Bill > AB202

This bill aims to protect tenants by making certain provisions in residential rental agreements voidable, meaning tenants can choose to invalidate them or remove them from the agreement. Specifically, it targets clauses that allow landlords to evict tenants without proper legal procedures, accelerate rent payments upon default, require tenants to pay landlord attorney fees, allow landlords to confess judgment against tenants, waive landlord liability for negligent damage or injury, impose liability on tenants for crimes where they or a household member is the victim, or allow termination of tenancy for crimes without proper notice. The bill also clarifies that the Wisconsin Consumer Act, which provides consumer protections, generally does not apply to residential rental agreements governed by specific state statutes. If a tenant voids an agreement, their tenancy becomes a month-to-month arrangement with the same terms except for the voided provisions, and tenants can sue for damages if they suffer financial loss due to these prohibited clauses, potentially recovering double the amount lost plus attorney fees.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab202