Wisconsin Landlord Heat and Hot Water Laws: Renter Rights

Living in Wisconsin means cold winters, so having reliable heat and hot water in your rental is not just a comfort—it's the law. As a renter, you have important rights under Wisconsin law when it comes to heating and hot water in your home. Knowing these rules can help you ensure your apartment remains safe and livable throughout the year.

Heat and Hot Water: What Must Wisconsin Landlords Provide?

Landlords in Wisconsin are legally required to provide and maintain basic utilities, including heat and hot water, to make your home habitable. These requirements are part of the state’s habitability laws and protect renters throughout their lease.¹

Heat Requirements

While Wisconsin state law does not specify an exact temperature that landlords must maintain, the law does require that all heating facilities supplied by the landlord are safe, properly maintained, and capable of keeping the home warm during cold months. Local city ordinances (like those in Milwaukee or Madison) may set minimum temperature requirements. For example, Milwaukee requires landlords to keep residential units at least 67°F from September 15 through June 15.²

• Landlords must repair or replace broken heating systems promptly.
• Tenants should never be expected to supply their own main heat source unless agreed in the lease.
• Renters can report lack of heat to their local building inspection or health department.

Hot Water Requirements

The law also requires that landlords provide access to hot water, delivered through a working plumbing system. Hot water must be supplied in sufficient quantities for bath, shower, and cleaning needs.

• If your unit does not have reliable hot water, notify your landlord in writing immediately.
• A consistent lack of hot water may be considered a violation of Wisconsin’s habitability laws.

When Your Heat or Hot Water Isn't Working: Renter Action Steps

If your heat or hot water stops working, Wisconsin law gives you avenues to get it fixed quickly:

1. Notify the Landlord in Writing: Clearly describe the issue and request repairs as soon as possible. Keep a copy for your records.
2. Allow a Reasonable Time for Repairs: Wisconsin law doesn’t set a strict timeline, but urgent issues should be fixed quickly—typically within 24–48 hours for loss of heat or hot water in cold weather.
3. Report to Local Officials: If there's no response, contact your city or county building inspection or health department. For example, in Milwaukee, renters can reach out to the Department of Neighborhood Services to file a complaint.
4. Consider Rent Withholding/Escrow: In some cases, you may be able to pay your rent into a court-approved escrow account until repairs are made. Always consult your local housing agency or legal aid before withholding rent.

Relevant Forms for Wisconsin Renters

• Tenant Complaint Form (City of Milwaukee, DNS-208)
  Use this form to file a formal complaint with the Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services about lack of heat or hot water. You may fill it out online or in person. See the official DNS-208 form here.
  Example use: If your landlord hasn’t responded to your heating repair request, you complete and submit this form to prompt a city inspection.

If you’re outside Milwaukee, check with your local city or county inspection, health, or housing office for the appropriate form or online complaint process.

Who Oversees Landlord-Tenant Disputes in Wisconsin?

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is the main state agency that protects tenant rights and investigates complaints. For local housing code enforcement, renters should contact their city or county housing/building inspection office.

What Wisconsin Laws Protect Your Right to Heat and Hot Water?

The key law is the Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 – Landlord and Tenant, and the Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 134 (Residential Rental Practices). These spell out habitability standards and your remedies if repairs aren't made.^1,3

FAQ: Wisconsin Heat and Hot Water Issues

1. Does my landlord have to provide heat in every rental unit?
   Yes. Unless stated otherwise in your lease, landlords are responsible for providing safe and working heat in all residential units during the heating season.
2. Can I withhold rent if my apartment has no heat or hot water?
   Possibly, but this is risky without legal advice—Wisconsin law allows certain remedies, but renters should first notify their landlord and contact local housing officials before withholding rent.
3. How quickly must my landlord fix heating or hot water problems?
   Wisconsin law says repairs for essential services should be made promptly, typically within 24–48 hours.
4. What agency can help me with unresolved heat or hot water problems?
   Contact the Wisconsin DATCP or your local housing/building inspection office.
5. Is my landlord required to pay for alternative lodging if repairs aren’t made?
   There’s no automatic requirement, but if your home is uninhabitable, you may have rights to end your lease or seek other remedies under Wisconsin law.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Wisconsin Renters

• Wisconsin law protects your right to heat and hot water as part of rental habitability.
• Act quickly: Notify your landlord in writing and escalate to local authorities if repairs aren’t made.
• Always use official complaint forms and seek help from DATCP or local agencies before stopping rent payments.

Staying informed helps you ensure your apartment is safe and livable throughout Wisconsin's cold seasons.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) – Landlord-Tenant Protection
• Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services – Rental Complaints
• Wisconsin Local Government Directory (Find your city/county housing office)
• Legal Action of Wisconsin – Free Legal Help for Renters
• Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 – Landlord and Tenant

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1. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 – Landlord and Tenant
2. Milwaukee Winter Heating Laws
3. Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 134.04

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