If You Disagree With a Notice

• Review Wisconsin's landlord-tenant laws (Chapter 704).
• Contact a local legal aid service or the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
• Prepare for court by gathering all documents and considering seeking representation.

FAQ: Wisconsin Eviction Notices

1. What is the difference between a 30-day and 7-day eviction notice?
   A 30-day notice is usually for ending a month-to-month agreement without tenant fault, while a 7-day notice is for serious or repeated lease violations, sometimes with no chance to fix the problem.
2. Does every eviction require a 30-day notice?
   No, the required notice period depends on your rental agreement and the reason for eviction. Violation notices can be 5, 7, or 14 days in some cases.
3. Is there an official form for a Wisconsin 30-day or 7-day notice?
   There is no standardized state-issued form, but notices must be in writing with specific details. Landlords often use custom forms or templates based on legal guidelines.
4. Can I fight an eviction notice in Wisconsin?
   Yes. If you disagree with the notice or reason, you can seek legal help and—if an eviction is filed—present your side in court before the Circuit Court judge.
5. Where can I get help if I receive an eviction notice?
   You can contact local legal aid, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, or find information from the Wisconsin Court System's self-help resources.

Key Takeaways for Wisconsin Renters

• 30-day and 7-day notices are the most common eviction notices, but each applies in different circumstances.
• Always read your notice carefully, understand the laws, and do not ignore deadlines.
• Legal help is available, and the Wisconsin Circuit Courts handle all residential evictions.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wisconsin Court System: Eviction Self-Help
• Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection: Tenant Resources
• Legal Action of Wisconsin (Free legal help for eligible renters)
• WI Department of Administration: Landlord-Tenant Desk

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1. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 – Landlord and Tenant Regulations
2. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 799 – Eviction Process
3. Wisconsin Court System: Eviction Self-Help Resources
4. WI Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection: Landlord Tenant Resources
5. WI Department of Administration: Landlord-Tenant Service Desk

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