Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB1029

Introduced
2/17/26  
Refer
2/17/26  

Caption

An Act to repeal 66.0104 of the statutes; Relating to: local regulation of landlords.

Impact

The repeal of these provisions could significantly alter the landscape of landlord-tenant relationships across the state. Supporters of SB1029 argue that it will simplify the rental process for landlords and potentially lead to more efficient property management practices. This could be beneficial in increasing the available rental market and reducing some barriers that currently exist within local regulatory frameworks. However, this change may also lead to concerns regarding tenant protections and fair housing practices, as local entities would lose the ability to impose stricter regulations aimed at safeguarding tenant interests.

Summary

Senate Bill 1029 aims to repeal existing regulations that inhibit local jurisdictions from enacting certain ordinances regarding the operation of residential landlords. These prohibitions currently limit how landlords can obtain information about potential tenants and dictate various stipulations concerning the rental relationship. By repealing these provisions, SB1029 seeks to provide landlords with greater flexibility and autonomy in managing their properties and conducting tenant screenings.

Contention

Opposition to SB1029 may arise primarily from tenant advocacy groups and local governments. Critics argue that this bill could undermine tenant rights, allowing landlords to engage in practices viewed as exploitative, such as excessive tenant screening based on personal data without transparency. There are apprehensions that without local regulations, tenants may face increased difficulty in finding equitable rental agreements and safer living conditions. The debate centers on finding a balance between facilitating business operations for landlords and adequately protecting the rights of tenants.

Companion Bills

WI AB1048

Crossfiled An Act to repeal 66.0104 of the statutes; Relating to: local regulation of landlords.

Previously Filed As

WI AB1048

Local regulation of landlords.

WI SB1098

Local regulation of landlords and tenants.

WI AB1133

Local regulation of landlords and tenants.

WI S2716

Creates the joint committee of the repealer for a term of six (6) years to compile suggestions for repeal of certain statutes, regulations, and executive orders.

WI SB494

Repealing prohibition on state and local government labor regulation. (FE)

WI AB478

Repealing prohibition on state and local government labor regulation. (FE)

WI HB5310

Relating to the repeal of certain laws regulating abortion and the construction of abortion statutes.

WI SB412

In fiscal supplements to statutory programs, repealing provisions relating to regulation of rodeos or rodeo-related events.

WI HB492

In fiscal supplements to statutory programs, repealing provisions relating to regulation of rodeos or rodeo-related events.

WI HF3351

State preemption of local units of government regulating firearms repealed.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.