How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Wisconsin?

Within 21 days after the rental agreement ends, with the start moved for early and late move-outs, and a written statement of anything withheld.

Can a Wisconsin landlord charge for normal wear and tear?

No, and nothing may be withheld for damage the tenant cannot reasonably be held responsible for.

Does a Wisconsin landlord have to itemize deductions?

Yes. The written statement describes each item of damage or other claim and the amount withheld for each.

Wisconsin Security Deposit Return Rules and Statement

Wisconsin security deposit statement requirements

Your Wisconsin security deposit statement has 2 rules to meet. ReportDraft puts every one on your checklist and checks your draft before you sign.

A written statement of each item withheld and its amount

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Wisconsin gives a landlord 21 days to return the deposit, counted from the end of the rental agreement or from the move-out if the tenant stays later, with a written statement describing each item withheld and its amount.

Last reviewed October 23, 2026 against the official sources listed below.

Move-out statement Rental unit: 410 Maple Avenue, Apt 3, Madison, WI Landlord: Pinecrest Property Management Tenants: Jordan Lee and Priya Raman Moved out Oct 31, 2026, keys returned. Lease ended Oct 31, 2026. ...

What Wisconsin requires

The landlord returns the deposit, less lawful withholding, within 21 days after the rental agreement ends, or after the dates the rules set for early or late move-outsWisconsin Statutes s. 704.28 (4) · Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 134.06 (2)
If any of the deposit is withheld, the landlord gives a written statement accounting for all amounts withheld, describing each item of physical damage or other claim and the amount withheld for eachWisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 134.06 (4) (a)
Nothing may be withheld for normal wear and tear, or for damage the tenant cannot reasonably be held responsible forWisconsin Statutes s. 704.28 (3) · Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 134.06 (3) (c)
For the premises, the standard withholding is limited to amounts reasonably necessary for tenant damage, waste or neglectWisconsin Statutes s. 704.28 (1) (a)
No landlord may intentionally misrepresent or falsify a claim against the deposit, including the cost of repairsWisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 134.06 (4) (b)
If asked, the landlord gives the list within 30 days after the request, or within 7 days after notifying the previous tenant of their deductions, whichever is later; it may say which items were repaired and need not name the previous tenant or the amountsWisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 134.06 (1) (b)

The 21-day return

Return the deposit, less lawful withholding, within 21 days after the rental agreement ends. The rules move the start for early and late move-outs: a tenant who stays past the end date starts the count when the landlord learns they have left, and if the unit is re-rented before the agreement ends, the count starts when the new tenancy begins.

The written statement

If any of the deposit is withheld, give a written statement accounting for all amounts withheld, describing each item of physical damage or other claim and the amount withheld for each.

What may be withheld

Nothing may be withheld for normal wear and tear, or for damage the tenant cannot reasonably be held responsible for. For the premises, withholding is limited to amounts reasonably necessary for tenant damage, waste or neglect, and no landlord may misrepresent or falsify a claim, including the cost of repairs.

The next tenant may ask

A new tenant may ask for the list of damages charged to the previous tenant. If asked, the landlord gives it within 30 days after the request, or within 7 days after notifying the previous tenant of their deductions, whichever is later.

Common mistakes

Counting 21 days from the move-out when the agreement ended later.
Listing one total instead of each item and its amount.
Charging normal wear and tear as damage.
Inflating the cost of a repair.

Sources

Wisconsin Statutes s. 704.28 (4), checked October 8, 2026
Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 134.06 (2), checked October 8, 2026
Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 134.06 (4) (a), checked October 8, 2026
Wisconsin Statutes s. 704.28 (3), checked October 8, 2026
Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 134.06 (3) (c), checked October 8, 2026
Wisconsin Statutes s. 704.28 (1) (a), checked October 8, 2026
Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 134.06 (4) (b), checked October 8, 2026
Wisconsin Administrative Code ATCP 134.06 (1) (b), checked October 8, 2026

Last reviewed October 23, 2026. Next review due January 23, 2027. This page explains published rules to help you write your report. It is not legal advice; the official text linked above governs.