21 days to return the deposit; cap no statutory cap.
The deposit and an itemized statement are due within 21 days of move-out. There is no statutory cap on the deposit amount.
What this means for you: Wisconsin's 21-day window is firm; double damages plus fees apply to bad-faith withholding.
Your next step: Provide a forwarding address; send a demand if 21 days pass.
Source: Wis. Stat. § 704.28; Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.06. Reviewed 2026-06-16 (needs local verification).
More Wisconsin rights: Wisconsin eviction · Wisconsin repairs · Wisconsin entry notice · Wisconsin rent increase.
Security deposit in nearby states: Minnesota (21 days to return the deposit; cap no statutory cap) · Iowa (30 days to return the deposit; cap 2 months' rent) · Illinois (45 days to return the deposit; cap no statutory cap) · Michigan (30 days to return the deposit; cap 1.5 months' rent).
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and vary by locality; consult a licensed attorney or your local housing authority.
Updated July 2026