66.0104 Prohibiting ordinances that place certain limits or requirements on a landlord.

472 words·~2 min read·/wi/chapter-66/66-0104

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(1)In this section:

(ah)“Habitability violation” means any of the following conditions if the condition constitutes an ordinance violation:

1. The rental property or rental unit lacks hot or cold running water.

2. Heating facilities serving the rental property or rental unit are not in safe operating condition or are not capable of maintaining a temperature, in all living areas of the property or unit, of at least 67 degrees Fahrenheit during all seasons of the year in which the property or unit may be occupied. Temperatures in living areas shall be measured at the approximate center of the room, midway between floor and ceiling.

3. The rental property or rental unit is not served by electricity, or the electrical wiring, outlets, fixtures, or other components of the electrical system are not in safe operating condition.

4. Any structural or other conditions in the rental property or rental unit that constitute a substantial hazard to the health or safety of the tenant, or create an unreasonable risk of personal injury as a result of any reasonably foreseeable use of the property or unit other than negligent use or abuse of the property or unit by the tenant.

5. The rental property or rental unit is not served by plumbing facilities in good operating condition.

6. The rental property or rental unit is not served by sewage disposal facilities in good operating condition.

7. The rental property or rental unit lacks working smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors.

8. The rental property or rental unit is infested with rodents or insects.

9. The rental property or rental unit contains excessive mold.

(ax)“Premises” has the meaning given in s. 704.01

(3).

(b)“Rental agreement” has the meaning given in s. 704.01

(3m).

(c)“Tenancy” has the meaning given in s. 704.01

(4).

(a)No city, village, town, or county may enact an ordinance that places any of the following limitations on a residential landlord:

1. Prohibits a landlord from, or places limitations on a landlord with respect to, obtaining and using or attempting to obtain and use any of the following information with respect to a tenant or prospective tenant:

a. Monthly household income.

b. Occupation.

c. Rental history.

d. Credit information.

e. Court records, including arrest and conviction records, to which there is public access.

f. Social security number or other proof of identity.

2. Limits how far back in time a prospective tenant’s credit information, conviction record, or previous housing may be taken into account by a landlord.

3. Prohibits a landlord from, or places limitations on a landlord with respect to, entering into a rental agreement for a premises with a prospective tenant during the tenancy of the current tenant of the premises.