Wisconsin Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Wisconsin facts

Security deposit 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… Wis. Stat. § 704.28(4); Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.06(2)

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

Month-to-month/week-to-week: 5-day pay-or-vacate notice, or (month-to-month only) a 14-day notice to vacate with no right to cure. Wis. Stat. § 704.17(1p)(a), (2)(a), (3)(a)

Small claims limit

$10,000 for money claims and replevin of property worth up to $10,000, rising to $15,000 on January 1, 2027 (2025 Wis. Act 105). Wis. Stat. 799.01(1)

Small estate affidavit

Yes, 'transfer by affidavit.' If the decedent's property subject to administration in Wisconsin does not exceed $50,000 in gross value, an heir, the trustee of the decedent's revocable trust, the person named in the… Wis. Stat. § 867.03

Minimum wage

$7.25 per hour. Workers under 20 may be paid an opportunity wage of $5.90 per hour for their first 90 consecutive days (or until they turn 20, if sooner). Wisconsin minimum wage law (DWD)

Final paycheck if fired

Paid in full no later than the next regular payday under the employer's payroll schedule, or within 31 days, whichever is earlier (does not apply to commissioned sales agents or employees with a written contract for a… Wis. Stat. § 109.03(2)

Time limit to sue on a debt

6 years for an action on any contract, obligation or liability, express or implied. Wis. Stat. 893.43(1)