Legal Action of Wisconsin
Free civil legal help if you qualify, including evictions and housing problems. Phone intake on weekdays, 9 am to 4 pm.
Official page: legalaction.org
No cost Legal and Tenant Help in Wisconsin: Evictions, Deposits and Court
Free legal help in Wisconsin from Legal Action of Wisconsin, plus tenant basics from the state: eviction notices, no lockouts, security deposits, and court self help.
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Hi friend. A notice on your door can feel scary, but it does not mean you have to leave today. Read it, act fast, and get help. Free legal help is here in Wisconsin.
Quick answers
How do I get free legal help?
Legal Action of Wisconsin takes requests online 24 hours a day. You can also call 855 947 2529 on weekdays, 9 am to 4 pm. Intake takes about 20 minutes, so have your documents and a pen ready. Applying does not guarantee services. Eviction help is part of its housing services.
Official page: legalaction.org/get-help
What notice must my landlord give before an eviction?
If you have a lease, the landlord must first give a 5 day cure notice, which lets you pay or fix the problem. A 14 day notice ends the tenancy with no chance to cure. For month to month tenants, a landlord may serve a 14 day notice without the 5 day notice first.
Official page: datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Publications/LT-TenantsRights143.aspx
Can my landlord lock me out or take my things?
No. The landlord may not lock you out, turn off your utilities, take your belongings or use force to remove you. Removal happens only after a small claims court eviction order, and the county sheriff carries it out.
Official page: datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Publications/LT-TenantsRights143.aspx
When do I get my security deposit back?
After you move out, the landlord must return the deposit, less any lawful deductions, within 21 days. Anything withheld must be itemized in writing.
Official page: datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Publications/LT-TenantsRights143.aspx
Where can I get help with court forms?
The Wisconsin court self help page has forms and information on small claims, restraining orders, representing yourself and more. The State Law Library has staff who can help you find information. Court staff cannot give legal advice, so use legal aid for that.
Official page: wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/index.htm
Your next steps
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Bunkly tip: take photos of your home on the day you move in and the day you move out. They are strong proof if you need to get your deposit back.
Who to call in Wisconsin
Here are official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
Wisconsin DATCP, Consumer Protection
State tenant rights summary on notices, lockouts and security deposits.
Official page: datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Publications/LT-TenantsRights143.aspx
State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral Service
Listed by the state as a place to find a private attorney if you get an eviction summons.
Official page: datcp.wi.gov/Pages/Publications/LT-TenantsRights143.aspx
Wisconsin Court System, Self Help
Forms and guides on small claims, restraining orders and representing yourself. Court staff cannot give legal advice.
Official page: wicourts.gov/services/public/selfhelp/index.htm
211 Wisconsin
Ask 211 about tenant help and rental help near you. Dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211.
Official page: content.govdelivery.com/accounts/WIGOV/bulletins/3fbcb51
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Sources last checked Oct 28, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.