Lease Agreement Template Wisconsin

WISCONSIN RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT

Document Control:

• Effective Date: [Effective Date]
• Version: 2024.1
• Jurisdiction/Scope: State of Wisconsin (Wis. Stat. Chapter 704; Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134)

---

1. LEGAL NOTICE & COMPLIANCE DISCLAIMER

This document is a legal template drafted for general informational and transactional use within the State of Wisconsin. Real estate laws are subject to local ordinances (e.g., City of Madison/Milwaukee tenant protections) and statutory amendments. Parties must verify compliance with Chapter 704 of the Wisconsin Statutes and ATCP 134 prior to execution. Legal counsel should be consulted for specific residential or commercial applications.

---

2. PARTIES & DEFINITIONS

This Residential Lease Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into as of [Date], by and between:

• Landlord: [Landlord Full Legal Name / Business Entity], having a principal place of business at [Landlord Address] ("Landlord"), and
• Tenant(s): [Tenant 1 Full Legal Name], [Tenant 2 Full Legal Name] ("Tenant").

Defined Terms:

• Premises: The real property located at [Street Address, Unit Number], City of [City], Wisconsin, Zip Code [Zip Code], including the following appliances and fixtures: [List Included Appliances, e.g., Refrigerator, Range, Washer, Dryer].
• Term: Commencing at 12:00 Noon on [Lease Start Date] and expiring at 11:59 PM on [Lease End Date] (the "Term").
• Rent: [Monthly Rent Amount in USD] dollars per calendar month.
• Security Deposit: [Security Deposit Amount in USD] dollars.
• Authorized Occupants: In addition to Tenant, only the following individuals may occupy the Premises: [Names of Minor Children or Other Occupants, or "None"].

---

3. OPERATIVE CLAUSES & TERMS

SECTION 1: RENT PAYMENT & UTILITIES

1.1 Rent Due Date: Tenant shall pay Rent in advance on or before the first (1st) day of each calendar month without demand, deduction, or offset. Payments shall be remitted to Landlord at [Landlord Remittance Address or Electronic Portal Instructions]. 1.2 Late Fees & Returned Checks: If Rent is not received by Landlord by the fifth (5th) day of the month, Tenant shall pay a late fee of [Late Fee Amount, e.g., $50.00 or 5% of monthly rent], which constitutes liquidated damages for administrative costs. A fee of [NSF Fee Amount, e.g., $35.00] shall be assessed for any check returned for insufficient funds. 1.3 Utilities: Tenant shall directly contract and pay for all utilities associated with the Premises, including [Check/List: Electricity, Gas, Water, Sewer, Trash Removal], except for [List Landlord-Paid Utilities, e.g., None], which shall be paid by Landlord.

SECTION 2: SECURITY DEPOSIT & CONDITIONS

2.1 Receipt & Holding: Landlord acknowledges receipt of the Security Deposit. The Security Deposit shall be held in an interest-bearing or non-interest-bearing account in a financial institution authorized to do business in Wisconsin, in compliance with Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.06. 2.2 Deductions & Return: Within twenty-one (21) days after surrender of the Premises, Landlord shall deliver to Tenant the full Security Deposit or a written itemized accounting of any deductions withheld for unpaid rent, utility charges, or actual damage to the Premises caused by Tenant's breach or negligence (excluding normal wear and tear). 2.3 Wisconsin Statutory Notice (ATCP 134.06(5)(c)): Tenant has seven (7) days from the date of occupancy to inspect the Premises and notify Landlord in writing of any pre-existing damages or defects to avoid being charged for such conditions upon vacating.

SECTION 3: USE & OCCUPANCY RESTRICTIONS

3.1 Residential Use: The Premises shall be used and occupied solely as a private residential dwelling by Tenant and Authorized Occupants. 3.2 Subletting & Assignment: Tenant shall not assign this Agreement, sublet all or any portion of the Premises, or grant any license to use the Premises without Landlord's prior written consent, which consent may be withheld in Landlord's sole discretion. 3.3 Nuisance & Compliance: Tenant, guests, and invitees shall comply with all applicable state laws, municipal ordinances, and condo/HOA bylaws. Tenant shall not commit waste, create a nuisance, or disturb the peaceful enjoyment of neighboring residents.

SECTION 4: MAINTENANCE, REPAIRS, & ALTERATIONS

4.1 Tenant Maintenance: Tenant shall keep the Premises clean, sanitary, and in good operating condition. Tenant shall promptly notify Landlord of any structural defects, water leaks, or mechanical failures. 4.2 Alterations: Tenant shall not paint, wallpaper, or make any structural alterations, additions, or improvements to the Premises without Landlord’s prior written consent. 4.3 Landlord Entry: Pursuant to Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.09(4), Landlord may enter the Premises upon at least twelve (12) hours' advance notice (by phone, mail, or personal delivery) to inspect, make repairs, show the property to prospective buyers/tenants, or address emergencies.

SECTION 5: DEFAULT, REMEDIES, & TERMINATION

5.1 Tenant Default: If Tenant fails to pay Rent when due, breaches any material provision of this Agreement, or violates applicable Wisconsin statutes, Landlord may issue statutory notices pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 704.17, including:

• 5-Day Notice for failure to pay rent or breach of lease conditions.
• 14-Day Notice for breach of lease conditions with right to cure (where applicable).
• 14-Day Notice without right to cure for property damage, drug-related activity, or criminal acts threatening health/safety. 5.2 Holding Over: If Tenant retains possession of the Premises post-expiration without Landlord's consent, Tenant shall be deemed a holdover tenant and shall pay double the daily prorated rent, plus consequential damages incurred by Landlord.

SECTION 6: GENERAL PROVISIONS

6.1 Severability: If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect. 6.2 Entire Agreement: This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between Landlord and Tenant and supersedes all prior oral or written agreements. 6.3 Governing Law: This Agreement shall be governed by, construed, and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Wisconsin.

---

4. SIGNATURES & ACKNOWLEDGMENT BLOCK

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Residential Lease Agreement as of the Effective Date written above.

LANDLORD:

Signature: __________________________________________________
Printed Name: [Landlord Signatory Name]
Title: [Landlord Title, e.g., Owner / Managing Agent]
Date: [Date]

TENANT(S):

Signature: __________________________________________________
Printed Name: [Tenant 1 Full Legal Name]
Date: [Date]

Signature: __________________________________________________
Printed Name: [Tenant 2 Full Legal Name]
Date: [Date]

---

5. STEP-BY-STEP EXECUTION GUIDE

1. Complete All Fields: Fill in all bracketed fields ([...]) with accurate data prior to presentation, ensuring compliance with local municipal codes (e.g., Madison/Milwaukee specific ordinances).
2. Inspection Checklist: Provide Tenant with a check-in sheet upon execution. Tenant must complete and return the written inspection checklist within seven (7) days of occupancy to comply with Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.06(5)(c).
3. Execution & Delivery: Secure physical or cryptographic electronic signatures from all adult tenants and the Landlord. Deliver a fully executed copy of the Agreement to the Tenant within 48 hours of signing.
4. Record Retention: Both Landlord and Tenant must retain copies of this executed Agreement, along with all security deposit receipts and inspection reports, for at least three (3) years post-tenancy.