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Formswift: Welcome to hassle-free renting with our Wisconsin lease agreement template

Looking for a hassle-free way to create a Wisconsin lease agreement? Look no further. Our Wisconsin lease agreement template is fully customizable to suit your real estate rental needs—saving you time and effort creating a clear rental agreement.

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What is a Wisconsin lease agreement?

Unlike a Wisconsin rental application, a Wisconsin lease agreement is a legal contract between a landlord and a prospective tenant that outlines the terms and conditions of renting a residential property in the state of Wisconsin.

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Most commonly used Wisconsin lease agreements

The most common Wisconsin lease agreement is the fixed-term residential lease agreement.

This covers the rental of a residential property and includes essential details for occupancy such as the duration of the lease, rent amount, security deposit, and rules and regulations governing the tenancy.

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Which disclosures belong in a Wisconsin lease agreement?

To comply with federal law and state laws, a Wisconsin lease agreement must include:

  • A lead-based paint disclosure, if the rental property was built pre-1978
  • A check-in sheet to new tenants at the beginning of the lease term, describing the condition of the property
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What you need to know about Wisconsin residential lease agreement security deposits

Wisconsin law states there are no limits to how much landlords can charge as security deposits. However, most charge one month's rent.

Landlords must hold a tenant’s deposit in a separate account. This must be returned within 21 days of the tenant’s move-out date, with a list of any deductions.

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Frequently asked questions

Generally, a property owner can’t increase the rent payment amount during the lease term unless the lease agreement explicitly allows for rent adjustments. If it does, they should still provide advance notice of the increase. 

A landlord can terminate a lease agreement before it expires under certain circumstances, such as non-payment of rent or violation of lease terms. However, proper notice must be provided as required by Wisconsin law before pursuing eviction.

Both the landlord and tenant must agree to any changes or modifications to the rental contract. It’s recommended to document any agreed-upon changes in writing to avoid future disputes.

If a tenant breaks the lease agreement before its expiration, they may be responsible for paying rent until a new tenant is found or until the lease term ends, whichever comes first. The landlord may also be entitled to recover any applicable fees or damages. Wisconsin statutes protect tenants’ rights to vacate due to habitability issues or code violations.

While oral lease agreements can be valid, it’s always advisable to have a written lease agreement, even for month-to-month lease agreements or sublease agreements. This helps avoid misunderstandings and protects the rights and interests of both parties.

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