Wisconsin Renters’ Rights and Internet Service in Apartments

Reliable internet is important for almost every renter today. In Wisconsin, whether your landlord must provide or maintain internet service—and who pays for it—can depend on your lease agreement and state law. Understanding these responsibilities helps renters and landlords avoid confusion and resolve problems quickly.

Who Is Responsible for Internet Service in Wisconsin Apartments?

In most Wisconsin rentals, landlords are not required by law to provide internet unless it is written into your lease. Some modern apartment complexes may include internet as an amenity, while older properties might leave it up to each renter. Always check your lease agreement for details.

• If your lease states that internet is included: The landlord is responsible for providing and maintaining that service. If there are issues, report them to your landlord promptly.
• If the lease is silent on internet: Renters typically must arrange their own service, pay the provider, and handle installation with landlord permission for any wiring.
• Shared or building-wide Wi-Fi: If offered, the landlord still must ensure it is reasonably maintained if the lease promises it.

What About Essential Services?

Under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704, landlords must provide essential services like heat, water, hot water, and electricity, but internet is not considered "essential" unless specified in your lease.^[1]

Billing and Charges for Internet in Wisconsin Rentals

How and when you pay for internet depends on your rental contract. Review your lease to see whether:

• Internet is bundled into rent and the landlord pays the provider directly
• You must sign up and pay for a service package yourself
• There are separate fees for internet, which must be broken down in your billing statements

If billing is unclear or you are charged for internet you don't use, request a written explanation from your landlord. Disputes can be handled through official complaint processes if needed—see below for steps.

Internet Repairs and Maintenance

If your landlord provides internet and it stops working:

• Notify your landlord in writing as soon as possible.
• Allow a reasonable time for the landlord or manager to fix the problem.
• If you set up internet yourself, you are responsible for maintenance and contacting your service provider.

What To Do If There's a Dispute or Problem

For unresolved issues—like being billed unfairly or promised service never delivered—Wisconsin renters have options:

• Contact your landlord in writing and clearly describe the problem. Attach evidence if possible (copies of bills, photos of listing, lease excerpts).
• If the issue is not fixed, you can file a complaint with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection (DATCP)—the main state agency handling tenant-landlord matters.
• The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) also offers guidance for renters facing unresolved disputes.

Important Forms for Wisconsin Renters

• DATCP Consumer Complaint Form (Form #: No official number)
  You can use this if you believe your landlord is violating your lease by failing to provide agreed internet service or charging improperly. Example: “My lease says Wi-Fi is included, but the landlord won’t fix the building’s internet.”
  Link: DATCP Consumer Complaint Form (PDF)
• Rental Weatherization Stipulation Form SBD-10687 (not specific to internet, but can be part of utility disclosures in your lease).
  When used: If there’s a dispute about what’s included in utilities/services during a property transaction.
  Link: Wisconsin Weatherization Stipulation Form SBD-10687

Where to Get Further Help in Wisconsin

Wisconsin renters can bring unresolved tenancy disputes to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection (DATCP).^[2]

1. Do landlords have to provide internet in Wisconsin apartments?
   In most cases, no. Wisconsin law does not classify internet as an essential service unless your lease specifically requires your landlord to provide it.
2. If my lease includes internet, can the landlord stop providing it?
   No, if your written lease promises internet, your landlord must provide and maintain it as with any agreed amenity. If service is interrupted for a long time, you may have recourse through DATCP.
3. What if I’m being charged for internet I never use?
   Request a breakdown of your charges in writing. If your landlord refuses or you believe the charges are unfair, you can file a complaint with DATCP.
4. Can my landlord enter my unit for internet installation or repairs?
   Yes, but only after giving advanced written notice (at least 12 hours), unless it is an emergency, as outlined under Wisconsin rental statutes.
5. Who do I contact if my landlord ignores my internet service issue?
   After trying to resolve it directly, file a complaint with DATCP or contact your local tenant resource center for support.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection – Landlord-Tenant Program
• Wisconsin Department of Justice – Landlord Tenant Law Overview
• Tenant Resource Center Wisconsin
• Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 – Landlord and Tenant
• DATCP Consumer Complaint Form (PDF)

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1. Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 704 – Landlord and Tenant
2. Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection – Landlord-Tenant Program

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