Wisconsin Small Claims Court for a Security Deposit
Limits: $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only). Court: Small Claims Court (circuit court small claims procedure). Limitation period listed in our state data: 6 years. Filing fees vary by county; service costs may be extra. See the table. E-filing verified in 5/72 counties. Typical demand-letter response window: 21 days.
County court coverage and fees
72 listed counties · E-filing: Yes 5, No 0, Not verified 67
Deposit return deadlines
- 21 calendar days after the rental agreement terminates. tenant vacates on the termination date of the rental agreement.
- 21 calendar days after the tenant's rental agreement terminates, or after the new tenant's tenancy begins if re-rented earlier. tenant vacates or is evicted before the termination date.
- 21 calendar days after landlord learns tenant vacated or was removed under s. 799.45(2). tenant vacates or is evicted after the termination date of the rental agreement.
From a letter to court
- Send a Wisconsin security deposit demand letter stating the deposit amount supported by your records.
- Before you file: review the deposit return deadlines above and allow the typical response window of 21 days after your letter.
- Time limit to sue in Wisconsin: 6 years.
- Check the court's filing instructions. Keep your lease, payment records, photos, letter, and proof of delivery ready.
How to file
Forms: Court forms and filing information
File online: Varies by county
Attorneys allowed: Yes
Free Wisconsin template, built from verified state data
I rented [rental property address] from [lease start date] to [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[amount]. I returned the keys on [date] and gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date]. Under Wisconsin law (Wis. Stat. § 704.28), a landlord must return the deposit or respond in writing within [21 calendar days, see the note above] after [the event listed in the note above].
Key facts
| Small claims limit | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) |
|---|---|
| Court | Small Claims Court (circuit court small claims procedure) |
| Limitation period listed in our state data | 6 years |
| Bad faith required | No |
| Itemization required | Yes |
What you can recover
civil recovery of double the amount wrongfully withheld plus costs and reasonable attorney's fees under unfair trade practice framework (ATCP 134 via Wis. Stat. ch. 100); statute § 704.28 itself states timing and withholding rules. Bad faith required: No.
County small claims courts
| County | Court and city | Limit | Filing fee | E-filing | Court link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee County | Milwaukee County Circuit Court - Civil Division, Small Claims, Milwaukee | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: $94.50 statewide small-claims filing fee; service is extra | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Dane County | Dane County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Madison | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: $94.50 statewide small-claims filing fee; service is extra | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Waukesha County | Waukesha County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Waukesha | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: $94.50 statewide small-claims filing fee; service is extra | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Brown County | Brown County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Green Bay | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: $94.50 statewide small-claims filing fee; service is extra | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Racine County | Racine County Circuit Court - Civil Court, Small Claims, Racine | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: $94.50 statewide small-claims filing fee; service is extra | Yes | Official court website Court page check not recorded |
| Adams County | Adams County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Friendship | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Ashland County | Ashland County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Ashland | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Barron County | Barron County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Barron | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Bayfield County | Bayfield County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Washburn | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Buffalo County | Buffalo County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Alma | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Burnett County | Burnett County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Siren | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Link points to the state court directory |
| Calumet County | Calumet County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Chilton | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Chippewa County | Chippewa County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Chippewa Falls | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Clark County | Clark County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Neillsville | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Columbia County | Columbia County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Portage | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Crawford County | Crawford County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Prairie du Chien | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Dodge County | Dodge County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Juneau | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Door County | Door County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Sturgeon Bay | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Douglas County | Douglas County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Superior | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Dunn County | Dunn County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Menomonie | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Eau Claire County | Eau Claire County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Eau Claire | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Florence County | Florence County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Florence | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Fond du Lac County | Fond du Lac County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Fond du Lac | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Forest County | Forest County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Crandon | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Grant County | Grant County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Lancaster | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Green County | Green County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Monroe | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Green Lake County | Green Lake County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Green Lake | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Iowa County | Iowa County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Dodgeville | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Iron County | Iron County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Hurley | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Jackson County | Jackson County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Black River Falls | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Jefferson County | Jefferson County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Jefferson | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Juneau County | Juneau County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Mauston | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Kenosha County | Kenosha County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Kenosha | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Kewaunee County | Kewaunee County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Kewaunee | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| La Crosse County | La Crosse County Circuit Court - Small Claims, La Crosse | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Lafayette County | Lafayette County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Darlington | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Langlade County | Langlade County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Antigo | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Lincoln County | Lincoln County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Merrill | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Manitowoc County | Manitowoc County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Manitowoc | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Marathon County | Marathon County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Wausau | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Marinette County | Marinette County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Marinette | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Marquette County | Marquette County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Montello | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Menominee County | Menominee County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Keshena | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Monroe County | Monroe County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Sparta | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Oconto County | Oconto County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Oconto | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Oneida County | Oneida County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Rhinelander | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Outagamie County | Outagamie County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Appleton | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Ozaukee County | Ozaukee County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Port Washington | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Pepin County | Pepin County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Durand | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Pierce County | Pierce County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Ellsworth | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Polk County | Polk County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Balsam Lake | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Portage County | Portage County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Stevens Point | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Price County | Price County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Phillips | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Richland County | Richland County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Richland Center | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Rock County | Rock County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Janesville | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Rusk County | Rusk County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Ladysmith | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| St. Croix County | St. Croix County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Hudson | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Sauk County | Sauk County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Baraboo | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Sawyer County | Sawyer County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Hayward | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Shawano County | Shawano County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Shawano | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Sheboygan County | Sheboygan County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Sheboygan | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Taylor County | Taylor County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Medford | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Trempealeau County | Trempealeau County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Whitehall | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Vernon County | Vernon County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Viroqua | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Vilas County | Vilas County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Eagle River | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Walworth County | Walworth County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Elkhorn | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Washburn County | Washburn County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Shell Lake | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Washington County | Washington County Circuit Court - Small Claims, West Bend | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court page checked 2026-09-20 |
| Waupaca County | Waupaca County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Waupaca | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Waushara County | Waushara County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Wautoma | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Winnebago County | Winnebago County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Oshkosh | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | Official court website Court site located; the court's server blocks automated checks |
| Wood County | Wood County Circuit Court - Small Claims, Wisconsin Rapids | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) | Statewide filing fee: Set by the court; call the clerk or check the court page. | Not verified | State court directory Link points to the state court directory |
Detailed guides for 72 counties
- Milwaukee County
- Dane County
- Waukesha County
- Brown County
- Racine County
- Adams County
- Ashland County
- Barron County
- Bayfield County
- Buffalo County
- Burnett County
- Calumet County
- Chippewa County
- Clark County
- Columbia County
- Crawford County
- Dodge County
- Door County
- Douglas County
- Dunn County
- Eau Claire County
- Florence County
- Fond du Lac County
- Forest County
- Grant County
- Green County
- Green Lake County
- Iowa County
- Iron County
- Jackson County
- Jefferson County
- Juneau County
- Kenosha County
- Kewaunee County
- La Crosse County
- Lafayette County
- Langlade County
- Lincoln County
- Manitowoc County
- Marathon County
- Marinette County
- Marquette County
- Menominee County
- Monroe County
- Oconto County
- Oneida County
- Outagamie County
- Ozaukee County
- Pepin County
- Pierce County
- Polk County
- Portage County
- Price County
- Richland County
- Rock County
- Rusk County
- St. Croix County
- Sauk County
- Sawyer County
- Shawano County
- Sheboygan County
- Taylor County
- Trempealeau County
- Vernon County
- Vilas County
- Walworth County
- Washburn County
- Washington County
- Waupaca County
- Waushara County
- Winnebago County
- Wood County
Statute says
If any portion of a security deposit is withheld by a landlord, the landlord shall, within the time period and in the manner specified under sub. (2), deliver or mail to the tenant a written statement accounting for all amounts withheld.
What this means
Tenant resources
- Legal Action of Wisconsin - housing legal serviceslegal aid
- Tenant Resource Centertenant union in Madison
- Wisconsin DATCP - Landlord and Tenant Guideag consumer
- Wisconsin Court System - Guide to Small Claims Courtcourt self help
FAQ
What is the small claims limit in Wisconsin?
$10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only)
What is the statute of limitations?
Limitation period listed in our state data: 6 years.
Can I recover more than my deposit?
civil recovery of double the amount wrongfully withheld plus costs and reasonable attorney's fees under unfair trade practice framework (ATCP 134 via Wis. Stat. ch. 100); statute § 704.28 itself states timing and withholding rules. Bad faith required: No.
Which court handles the claim?
Small Claims Court (circuit court small claims procedure)
Should I send a demand letter first?
First listed deposit return deadline: 21 calendar days after the rental agreement terminates. tenant vacates on the termination date of the rental agreement. Typical response window after a demand letter: 21 days.