LOCAL RULES: ATCP 134.09

Wisconsin notice of entry requirements

Your Wisconsin notice of entry has one rule to meet. ReportDraft puts it on your checklist and checks your draft before you sign.

  • At least 12 hours' advance notice, entry at reasonable times
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Wisconsin's rule comes from the consumer protection code, ATCP 134.09, alongside section 704.05 of the statutes: advance notice of at least 12 hours, entry at reasonable times, and only to inspect, repair or show the unit. Other entries need a separate, discussed nonstandard rental provision. Here is each rule with a link to the official text.

Last reviewed October 26, 2026 against the official sources listed below.

Notice of entryWISCONSIN / FREE CALCULATOR

Notice period and entry times

WhatWhenRule
Notice givenNovember 2, 2026 (attached to the door)Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09 (2) (a)
Earliest lawful entry without the tenant's consent12 hours after the notice: later on November 2, 2026 or on November 3, 2026, depending on the timeWis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09 (2) (a)
Planned entryNovember 4, 2026: after the notice periodWis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09 (2) (a)
Hours of entryAt reasonable times, for only as long as the inspection, repairs or showing reasonably requireWis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09 (2) (a)
What the notice must sayAdvance notice of at least 12 hours, unless the tenant agrees to a shorter time when told of the entryWis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09 (2) (a)

Emergencies, an abandoned unit and the tenant's consent at the time of entry follow their own rules (listed on this page). A lease may give the tenant more notice; check it.

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What Wisconsin requires

  • During a tenancy a landlord may enter only to inspect the premises, make repairs, or show them to prospective tenants or purchasers, and only for as long as reasonably requiredWis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09 (2) (a) 1.
  • Entry is upon advance notice and at reasonable times; advance notice means at least 12 hours, unless the tenant, when told of the proposed entry, agrees to a shorter timeWis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09 (2) (a) 2.
  • The notice rule does not apply when the tenant, knowing the proposed time, requests or consents in advance, when a health or safety emergency exists, or when the tenant is absent and the landlord reasonably believes entry is needed to protect the premises from damageWis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09 (2) (b)
  • Other entries need a nonstandard rental provision in a separate written document titled NONSTANDARD RENTAL PROVISIONS, specifically identified and discussed with the tenant before the rental agreementWis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09 (2) (c)
  • The tenant has exclusive possession; the landlord may, upon advance notice and at reasonable times, inspect, repair and show the premises, and if the tenant is absent and entry is needed to preserve or protect the premises, may enter without notice with such force as appears necessaryWis. Stat. s. 704.05 (2)

12 hours and three purposes

Give at least 12 hours' advance notice, unless the tenant agrees to less when told, and enter at a reasonable time only to inspect, make repairs or show the unit to prospective tenants or buyers, staying no longer than the job needs.

When notice is not needed

No notice is needed when the tenant asked for or agreed to the entry knowing its time, in a health or safety emergency, or when the tenant is away and entry is reasonably needed to protect the premises from damage.

Entries beyond the rule

Any other right of entry must be written in a separate document titled NONSTANDARD RENTAL PROVISIONS and discussed with the tenant before signing; a tenant's signature or initials create a presumption it was.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming 24 hours is required: Wisconsin's minimum is 12 hours, and more is fine.
  • Entering for reasons other than inspection, repairs or showings without a nonstandard rental provision.
  • Staying longer than the inspection or repair requires.

Sources

Last reviewed October 26, 2026. Next review due January 26, 2027. This page explains published rules to help you write your report. It is not legal advice; the official text linked above governs.