Wisconsin Lease Disclosure Requirements for Renters

Understanding your rights as a renter in Wisconsin means knowing what your landlord must legally disclose in your lease agreement. Wisconsin law requires landlords to inform renters about certain conditions and policies to help you make informed decisions before signing a lease. This guide breaks down these required disclosures, explains relevant forms, and shows where to get help if your rights aren't respected.

Key Lease Disclosures Wisconsin Landlords Must Provide

Wisconsin landlords are required to provide several important disclosures either before or at the time the lease is signed. These disclosures are designed to protect both the renter and the landlord by making sure all parties are aware of crucial information. Here's what must be disclosed:

• Code Violations Affecting Health or Safety
  If there are outstanding building code violations that threaten health or safety and have not been corrected, the landlord must disclose them, along with the conditions and the time frame for fixing them.
• Utilities Division and Service
  If utilities are not separately metered or the renter is responsible for shared utility costs (like when there is a single meter for multiple rental units), the method of dividing and paying must be described.
• Security Deposit and Move-In Checklist
  At move-in, renters must receive written notice about the process for returning security deposits as well as a full description of any deductions that may be taken. Renters have the right to complete a checklist of existing damages (see below for the official form).
• Nonstandard Rental Provisions
  If there are special rules outside of standard lease terms (for example, fees for late rent or conditions on property use), these must be explained in a separate written document, which you must initial or sign.
• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
  For homes built before 1978, landlords must provide specific information on lead-based paint hazards, following federal requirements.

Official Forms and Documents

• Move-In/Move-Out Check-In Sheet (Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134 Appendix A)
  This checklist lets you document existing damages at the start and end of your lease. Complete it during your initial walkthrough, return one copy to your landlord, and keep one for your records.
  Access the official form here: Wisconsin Rental Check-In Sheet (ATCP 134 Appendix A)
• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form
  If you’re renting a home built before 1978, you'll receive a federal disclosure form.
  See the required notice and sample form from the EPA: Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule
• Nonstandard Rental Provisions Addendum
  While there is no state-issued addendum, landlords must provide clearly written documents listing any nonstandard terms (for example, extra charges). As a renter, you must read and initial or sign each nonstandard provision for it to be enforceable.
  See requirements in Wisconsin Statutes Section 704.28.

These forms ensure both renter and landlord are on the same page and make it easier to resolve disagreements about the property's condition at move-in and move-out.

What Happens If Required Disclosures Aren't Provided?

If your landlord fails to give any of these disclosures, it may impact the enforceability of certain lease terms. Some omissions could even allow you to terminate the lease without penalty—a strong protection if you uncover serious code violations after moving in.

Relevant State Agency and Legislation

• Overseeing Body: The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) manages landlord-tenant complaints, education, and enforcement.
• Governing Law: All rental agreements and disclosures are regulated by the Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 (Landlord and Tenant) and the Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 134 (Residential Rental Practices).

These laws provide detailed rules for move-in procedures, disclosures, deposit returns, and more to protect both renters and landlords in Wisconsin.

Brief Summary

Understanding your lease—and what must be disclosed—will help you avoid unpleasant surprises during and after your tenancy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What if my landlord doesn’t give me a move-in checklist?
   You are still allowed to document any damages yourself and inform the landlord. Not receiving a checklist may affect what deductions the landlord can make from your security deposit.
2. Are landlords required to tell me if there are safety or health code violations?
   Yes. Landlords must disclose any existing, uncorrected code violations that threaten health or safety, and describe the timeline for repairs.
3. Do I have to pay shared utilities if my lease doesn’t clearly say so?
   No. If you’re responsible for shared utility costs, the method of allocation must be clearly disclosed in writing in your lease.
4. What should I do if I find lead paint hazards in my rental?
   Report them to your landlord immediately. If not addressed, you can contact the Wisconsin Department of Health Services or DATCP for support and possible investigation.
5. Where do I file a complaint if my landlord does not provide proper disclosures?
   Complaints can be filed with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection using their official complaint portal.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Wisconsin Renters

• Always review all disclosures and official forms before signing your lease—especially about security deposits, code violations, and utilities.
• If you didn’t get official forms or required disclosures, you may have important legal remedies.
• Contact DATCP or a local housing authority promptly if you believe your landlord did not follow Wisconsin lease disclosure laws.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wisconsin DATCP Landlord-Tenant Resources — Comprehensive guides, complaint forms, and tenant rights info.
• Wisconsin DHS Lead-Safe Homes Program — Help with lead paint issues in your rental.
• Legal Action of Wisconsin — Free and low-cost legal services for tenants.

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1. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 — Landlord and Tenant
2. Wisconsin Admin. Code ATCP 134 — Residential Rental Practices
3. DATCP File a Complaint Portal
4. EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Overview

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