In Wisconsin, rent increase laws primarily focus on ensuring tenants receive adequate notice before any changes to their rent occur. Here’s what tenants should know for 2025:
Key Regulations
- Notice Period: Landlords must provide a written notice at least 28 days before a rent increase takes effect. This applies to both year-long leases and month-to-month agreements. The notice should clearly state the new rent amount and the date it becomes effective.
- No Rent Control: Wisconsin has no rent control or stabilization laws that limit how much a landlord can increase rent. Landlords are generally free to set rent amounts based on market conditions. However, this does not apply to renters who live in income-restricted housing.
- Absence of Cap: There is no legal limit on how much a landlord can increase the rent. Rent can be increased multiple times a year, especially for month-to-month leases, but each increase requires a separate 28-day notice.
Illegal Rent Increases
- Discrimination: Landlords cannot increase rent based on discriminatory reasons, such as race, age, or other protected statuses.
- Retaliation: Rent cannot be increased in retaliation against tenants for exercising their legal rights. In areas like Madison, actions are considered retaliatory if they occur within six months of certain tenant activities.
- Existing Lease: A landlord may not raise your rent if you have already signed a lease. Rent cannot be raised during the middle of a fixed lease term unless the original rental agreement specifically allows this action.
Tenant Rights
- Proper Notice: Tenants have the right to receive proper written notice of rent increases.
- Non-Discrimination: Tenants have the right not to be discriminated against.
- Legal Consultation: Tenants can seek legal advice if they suspect any violation of their rights.
It is important to note that any disputes over what constitutes an excessive rent increase can be brought before a court, where tenants may seek legal advice.
SOURCES
[1] https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-wisconsin
[2] https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-wisconsin
[3] https://www.tenantresourcecenter.org/raising_the_rent
[4] https://www.avail.co/education/articles/how-much-should-rent-increase-per-year
