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Sauk City, WI Security Deposit Laws 2026

Wisconsin limits security deposits to 2 month(s) of rent. In Sauk City, that's $2,222 at the median 2BR rent of $1,111/month. Miss the 21-day return deadline and you could owe $2,222+.

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 $2,222 or more.

Key Takeaways — Sauk City Security Deposit Laws

  • Maximum deposit: 2 month(s) of rent = $2,222 at Sauk City's median rent
  • Return deadline: 21 days after tenant moves out
  • Penalty for late return: Up to 2x the deposit ($2,222)
  • Itemized statement: Required with any deductions

Security Deposit Laws in Sauk City

Under Wisconsin law, landlords in Sauk City may collect a maximum security deposit of 2 month(s) of rent. At Sauk City's median 2-bedroom rent of $1,111/month, that means the most you can legally collect is $2,222.

$2,222

max deposit (2mo × $1,111)

21 days

return deadline

$2,222

max penalty for late return

Returning the Deposit: The 21-Day Clock

Once a tenant moves out of your Sauk 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 Sauk 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 Sauk City and you could owe $2,222+. At Sauk City's median rent of $1,111/month, even a single violation adds up fast.

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How Sauk City Rents Affect Deposit Amounts

Deposit amounts scale with local rents. Here's what Sauk City landlords typically collect:

Unit Size Median Rent (Sauk City) Max Deposit (2mo) Penalty Risk
Studio $807/mo $1,614 $3,228
1-Bedroom $951/mo $1,902 $3,804
2-Bedroom $1,111/mo $2,222 $4,444
3-Bedroom $1,404/mo $2,808 $5,616

Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Sauk County.

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Security Deposit Laws in Nearby Cities

Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:

Prairie du Sac, WI
Pop. 4,370
Mazomanie, WI
Pop. 1,750
Black Earth, WI
Pop. 1,448
Merrimac, WI
Pop. 518
Lodi, WI
Pop. 3,199

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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 Sauk 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.