Wisconsin Eviction Notice Templates

A Wisconsin eviction notice notifies a tenant of nonpayment or lease violations. It explains what must be done to avoid eviction. If the tenant fails to comply, the landlord may proceed with eviction.

Create Document

Last updated January 26th, 2026

A Wisconsin eviction notice notifies a tenant of nonpayment or lease violations. It explains what must be done to avoid eviction. If the tenant fails to comply, the landlord may proceed with eviction.

32 Downloads
  1. Home »
  2. Eviction »
  3. Wisconsin

By Type

Pay or Quit – Sent to the tenant when rent is overdue.

Cure or Quit – Used by the landlord for lease violations.

Termination of Month-to-Month Tenancy (30-Day Notice) – Ends a month-to-month tenancy with proper notice.

Notice to Quit for Illegal Activity – Applies to unlawful conduct.

Eviction Laws

Wisconsin law distinguishes between first and second violations and between short-term and long-term leases.

  • Rent Grace Period: No grace period unless the lease explicitly allows one.[1]
  • Non-Payment of Rent:

    • First violation: 5-day notice with the option to cure.[2]
    • Second violation: 14-day notice with no option to cure.[2]
  • Lease Non-Compliance:

    • First violation: 5-day notice with the option to cure.[3]
    • Second violation: 14-day notice with no option to cure.[3]
  • Termination of Month-to-Month Tenancy: 28-day notice.[4]
  • Eviction Lawsuit Type: Eviction Actions.[5]

The notice must clearly describe the violation and state whether the tenant has the right to fix the issue or must move out.

 

Prohibited Landlord Actions

  • Utility Shutoff – Interrupting a tenant’s utility services to force them out is considered an illegal self-help eviction under Wisconsin law.[6]
  • Changing the Locks – A landlord may not exclude a tenant from a dwelling unit unless acting under a valid court order.[6]

Engaging in these actions can expose a landlord to liability and jeopardize the eviction case.

 

How to Evict a Tenant in Wisconsin (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Serve the Required Notice

The eviction process begins with a written notice. The landlord must keep proof of service, such as an affidavit or certified mail receipt. Common notices include:

  • 5-Day Notice to Quit – Leases of one year or less (first violation)
  • 14-Day Notice to Quit – Second violation
  • 28-Day Notice to Quit – Month-to-month tenancy
  • 30-Day Notice to Quit – Leases longer than one year

Step 2: File a Summons and Complaint

If the tenant does not comply, the landlord may file a Summons and Complaint (SC-500i) with the county small claims court. The landlord must also file:

Filing fees vary by county, including:

  • Milwaukee County: $98, plus $78 per person for sheriff service.[7]
  • Dane County: $94.50.[8]
  • Waukesha County: $94.50 for claims under $10,000; $125.50 for claims over $10,000.[9]

Step 3: Serve the Tenant

The tenant must be served by a process server or sheriff at least five days before the court date. The tenant may defend themselves by filing an Answer and Counterclaim (SC-5200V).

Step 4: Obtain and Enforce the Court Order

If the landlord prevails, the court issues a Writ of Restitution. The landlord delivers the writ to the sheriff along with keys to the unit and authorization from a mover. The sheriff has 10 days from receipt to complete the eviction.

 

Court Forms & Resources

Sources

  1. § 134.09(8)
  2. § 704.17(2)(a)
  3. § 704.17(2)(b)
  4. § 704.19(3)
  5. § 799.44
  6. § 134.09(7)
  7. Small Claims Checklist – Milwaukee County
  8. Court Fees – Dane County 
  9. Waukesha Circuit Court – All Civil Fees