Utilities Checklist for New Wisconsin Renters

Moving into a new apartment or rental home in Wisconsin is exciting, but making sure your utilities are set up properly is essential for a smooth start. As a renter, it's important to understand your rights, your responsibilities, and what you can expect from your landlord regarding utility services and required disclosures. This guide walks you through every step to help you get settled in your new place confidently and in compliance with Wisconsin law.

What Utilities Should Wisconsin Renters Prepare For?

Most Wisconsin rentals require tenants to handle or set up several utilities themselves, unless otherwise specified in the lease agreement. Common utilities include:

• Electricity
• Natural Gas
• Water and Sewer
• Trash and Recycling
• Internet and Cable

Always review your lease to determine which utilities are included in your rent and which you need to set up independently. Wisconsin law requires that any arrangement outside of the standard lease be disclosed in writing (Wis. Stat. § 704.07).^[1]

Landlord Responsibilities: Disclosures & Utility Billing

Your landlord must provide clear details about utility arrangements in the lease, including:

• Which utilities are included in rent
• Which utilities you are responsible for
• If utility charges are split among tenants/property units
• Any submetering or ratio utility billing system used

Required Utility Disclosure Forms

Wisconsin requires utility cost disclosures under some circumstances:

• Utility Cost Disclosure Statement (ATCP 134.04(3)): If a landlord bills you for utilities separately or uses a ratio billing system, they must provide this disclosure.
  Example: If you move into a triplex where water is billed based on square footage, you should receive this form along with your lease.
  Official reference: Utility Cost Disclosure (DATCP ATCP 134.04(3)).^[2]

Security Deposits Related to Utilities

While not a separate form, if your landlord requires a security deposit, they must provide a written receipt and specific disclosures per ATCP 134.06.^[3]

Checklist: Setting Up Utilities for Your New Wisconsin Rental

Prepare early—utilities may need a few days' notice to connect or transfer services. Follow these steps:

• Contact local utility providers (electric, gas, water) and provide your move-in date
• Ask if a deposit is required; many utilities need proof of residency or a copy of your lease
• Set up optional services like internet or cable separately
• Clarify with your landlord if utility meters are shared or individually metered
• Document initial meter readings at move-in

How to Handle Submetering and Shared Utility Bills

In buildings with shared meters or submetering, the landlord must explain the billing method and cost-sharing formula. Always ask for written clarification before signing your lease or when receiving your first bill.

What If You Encounter Utility Service Problems?

If utilities you are not responsible for (per your lease) are disconnected or not functioning, you may be able to file a complaint. The main government body for renter-landlord issues in Wisconsin is the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection – Consumer Protection Bureau (DATCP).^[4] They accept tenant complaints and can investigate improper landlord actions.

• Tenant Complaint Form: Use this if you've tried to resolve utility or disclosure issues with your landlord, and have not succeeded.
  Filing example: If your landlord refuses to provide a required utility cost disclosure statement or disconnects utilities without proper cause, submit this form.
  Find the form at: Wisconsin Tenant Complaint Form (DATCP).

Wisconsin Tenancy Law and Utility Rights

All rules around disclosures and maintenance are governed by the Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 – Landlord and Tenant and Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 134 – Residential Rental Practices.^[1][2]

FAQs: Utilities for Wisconsin Renters

1. Do landlords in Wisconsin have to pay for any utilities?
   It depends on your lease. Landlords are only required to pay for utilities if specified in your rental agreement. They must clearly state which utilities (if any) are included.
2. What should I do if my landlord disconnects my utilities?
   Wisconsin law prohibits landlords from disconnecting utilities as a way to force a renter out. File a complaint with DATCP if this happens.
3. Can my landlord bill me for utilities if I don’t have an individual meter?
   Yes, but only if they provide a written disclosure on how costs are calculated (such as ratio billing or submetering) as required under DATCP regulations.
4. Do I have to pay a deposit to utility companies?
   Many utility companies require a deposit for first-time customers or those with no payment history in Wisconsin.

Key Takeaways for Wisconsin Renters

• Always check your lease for utility responsibilities and written disclosures.
• Ask for and retain all utility disclosure forms—these protect your rights if billing questions arise.
• If you encounter problems, DATCP is the official agency to help with complaints.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wisconsin DATCP Landlord-Tenant Resources
• DATCP Tenant Complaint Form
• Wisconsin Public Service Commission – Utility Help for Renters
• Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 – Landlord and Tenant
• ATCP 134 – Residential Rental Practices

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1. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704.07 – Duties of landlord and tenant
2. Wisconsin DATCP ATCP 134.04(3) – Utility Cost Disclosure
3. ATCP 134.06 – Security deposit provisions
4. Wisconsin DATCP – Landlord-Tenant Consumer Protection

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