Wisconsin Rent Increase Laws: Rules, Notice Periods, and Restrictions

Wisconsin is a landlord-friendly state when it comes to rent pricing. There are no statewide caps on how much rent can be charged or how much it can be increased, and state law preempts local municipalities from enacting their own rent control ordinances.

No Statewide Rent Control

Wisconsin has no rent control laws at the state level. Furthermore, a 2018 state law explicitly prohibits cities, towns, and counties from passing local rent control ordinances. Landlords are free to set and adjust rent at any level they choose.

When Can Landlords Raise Rent?

Fixed-Term Leases

During an active fixed-term lease (e.g., a 12-month lease), the landlord cannot increase rent unless the lease agreement specifically includes a provision allowing mid-term adjustments.

When a fixed-term lease is about to expire and the landlord wishes to renew at a higher rate, the landlord must provide the tenant with at least 28 days' written notice before the new term begins.

Month-to-Month Tenancies

For month-to-month agreements, the landlord must give at least 28 days' written notice before the rent increase takes effect. This notice effectively terminates the existing tenancy and offers a new one at the increased rate.

Week-to-Week Tenancies

For weekly tenancies, a shorter notice period applies—typically at least 7 days before the next rent period begins.

How Much Can Rent Be Increased?

There is no limit on the dollar amount or percentage of a rent increase. A landlord can raise rent from $1,000/month to $1,500/month at renewal, provided:

1. Proper written notice was given.
2. The increase does not take effect during an active fixed-term lease (unless permitted by the lease).
3. The increase is not retaliatory or discriminatory.

Prohibited Rent Increases

While the amount is unrestricted, the motivation behind a rent increase must be lawful:

• Retaliation: A landlord cannot raise rent to punish a tenant who reported a building code violation, filed a complaint with a government agency, or exercised their legal rights.
• Discrimination: Under the Fair Housing Act and the Wisconsin Open Housing Law, rent increases cannot be based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, familial status, disability, lawful income source, ancestry, marital status, age, or sexual orientation.

Subsidized and Income-Restricted Housing

Properties receiving federal or state housing subsidies (e.g., Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers, WHEDA-financed properties) have rent adjustments governed by their specific program regulations, not the open market.

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