Retaliatory Eviction
Wis. Stat. 704.45 — no rent increase, cut in service or eviction because of a housing complaint
A Wisconsin residential landlord may not raise rent, decrease services, bring an action for possession, refuse to renew a lease or threaten any of those, if a preponderance of the evidence shows it would not happen but for retaliation against the tenant for:
- A good faith complaint about a defect to an elected public official or a local housing code enforcement agency.
- Complaining to the landlord about a violation of the repair statute or a local housing code.
- Exercising a legal right relating to residential tenancies.
Unpaid rent is the exception. The landlord may still bring an action for possession when the tenant has not paid rent, other than a rent increase the section forbids. And the section does not cover complaints about defects the affected tenant caused by negligence or improper use.
A lease letting the landlord take any of those steps because the tenant contacted law enforcement, health or safety services is void.
Sources for this section (2)
- Wis. Stat. 704.45 — Retaliatory conduct in residential tenancies prohibited
- Wis. Stat. 704.44 — Residential rental agreement that contains certain provisions is void
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Wisconsin attorney.