Wisconsin Eviction Notice Law
Wisconsin's notice period for unpaid rent is 5 days (5-day notice to pay rent or vacate). For a lease violation it is 5 days, and the tenant gets a chance to fix the problem.
Last verified: · Researched and cited by MakeLease · not yet attorney-reviewed
Not legal advice. A defective notice can restart an eviction case; ask a Wisconsin attorney or court self-help center before serving one. See our disclaimer.
Wisconsin eviction notice rules at a glance
| Notice for unpaid rent | 5 days (5-day notice to pay rent or vacate)Wis. Stat. § 704.17(1p)(a), (2)(a), (3)(a) |
|---|---|
| Notice for a lease violation | 5 days (chance to cure)Wis. Stat. § 704.17(1p)(b), (2)(b), (3)(a) |
| Ending a month-to-month tenancy (no-fault) | 28 days (either side)Wis. Stat. § 704.19 |
What Wisconsin law says
What notice must a Wisconsin landlord give before filing an eviction for unpaid rent?
For unpaid rent under a lease of one year or less or a periodic tenancy, give a written notice to pay or vacate at least 5 days later; a 14-day notice to vacate with no chance to pay is allowed for month-to-month tenants or after a repeat late payment within a year, and leases over one year need a 30-day notice (Wis. Stat. § 704.17) (Wis. Stat. § 704.17(1p)(a), (2)(a), (3)(a)).
How much notice is required for a lease violation in Wisconsin?
For a lease breach other than rent under a lease of one year or less, give a written notice to fix the breach or vacate at least 5 days later; a repeat breach within a year allows a 14-day notice to vacate, and leases over one year need a 30-day notice to comply (Wis. Stat. § 704.17(1p)(b), (2)(b), (3)(a)).
How much notice ends a month-to-month tenancy in Wisconsin?
Either party may end a Wisconsin month-to-month tenancy with written notice given at least 28 days in advance, and the termination date must fall at the end of a rental period (Wis. Stat. § 704.19(2)–(4)).
How Wisconsin compares
16 of 49 verified jurisdictions use a shorter unpaid-rent notice.
None of Wisconsin's 4 neighbors follows the same rule.
Local rules in Wisconsin
Madison is reported to cap residential late fees at 5% of monthly rent by ordinance (not verified against the Madison General Ordinances); check local codes in Madison and Milwaukee.