Wisconsin Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free Wisconsin security deposit demand letter that follows Wisconsin law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.
What Wisconsin law says
| Deposit return deadline | 21 days. If the tenant leaves on the termination date, the clock starts on that date. If the tenant leaves or is evicted early, it starts on the termination date, or when a new tenancy begins if the landlord re-rents first. If the tenant leaves after the termination date, it starts when the landlord learns the tenant has left or been removed. |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Penalty for withholding | Twice the tenant's pecuniary loss, plus costs and reasonable attorney fees, for violations of ATCP 134 (including deposit rules). |
| 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. |
Fill in your letter
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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under Wis. Stat. § 704.28(4); Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.06(2), a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by Wis. Stat. § 100.20(5); Wis. Stat. § 704.95.
Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________
How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.
Security Deposit Demand Letter templates for other states · All Wisconsin landlord-tenant rules · Free legal help in Wisconsin
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.