Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Wisconsin

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What Wisconsin law says

Itemized deductions	If anything is withheld, the landlord must give a written statement describing each item of damage or claim and the amount withheld for it, within the same 21-day deadline and by the same delivery method as the deposit. Normal wear and tear may never be deducted. Deductions not listed in § 704.28(1) are allowed only through a separate 'NONSTANDARD RENTAL PROVISIONS' document. Move-in: tenant gets a check-in sheet and 7 days to report existing damage (Wis. Stat. § 704.08; ATCP 134.06(1)(a)). On request, the landlord must list the damages charged to the prior tenant (ATCP 134.06(1)(b)). Source: Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.06(3)-(4); Wis. Stat. § 704.28(1)-(2)
Wear and tear / move-out charges	A landlord may not withhold any amount from a security deposit for normal wear and tear, or for other losses the tenant cannot reasonably be held responsible for. Standard deductions are limited to tenant damage, waste or neglect; unpaid rent; certain unpaid utilities and municipal permit fees; and other items listed in a separate signed 'Nonstandard Rental Provisions' document. The official notes to the rule state that routine painting or carpet cleaning (absent unusual damage from tenant abuse) is normal wear and tear; a lease may require the tenant to pay for routine carpet cleaning, but the cost may not be collected in advance or deducted from the deposit. The carpet-cleaning notes cite Wisconsin Attorney General opinion OAG 4-13. The statute does not itself define 'normal wear and tear.' Source: Wis. Stat. 704.28(1)-(3); Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.06(3)(c) and notes

Itemized deductions

If anything is withheld, the landlord must give a written statement describing each item of damage or claim and the amount withheld for it, within the same 21-day deadline and by the same delivery method as the deposit. Normal wear and tear may never be deducted. Deductions not listed in § 704.28(1) are allowed only through a separate 'NONSTANDARD RENTAL PROVISIONS' document.

Move-in: tenant gets a check-in sheet and 7 days to report existing damage (Wis. Stat. § 704.08; ATCP 134.06(1)(a)). On request, the landlord must list the damages charged to the prior tenant (ATCP 134.06(1)(b)).

Source: Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.06(3)-(4); Wis. Stat. § 704.28(1)-(2)

Wear and tear / move-out charges

A landlord may not withhold any amount from a security deposit for normal wear and tear, or for other losses the tenant cannot reasonably be held responsible for. Standard deductions are limited to tenant damage, waste or neglect; unpaid rent; certain unpaid utilities and municipal permit fees; and other items listed in a separate signed 'Nonstandard Rental Provisions' document. The official notes to the rule state that routine painting or carpet cleaning (absent unusual damage from tenant abuse) is normal wear and tear; a lease may require the tenant to pay for routine carpet cleaning, but the cost may not be collected in advance or deducted from the deposit.

The carpet-cleaning notes cite Wisconsin Attorney General opinion OAG 4-13. The statute does not itself define 'normal wear and tear.'

Source: Wis. Stat. 704.28(1)-(3); Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.06(3)(c) and notes

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · Wisconsin tenant rights

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.