Madison Security Deposit Rules & Return Timelines

Housing and Building Standards Wisconsin 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 09, 2026 Flag of Wisconsin

In Madison, Wisconsin, tenants and landlords must follow state law and city rules when taking, holding, and returning security deposits. This guide explains timing for return, required written statements, common compliant practices, and how to raise disputes locally. It summarizes official requirements, points to the controlling Wisconsin statute, and shows where to file complaints with Madison offices.

Key rules and timing

Under Wisconsin law a landlord must either return the tenant's security deposit or provide a written, itemized statement of deductions within the statutory timeframe after tenancy ends. Tenants should give a forwarding address and document the unit condition to support any claims.

  • Provide forwarding address and move-out date to trigger return timeline.
  • Landlord must provide an itemized statement of damages if any deductions are made.
  • Returned funds should equal the deposit less permissible deductions.

For the controlling statutory language, consult the Wisconsin statute on security deposits for exact deadlines and tenant remedies.[1]

Keep dated photos and a forwarding address to reduce disputes.

Common permitted deductions

  • Unpaid rent or utility charges legally chargeable to the tenant.
  • Repair costs for damage beyond normal wear and tear.
  • Cleaning costs required to return the unit to the condition at move-in, excluding normal wear.

Penalties & Enforcement

Primary enforcement for security deposit disputes is through tenant remedies under Wisconsin law and, for local housing code issues, City of Madison inspection or licensing divisions. The state statute describes tenant recovery and remedies; local enforcement for housing code violations uses Madison inspection and licensing processes. For Madison-specific complaint routes and housing resources, see the City of Madison renter resources page.[2]

  • Monetary fines or statutory damages for security deposit violations: not specified on the cited page.
  • Civil remedies: see the statute for tenant claims, damages, and possible recovery of costs and fees.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: orders to comply with housing code, license suspensions or revocations for repeat code violators.
  • Enforcer: City of Madison inspection/licensing divisions and the courts for civil claims.
  • Appeals/review: civil court actions; specific appeal time limits for administrative orders are not specified on the cited page.
If a landlord fails to account for deductions in writing, act quickly to preserve claims and evidence.

Applications & Forms

No universal city form is required specifically to request a security deposit return; tenants normally submit a written demand and may use standard demand letters or small claims court forms if required. Madison publishes renter resources and complaint portals for housing code or licensing matters.[2]

How to document and dispute a withheld deposit

  1. Document move-in condition with photos and keep the lease and any move-in checklist.
  2. Provide a forwarding address in writing and request the itemized statement if money is withheld.
  3. If you receive an itemized statement you dispute, request supporting receipts and communicate in writing.
  4. File a small claims action or contact City of Madison inspection/licensing if deductions relate to housing code enforcement.
Act within statutory timeframes and keep copies of all written communications.

FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return my security deposit?
Refer to Wisconsin law for the exact statutory timeframe and required written statement from the landlord.[1]
Can a landlord keep my full deposit for normal wear and tear?
No; landlords may not deduct for normal wear and tear but may deduct for repairs beyond normal deterioration and unpaid charges.
Where do I file a complaint in Madison?
Use the City of Madison renter resources and inspection/licensing complaint portals for housing code or landlord licensing issues.[2]

How-To

  1. At move-out, photograph the unit and save date-stamped evidence.
  2. Send a written demand for the deposit and include your forwarding address.
  3. If you receive an itemized deduction you dispute, ask for receipts and respond in writing within the statutory period.
  4. If unresolved, file in small claims court or contact City inspection/licensing for related housing code enforcement.

Key Takeaways

  • Know and act within statutory timelines for deposit return.
  • Document condition at move-in and move-out with photos and receipts.
  • Use Madison inspection/licensing channels for housing code issues and consider small claims for money disputes.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Wisconsin Statute 704.28 - Security deposits
  2. [2] City of Madison - Renters and Housing Resources

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