Wisconsin · WI

Demand letters in Wisconsin.

In Wisconsin, landlords must return a deposit within 21 days, and the Small Claims Court (Circuit Court) hears claims up to $10,000 (no limit for eviction; $5,000 for some tort claims). Here's the law you need — and a generator that cites it for you.

Create a Wisconsin demand letter See the deadlines
By The Demand Letter Kit Team Sourced from official statutesUpdated June 1, 2026

Wisconsin demand letter facts at a glance

Deposit return deadline

21 days

Small claims limit

$10,000 (no limit for eviction; $5,000 for some tort claims)

Filing fee

About $94–$98

Written-contract SOL

6 years

Personal-injury SOL

3 years

Legal/judgment interest

12% per year on most judgments; 1% above prime on contract judgments where no rate is set.

Security deposit demand letters in Wisconsin

If your former landlord is holding your deposit, Wisconsin law is on your side. A landlord must return your security deposit within 21 days, along with an itemized statement of any deductions. Wrongful withholding can expose the landlord to double damages plus attorney’s fees under Wisconsin’s consumer-protection rules.

Governing statute: Wis. Stat. § 704.28; Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.06 · read it

Build a Wisconsin security-deposit letter

Statutes of limitation in Wisconsin

A demand letter doesn't pause the clock — you must file suit within these windows:

Written contracts 6 years
Oral contracts 6 years
Personal injury 3 years
Property damage 6 years

Small claims court in Wisconsin

If your demand letter is ignored, Wisconsin's Small Claims Court (Circuit Court) is usually the next step. It hears claims up to $10,000 (no limit for eviction; $5,000 for some tort claims), with filing fees around About $94–$98. You typically don't need a lawyer, and mentioning that you're prepared to file gives your letter real weight.

Wisconsin courts self-help

Good to know in Wisconsin

Wisconsin requires deposits returned within 21 days, and because withholding can violate the state’s consumer-protection rule (ATCP 134), tenants may recover double damages plus attorney’s fees — a powerful combination to cite in a demand. Small claims in the Circuit Court covers up to $10,000 for most money claims (limits differ for some torts). Wisconsin applies a generous six-year limitations period to contracts and property damage.

Common demand letters in Wisconsin

Each generator automatically applies Wisconsin law where it matters.

Security Deposit Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding the return of your security deposit, citing your move-out date and your state’s legal deadline.

Create this letter

Unpaid Invoice Demand Letter

A firm final notice that tells a non-paying client exactly what they owe, by when, and what happens if they ignore it.

Create this letter

Contractor Dispute Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding a contractor finish the work, fix defective work, or refund your money under your agreement.

Create this letter

Debt Collection Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding repayment of money you are owed on a personal loan, IOU, or other unpaid debt.

Create this letter

Property Damage Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding payment from whoever damaged your property, backed by repair estimates and photos.

Create this letter

Unpaid Wages Demand Letter

A formal letter demanding an employer pay wages, overtime, or a final paycheck you earned and are owed.

Create this letter

Wisconsin demand letter FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, a landlord generally must return your security deposit within 21 days. Wrongful withholding can expose the landlord to double damages plus attorney’s fees under Wisconsin’s consumer-protection rules. The governing statute is Wis. Stat. § 704.28; Wis. Admin. Code ATCP 134.06.
What is the small claims court limit in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin's Small Claims Court (Circuit Court) hears claims up to $10,000 (no limit for eviction; $5,000 for some tort claims), with filing fees of roughly About $94–$98. Most demand-letter disputes fall within this limit, which is what makes a demand letter such effective leverage.
How long do I have to sue in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin's statute of limitations is 6 years for written contracts, 6 years for oral contracts, 3 years for personal injury, and 6 years for property damage. Sending a demand letter does not pause these deadlines, so don't wait too long.
Do I have to send a demand letter before filing in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin does not always require a demand letter before suing, but sending one is strongly recommended: many courts expect it, it can resolve the dispute without filing, and it documents that you tried to settle in good faith — which helps your case if you do end up in Small Claims Court (Circuit Court).

Send a demand letter that cites Wisconsin law.

Build a professional, state-specific demand letter in minutes. Free to create — no account, no credit card, no watermark on your draft.

Create my demand letter Browse templates
  • Free to create — no signup
  • Drafted privately in your browser
  • Sourced from official statutes
  • State-specific statutes & deadlines