Are there any cities in Wisconsin with rent control?

No. State law prohibits all local rent control ordinances in Wisconsin, so cities cannot set rent caps on private rentals.

How much notice must a landlord give before raising rent?

In most cases, if you are on a month-to-month lease, your landlord must provide at least 28 days' written notice before increasing rent.

What should I do if I can't afford a rent increase?

You may try to negotiate with your landlord or choose to end your rental agreement according to proper notice requirements.

Can my landlord raise my rent for discriminatory reasons?

No. Discrimination or retaliation is illegal. File a complaint with the Wisconsin Equal Rights Division if you believe this has happened.

Does rent control apply to public or subsidized housing?

Some government or subsidized housing may have rent limits. Contact your local housing authority to confirm the rules for your unit.

Wisconsin Rent Caps: Local Ordinances & Rent Control Rules

Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Wisconsin published June 21, 2025

Many renters across Wisconsin are concerned about annual rent increases, stability in their housing, and what protections—if any—exist under state or local laws. While Wisconsin does not have statewide rent control, it's important to know what rules, if any, apply in your city regarding rent caps or rent stabilization. This guide provides a plain-language overview of Wisconsin’s stance on rent control, summaries of known local ordinances, official resources, and information on protecting your rights as a tenant.

Does Wisconsin Have Statewide Rent Control or Rent Caps?

Wisconsin does not have statewide rent control. In fact, state law specifically prohibits local governments from adopting ordinances that control the amount a landlord can charge for residential rent. This preemption means no city—whether Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, or Racine—can pass local rent control rules or rent caps for private housing.

Section 66.1015 of the Wisconsin Statutes: Rent control prohibited prevents any municipality from enacting, enforcing, or administering rent control on private residential property.^[1]

There are no exceptions for cities or counties. The only possible exceptions relate to government-subsidized or public housing where federal and state programs set rent restrictions.

City-Specific Rules and Exceptions

Across Wisconsin, cities cannot create their own rent control ordinances. If you hear about local rent caps or special rent freeze programs, it's important to verify the information:

Private Rentals: No city—including Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, or Racine—has rent control for private apartments or homes.
Public or Subsidized Housing: Some government-run or state/federal-subsidized programs do have rent restrictions based on income guidelines. These rules are set by Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) and may differ from market rentals.
Mobile Home Parks: Some consumer protections exist under separate sections, but not rent caps.

If you’re in subsidized or public housing, check with your local housing authority, such as the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee (HACM), for specific rules about your rent changes. For all other renters, landlords generally have the right to raise the rent as they choose after your rental term ends, provided they give the proper legal notice.

Rules for Rent Increases in Wisconsin

While Wisconsin law does not cap rent increases, it does require landlords to follow proper notice rules. Here’s what renters should know:

For month-to-month tenants: Landlords must provide written notice of a rent increase at least 28 days before it takes effect.
For fixed-term leases: Rent can only increase if the lease allows it, and usually only at renewal.
All notices must comply with Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704: Landlord & Tenant.^[2]

Always ask to receive any notice about rent increases in writing and keep a copy for your records.

Key Official Forms for Renters

While Wisconsin doesn’t set or require a specific “Rent Increase Notice” form statewide, here are relevant forms and steps for common rent issues:

Notice to Terminate Tenancy (Form No. SBD-10628):
Official Form SBD-10628 is used by landlords or tenants to give notice ending a rental agreement.
- When to use: If you decide to move rather than agree to a rent increase, you may use this form to provide your landlord with proper written notice (typically 28 days for month-to-month rentals).

No Wisconsin-wide rent complaint form exists specifically for rent increases, as rent caps are not allowed. However, if you suspect housing discrimination or unfair practices, you may use:

Housing Discrimination Complaint Form:
Wisconsin Equal Rights Division Complaint Form
- When to use: If you believe the rent increase targets you based on race, family status, disability, or another protected characteristic. This form is submitted online or via mail to the state's Equal Rights Division.

Who Handles Rental Disputes in Wisconsin?

Most renter-landlord issues are handled in local small claims court. There is no separate state housing tribunal, but the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) offers a comprehensive Landlord-Tenant Guide, investigates consumer complaints, and mediates some housing matters.

Relevant Tenancy Legislation in Wisconsin

Chapter 704: Landlord & Tenant (Wisconsin Statutes)—Governs rental agreement rules, notices, and rights
Section 66.1015: Rent Control Prohibited—Outlines the prohibition on local rent control ordinances

Action Steps if You Receive a Rent Increase

Review your lease to see if and when your landlord can raise the rent.
Make sure you receive a proper written notice with at least 28 days' warning if you're on a month-to-month rental.
Decide whether to accept the rent increase, negotiate, or end your tenancy (using the official termination notice form if required).
If you believe the increase is discriminatory or retaliatory, file a complaint with the Wisconsin Equal Rights Division.

Summary: Rent increases are allowed but must follow notice rules. Direct discrimination complaints to the appropriate state agency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any cities in Wisconsin with rent control?
No. State law preempts all local rent control ordinances, so private rental units in any Wisconsin city are not subject to rent caps.
How much notice must a landlord give before raising rent?
For month-to-month leases, landlords must give at least 28 days’ written notice prior to a rent increase.
What should I do if I can't afford a rent increase?
Consider negotiating with your landlord. If no agreement is reached, you may choose to end your tenancy by giving proper notice.
Can my landlord raise my rent for discriminatory reasons?
No. Discriminatory or retaliatory rent increases are illegal. You can file a complaint with the Wisconsin Equal Rights Division.
Does rent control apply to public or subsidized housing?
Some subsidized or public housing has separate rent limits set by government programs. Contact your local housing authority for details.

Key Takeaways for Wisconsin Renters

Wisconsin prohibits all local rent control ordinances; no city sets rent caps on private rentals.
Landlords can raise rent, but must follow legal notice rules—typically 28 days for month-to-month agreements.
If rent increases feel unfair or discriminatory, use state complaint channels for recourse.

In summary: Know your lease, your notice rights, and where to seek help if a rent increase disrupts your housing stability.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Wisconsin Landlord-Tenant Guide (DATCP)
Wisconsin Department of Justice: Landlord-Tenant Resources
Equal Rights Division: Housing Discrimination Complaint
Milwaukee Housing Authority (HACM) (for public/subsidized housing)
For small claims court filing, consult your local county circuit court.