Security Deposit in Wisconsin
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
Landlords must return deposits within 21 days and pay interest on deposits held over five years.
How Wisconsin treats Security Deposit
Wisconsin requires landlords to return security deposits within 21 days of lease termination, with itemized deductions for damages or unpaid rent. Deposits held for five or more years must earn interest at the rate set by the state. If a landlord fails to return a deposit without proper justification, the tenant may recover the deposit plus damages and attorney fees.
The general definition of Security Deposit
Money a tenant pays upfront to a landlord as a guarantee against damage or unpaid rent.
A security deposit is cash that a tenant gives to a landlord at the start of a lease, held as insurance against property damage or unpaid rent. The landlord must keep this money in a separate account and return it to the tenant when the lease ends, minus any deductions for legitimate damages or unpaid bills. Most states have strict rules about how quickly landlords must return deposits (often 30–45 days) and require them to itemize any deductions. If a landlord wrongfully keeps the deposit, the tenant can sue for the full amount plus penalties.
Read the full Security Deposit entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.