Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1137

Introduced
3/13/26  
Refer
3/13/26  

Caption

An Act to amend 704.17 (1p) (a), 704.17 (2) (a) and 799.40 (1m) of the statutes; Relating to: evicting tenants for failure to pay rent.

Impact

If enacted, AB1137 would significantly alter the current state laws related to eviction procedures. It will likely result in a more expedited process for landlords, leading to quicker turnover of rental properties when tenants default. The implications of this bill could lead to increased instances of eviction, particularly during economic downturns when tenants might struggle to pay rent. Critics of the bill highlight that it could disproportionately affect lower-income individuals and families who may already be vulnerable. Thus, while landlords may benefit from expedited processes, there are concerns about tenant displacement and housing stability.

Summary

AB1137 focuses on the procedural aspects surrounding eviction due to failure to pay rent. The bill aims to streamline the eviction process, particularly for landlords, potentially making it easier and quicker to evict tenants who fail to fulfill their financial obligations regarding rent. Proponents argue that this legal clarification is necessary to protect landlords’ rights and ensure that they can maintain their property investments without prolonged legal battles. The bill outlines specific steps that must be followed to enact an eviction, including serving necessary notices and establishing timelines for both landlords and tenants.

Contention

The discussions surrounding AB1137 reveal a divide among stakeholders. Advocates for tenants' rights express profound concern that the bill prioritizes landlords' interests while inadequately addressing the rights and protections due to tenants. They argue that streamlining the eviction process without adequate safeguards could lead to unjust evictions and contribute to housing instability. Conversely, supporters of the bill assert that it would create a necessary balance, ensuring landlords can effectively manage their properties while still following a formal process for evictions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI SB100

Enacting the fair chance housing and homelessness reduction act to limit the use of past evictions and rental arrears to deny applicants from renting a home.

WI SB442

Real Property - Landlord and Tenant - Procedures for Failure to Pay Rent, Breach of Lease, and Tenant Holding Over

WI A09393

Reduces the period of notice required to be given when a written demand for rent is served on a tenant after the tenant has defaulted in the payment of rent and the period of notice to be given serving a warrant issued pursuant to a final judgment of eviction from fourteen days to seven days.

WI HB767

Real Property - Landlord and Tenant - Procedures for Failure to Pay Rent, Breach of Lease, and Tenant Holding Over

WI SB1993

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 13; Title 29 and Title 66, relative to evictions.

WI HB2041

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 13; Title 29 and Title 66, relative to evictions.

WI A10121

Establishes the "winter moratorium on evictions act" to prohibit eviction of tenants from residential properties during the winter months.

WI SB466

Providing tenants with relief from use by landlords of old eviction or rental arrears records to deny housing.

WI SB0020

Housing: landlord and tenants; cross-reference to the revised statutes of 1846; remove. Amends sec. 6 of 1978 PA 454 (MCL 554.636). TIE BAR WITH: SB 21'25, SB 19'25

WI SB0021

Housing: landlord and tenants; prohibition against tenants right to repair; disallow in truth and renting act. Amends secs. 3 & 4 of 1978 PA 454 (MCL 554.633 & 554.634). TIE BAR WITH: SB 19'25, SB 20'25

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