Fountain City, WI Security Deposit Laws 2026
Wisconsin limits security deposits to 2 month(s) of rent. In Fountain City, that's $1,946 at the median 2BR rent of $973/month. Miss the 21-day return deadline and you could owe $1,946+.
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 $1,946 or more.
This applies to properties in Fountain City, WI. Check all requirements for your property →
Key Takeaways — Fountain City Security Deposit Laws
- Maximum deposit: 2 month(s) of rent = $1,946 at Fountain City's median rent
- Return deadline: 21 days after tenant moves out
- Penalty for late return: Up to 2x the deposit ($1,946)
- Itemized statement: Required with any deductions
Security Deposit Laws in Fountain City
Under Wisconsin law, landlords in Fountain City may collect a maximum security deposit of 2 month(s) of rent. At Fountain City's median 2-bedroom rent of $973/month, that means the most you can legally collect is $1,946.
$1,946
max deposit (2mo × $973)
21 days
return deadline
$1,946
max penalty for late return
Returning the Deposit: The 21-Day Clock
Once a tenant moves out of your Fountain City 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 Fountain City:
- 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 Fountain City and you could owe $1,946+. At Fountain City's median rent of $973/month, even a single violation adds up fast.
Fountain City Rental Market Context
Fountain City is the 403rd-largest city in Wisconsin (population 778). With a median 2-bedroom rent of $973/month, it falls in the budget range for Wisconsin rental costs — 4% below the state median of $1,010/month.
How Fountain City Compares in Buffalo County
Fountain City ranks #2 of 5 cities in Buffalo County by population. Because security deposit laws rules are often tied to rent amounts, costs vary across the county.
| City | Population | Median Rent | Max Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mondovi | 2,848 | $973/mo | $1,946 |
| Fountain City | 778 | $973/mo | $1,946 |
| Alma | 717 | $973/mo | $1,946 |
| Cochrane | 419 | $973/mo | $1,946 |
| Nelson | 319 | $973/mo | $1,946 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Buffalo County, Wisconsin. All cities follow Wisconsin state law unless a local ordinance applies.
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How Fountain City Rents Affect Deposit Amounts
Deposit amounts scale with local rents. Here's what Fountain City landlords typically collect:
| Unit Size | Median Rent (Fountain City) | Max Deposit (2mo) | Penalty Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $691/mo | $1,382 | $2,764 |
| 1-Bedroom | $742/mo | $1,484 | $2,968 |
| 2-Bedroom | $973/mo | $1,946 | $3,892 |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,184/mo | $2,368 | $4,736 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Buffalo County.
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Security Deposit Laws in Nearby Cities
Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:
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Download Free ChecklistReviewed 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.
