Can I break my lease early if I am experiencing domestic violence?

Yes. Wisconsin law allows you to end your lease early if you provide proper written notice and supporting documents that show you are a victim of domestic violence.

Do I need a restraining order to qualify for these protections?

No. While a restraining order is one option, other forms of legal documentation such as a criminal complaint or certain police reports can also be valid.

Who pays for the lock change if I'm a domestic violence victim?

You, as the tenant, are responsible for the reasonable cost of changing the locks, but your landlord must act promptly once you submit a written request with supporting documents.

Can my landlord evict me for calling the police about domestic violence?

No. The law prohibits landlords from evicting or retaliating against a tenant solely because they are a victim of domestic violence or have contacted emergency services for help.

Wisconsin Renters: Domestic Violence Protections Explained

Q: What should I do if my landlord refuses my request?

Keep all records and contact the Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of Crime Victim Services or reach out to a legal aid agency for further assistance.

Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Wisconsin published June 21, 2025

Facing domestic violence is difficult, but as a renter in Wisconsin, you have special rights to help keep yourself and your home safe. State laws provide important protections around locks, leases, and evictions to support victims and survivors. This article explains your legal options in plain language, including how to change your locks, break your lease for safety, and the official forms and support available.

How Wisconsin Law Protects Tenants Experiencing Domestic Violence

Wisconsin gives renters facing domestic abuse the tools to stay safe. These protections cover:

The right to break your lease early in certain situations
The ability to have your locks changed quickly
Protection from eviction or landlord retaliation
Access to official forms for notifying your landlord

These rights are based on the Wisconsin Statutes Section 704.16: Rental Agreement That Is Voidable by Tenant and Section 704.17: Termination of Tenancy by Tenant.¹

Key Protections for Renters Facing Abuse

Your Right to End a Lease Early

If you, your child, or a household member experiences domestic violence, you may have the right to end your lease without penalty. To do this, you'll need to give your landlord the proper notice and supporting documents. Here's how it works:

Written notice to your landlord stating you want to end your lease due to a threat of domestic abuse
Attach a copy of a qualified order (such as a restraining order, injunction, or criminal complaint against the abuser)
Give at least 28 days' notice (your responsibility for rent ends after those 28 days)

You can use the official Sample Tenant Notice to Landlord Terminating Tenancy and Qualified Third Party Statement to make this request.

Changing Your Locks for Safety

Wisconsin law lets renters request a lock change if they or a household member are victims of domestic abuse. You must:

Request the lock change in writing, including documentation of abuse
Pay the reasonable actual cost for the locksmith or lock replacement
Receive a new set of keys from your landlord after the change

If the abuser is also a tenant but not entitled to occupancy (example: a restraining order excludes them), the landlord must give you new keys but not provide them to the excluded abuser.

Protection from Landlord Retaliation

It is unlawful for a landlord to discriminate, evict, or refuse to rent to you simply because you are or were a victim of domestic violence. This is provided by Wisconsin Statutes Section 106.50(5m), part of the state's Fair Housing Law.²

Official Forms Tenants Need

To use these protections, you may need to fill out and deliver certain forms. Here are the main ones:

Sample Tenant Notice to Landlord Terminating Tenancy and Qualified Third Party Statement
When to use: If you are ending your lease early because of domestic violence.
How to use: Fill out the tenant notice, attach supporting documents (court order, etc.), and provide it to your landlord at least 28 days before you plan to move out.
Download from the Wisconsin Department of Justice
Lock Change Request (no official statewide form, written notice required)
When to use: If you need your locks changed because of domestic abuse.
How to use: Write a letter requesting a lock change, include your supporting documents, and submit it to your landlord. (Keep a copy for your records.)

The forms are meant to make the process official and protect your rights. For eviction disputes or housing complaints, contact the Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of Crime Victim Services or see your local circuit court for restraining order information.

Tip: If you feel unsafe or need help filling out forms, reach out to a local domestic violence shelter or legal aid group for support. Their help is free and confidential.

How to Use Your Legal Rights: Step-by-Step

Using your legal rights is a matter of proper notice and paperwork. Here is a summary of the steps (detailed in the next section):

Gather proof of domestic abuse (court order or police report)
Notify your landlord in writing—using the official form if possible
Keep a record of everything you submit
Plan your move-out or lock change with safety in mind

Wisconsin Housing Tribunal for Tenant Disputes

If you and your landlord cannot agree, housing disputes in Wisconsin are usually handled in Wisconsin Circuit Court in the county where the rental unit is located. This is where eviction proceedings also take place.³

FAQ: Domestic Violence Tenant Protections in Wisconsin

Can I break my lease early if I am experiencing domestic violence?
Yes, Wisconsin law lets you end your lease early for safety if you follow the requirements and give proper notice with supporting documents.
Do I need a restraining order to qualify for these protections?
No, but you do need an official document showing domestic abuse such as a court order, criminal complaint, or certain police reports.
Who pays for the lock change if I'm a domestic violence victim?
You must pay the reasonable cost of the lock change, but your landlord must act promptly once you provide written notice and proofs.
Can my landlord evict me for calling the police about domestic violence?
No, Wisconsin law prohibits any eviction or retaliation just because you sought help as a survivor.
What should I do if my landlord refuses my request?
Document all your requests and contact the Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of Crime Victim Services or seek legal aid for help.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

Wisconsin law offers strong protections for renters facing domestic violence, including the right to end a lease and change locks.
Use official forms and keep written records of all requests made to your landlord.
If your landlord refuses or retaliates, you have additional options—seek help without delay.

Your safety and housing rights are important. Don’t hesitate to use the protections available to you.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of Crime Victim Services — Support and information for survivors, including landlord/tenant help
Wisconsin Court System - Self-Help: Landlord/Tenant Issues
Sample Tenant Notice Terminating Tenancy (official form)
Wisconsin Domestic Violence Programs by County
Wisconsin Circuit Courts