Jefferson County, Wisconsin: Where to File a Security Deposit Claim and What It Costs
Listed court is Jefferson County Circuit Court - Small Claims in Jefferson. Check venue on the court's official page or with the clerk. Filing fee: set by the court; see its fee table. Claims up to $10,000. Wisconsin return time: 21 calendar days or another period by condition. ACS two-bedroom rent: $1,041. Enter your dates below and send the dated letter first.
| Court listed | Jefferson County Circuit Court - Small Claims |
|---|---|
| City | Jefferson |
| Address | 311 S Center Ave, Jefferson, WI 53549 |
| Phone | (920) 674-7150 (listed in the state court directory 2026-09-21; not confirmed by the court) |
| Statewide filing fee | Current court fee schedule |
| Small claims limit | $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only) |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Time limit to sue | 6 years |
| Deposit statute | Wis. Stat. § 704.28; Wis. Admin. Code ATCP § 134.06 |
Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.
Details
Limits: $10,000 (statewide small claims (confirm current Wis. Stat. small-claims cap in county of filing) only).
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Details of the return rules
| When it applies | Deadline | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| On the end date | 21 days | after the rental agreement terminates |
| Before the end date, or I was evicted before it | 21 days | after the tenant's rental agreement terminates, or after the new tenant's tenancy begins if re-rented earlier |
| After the end date, or I was removed after it | 21 days | after landlord learns tenant vacated or was removed under s. 799.45(2) |
Wisconsin return rule: 21 calendar days (tenant vacates on the termination date of the rental agreement). Check the dates you entered above.
Court listed for this county: Jefferson County Circuit Court - Small Claims. Check venue on the official court page or with the clerk.
Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.
Who do you name in the claim?
Find and compare the legal names
Find and compare the legal names in these records:
- The lease: the Landlord or Owner line and who signed.
- The deposit receipt or the account your rent went to.
- The owner of record in the property records of Jefferson County.
- The Wisconsin business registry for an LLC or management company: its exact legal name and registered agent. Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (check the link; report an error if it is wrong)
A registered agent receives court papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
This page shows where the names are recorded; it does not decide who is legally liable.
What to bring to the clerk
- Your lease.
- Deposit receipt or payment record.
- The demand letter and proof of delivery.
- Move-out photos and an inventory or condition report.
Is it worth filing here?
Illustration: a deposit equal to one month's ACS median gross rent (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) for a home in Jefferson County. This is calculated from rent, not measured deposits. The statutory amount requires the rule's conditions.
| Bedrooms | Deposit owed | Statutory amount | Total illustration | Limit check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $810 | $810 | $1,620 | Fits under the $10,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 2 | $1,041 | $1,041 | $2,082 | Fits under the $10,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 3 | $1,267 | $1,267 | $2,534 | Fits under the $10,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 4 | $1,240 | $1,240 | $2,480 | Fits under the $10,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, tables B25064, B25031, B25003, B25070; accessed 2026-09-21. Penalty rule.
How does Jefferson County compare with other Wisconsin counties?
The two-bedroom median gross rent is $1,041: rank 13 of 72 counties with this metric in U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. 27.1% of households rent in Jefferson County.
| County | Median gross rent |
|---|---|
| Pierce County | $1,063 |
| Rock County | $1,043 |
| Jefferson County | $1,041 |
| Racine County | $1,026 |
| Outagamie County | $1,021 |
| Brown County | $1,020 |
Ranking uses the same ACS metric and period within this state; ties share a rank. Coverage is 72 of 72 listed counties. Census source.
Places in Jefferson County
- Cambridge
- Fort Atkinson
- Jefferson
- Johnson Creek
- Lac La Belle
- Lake Mills
- Palmyra
- Sullivan
- Waterloo
- Watertown
- Whitewater
These are Census places in the county. Check the rental's address with the clerk to find the court.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census place-to-county relationship file
Free legal help
- Legal Action of Wisconsin: Free civil legal help for eligible Wisconsin residents, including housing matters. Judicare Legal Aid merged into Legal Action on January 1, 2026; the combined organization serves the entire state and Tribal Nations.
FAQ
How much does it cost to file in Jefferson County?
The court sets the fee. Check the current schedule. Court page
Where do I file a deposit claim in Jefferson County?
Jefferson County Circuit Court - Small Claims is listed. Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk. Court page
Who should I name in the claim?
Compare the legal names on the lease, deposit receipt, property records and business registry. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
What should I bring to the clerk?
Bring your lease, deposit receipt, demand letter, proof of delivery, photos and any move-out inventory.