💰 Wisconsin
Get your deposit back in Wisconsin
How long your landlord has to return it, what they can legally deduct, and a demand letter ready to send.
Return deadline in Wisconsin
21 days
After you move out, your landlord must return the deposit or send an itemized statement of any deductions.
Educational information, not legal advice — figures are general and laws change. How we keep this accurate & where to verify →
How long does my landlord have to return my deposit in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, a landlord generally has about 21 days after you move out to return your security deposit, or to send an itemized list of any deductions. If that deadline passes with no deposit and no itemized statement, your landlord may be in violation.
They can only deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear — not ordinary wear like faded paint, worn carpet, or small nail holes, and usually not routine cleaning. Many states also let you recover extra statutory damages if a landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a landlord have to return my security deposit?
It depends on your state — commonly somewhere between 14 and 45 days after you move out. If that deadline passes with no deposit and no itemized list of deductions, the landlord may be in violation.
What can a landlord legally deduct from my deposit?
Generally only unpaid rent and the cost of repairing damage beyond normal wear and tear. They can't deduct for ordinary wear like faded paint, worn carpet, or small nail holes.
What if my landlord won't return my deposit?
Send a written, dated demand letter requesting the amount you're owed, referencing your state's deadline. If they still won't pay, small claims court is designed for exactly this — it's cheap and you don't need a lawyer.
Can I get more than my deposit back?
In many states, yes. If a landlord wrongfully withholds a deposit, you may be able to recover additional statutory damages — sometimes two to three times the amount — plus court costs.
See all of Wisconsin's renter protections — Wisconsin tenant rights →