Before drawing up a leasing agreement for an apartment, consider the following legal aspects. From security deposits and entry rights to pet policy and disclosures, you must comply with Wisconsin laws.
Lessors have no limits on how much they can charge for the security deposit.
They also don’t need to bear interest on the amount or keep it in a separate account from their personal funds. Lessees aren’t entitled to interest on the amount, no matter how long the agreement is valid.
Lessors must return the security deposit within 30 days of the lease ending.
If the lessee provides a new forwarding address within that time, then the lessor must return the security deposit within 15 days of receiving the forwarding address.
Should the tenant cause damages worth more than the security deposit, the landlord can hold the lessee liable for that amount. They can also levy 10%/annum interest on unpaid amounts.
Landlords can only enter the property at reasonable times and with reasonable notice. This clause usually means during business hours and with a 24 to 48-hour notice period.
Valid reasons to enter the apartment are making repairs, conducting inspections, or doing regular maintenance.
The tenant must have a reasonable reason if they reject the lessor’s request, and landlords mustn’t harass tenants.
Should an emergency occur, the landlord can enter the apartment without the proper notice or consent.
Landlords can decide whether to allow pets in their apartments, provided the building code allows it.
Their pet policy can cover the type of pets they approve, leash requirements, pet behavior guidelines, and any other restrictions.
Lessors can also charge a pet deposit or penalty fees if the lessee breaches the pet policy.
Service animals are the exception to the rule. The ADA states that lessors must reasonably accommodate service animals.
A landlord cannot request to see identification or documentation about the tenant’s disability or the animal’s certification. However, they can ask whether they’re a service animal and their tasks if it’s not readily apparent.
You must add only two (2) disclosures to your leasing agreement. Without these disclosures, it might become invalid in the eyes of the law.
Fees:Should any fees the landlord requests be non-refundable in whole or part, they must inform the tenant.
Lead-Based Paint:Lessors must notify lessees about the hazards of lead-based paint. It’s only relevant for buildings older than or built during 1978.
Aside from these two (2) disclosures, there are a few other recommended ones you can add depending on specific needs.
Asbestos Disclosure
The Landlord’s/Agent’s Names and Addresses
Mold Disclosure
Medical Marijuana Disclosure
A Move-in Checklist
A Disclosure for Any Shared Utilities on the Property
Smoking Policy
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Using a Wyoming apartment lease agreement is the best option when leasing an apartment. It ensures the landlord and tenant have a document to refer back to and outline their relationship. It’s also more trustworthy in the eyes of the law. That’s why written agreements are better than oral ones. However, you must consider the legal aspects of these agreements before drafting one.
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