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Fond du Lac, WI Security Deposit Laws 2026

Wisconsin limits security deposits to 2 month(s) of rent. In Fond du Lac, that's $2,352 at the median 2BR rent of $1,176/month. Miss the 21-day return deadline and you could owe $2,352+.

In Wisconsin, landlords must return security deposits within 21 days after move-out. The maximum deposit is 2 month(s) of rent. Failure to return on time or provide an itemized statement can result in penalties of $2,352 or more.

This applies to properties in Fond du Lac, WI. Check all requirements for your property →

Key Takeaways — Fond du Lac Security Deposit Laws

  • Maximum deposit: 2 month(s) of rent = $2,352 at Fond du Lac's median rent
  • Return deadline: 21 days after tenant moves out
  • Penalty for late return: Up to 2x the deposit ($2,352)
  • Itemized statement: Required with any deductions

Security Deposit Laws in Fond du Lac

Under Wisconsin law, landlords in Fond du Lac may collect a maximum security deposit of 2 month(s) of rent. At Fond du Lac's median 2-bedroom rent of $1,176/month, that means the most you can legally collect is $2,352.

$2,352

max deposit (2mo × $1,176)

21 days

return deadline

$2,352

max penalty for late return

Returning the Deposit: The 21-Day Clock

Once a tenant moves out of your Fond du Lac rental, Wisconsin law gives you exactly 21 days to either return the full deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. The clock starts on the day the tenant surrenders possession — not when you inspect the unit.

What you can deduct from a security deposit in Fond du Lac:

  • Unpaid rent
  • Damage beyond normal wear and tear
  • Cleaning costs to restore the unit to move-in condition
  • Costs for restoring or replacing personal property (if lease allows)

What you cannot deduct:

  • Normal wear and tear (minor scuffs, carpet wear, faded paint)
  • Pre-existing damage (document with photos at move-in)
  • Professional cleaning if the tenant left the unit in reasonable condition

Penalty Warning

Violate Wisconsin security deposit laws rules in Fond du Lac and you could owe $2,352+. At Fond du Lac's median rent of $1,176/month, even a single violation adds up fast.

Don’t risk it. Let LeaseBase handle the compliance.

LeaseBase automatically tracks deposit amounts, calculates return deadlines, and generates compliant itemized statements — so you never miss a deadline.

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How Fond du Lac Rents Affect Deposit Amounts

Deposit amounts scale with local rents. Here's what Fond du Lac landlords typically collect:

Unit Size Median Rent (Fond du Lac) Max Deposit (2mo) Penalty Risk
Studio $811/mo $1,622 $3,244
1-Bedroom $946/mo $1,892 $3,784
2-Bedroom $1,176/mo $2,352 $4,704
3-Bedroom $1,522/mo $3,044 $6,088

Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Fond du Lac County.

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Security Deposit Laws in Nearby Cities

Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:

Eden, WI
Pop. 901
Oakfield, WI
Pop. 1,057
Mount Calvary, WI
Pop. 487
Rosendale, WI
Pop. 1,033
Brownsville, WI
Pop. 649

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How we researched this page: Security deposit laws rules are based on Wisconsin state statutes. Rent data comes from HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Fond du Lac County. Last updated: August 2026.
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Reviewed by Rachid Abadli

Founder & CEO, LeaseBase · Sacramento landlord · Self-managing since 2019

LeaseBase is a property management platform — not a law firm. Consult an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.