Wisconsin Security Deposit Return Letter

[[Landlord or Property Management Company Full Name]]
[[Landlord or Management Address, must be Wisconsin street address per ATCP 134 if applicable]]
[[City]], Wisconsin [[ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone]] | Email: [[Landlord Email]]

Date: [[Date of Letter]]

Tenant Name(s): [[Tenant Full Name(s)]]
Forwarding Address: [[Tenant Forwarding Address, City, State, ZIP Code]]

RE: Return of Security Deposit, Premises at [[Rental Property Full Address, City, Wisconsin ZIP Code]]
Tenancy Termination Date: [[Lease Termination or Vacate Date, whichever later for deadline calculation]]
Date Tenant Vacated / Surrendered Premises: [[Actual Vacate / Move-Out Date]]
Security Deposit Amount Originally Held: $[[Original Security Deposit Amount]]

Dear [[Tenant Full Name(s)]]:

This letter constitutes the written accounting and return of your security deposit as required by ATCP 134.06, Wisconsin Administrative Code.

Pursuant to ATCP 134.06(2), a landlord must deliver or mail the full amount of any security deposit paid by the tenant, less any amounts that may be lawfully withheld under ATCP 134.06(3), within twenty-one (21) days after any of the following (whichever applies):
- The date on which the rental agreement terminates, if the tenant vacates on the termination date.
- The date on which the tenant vacates or is evicted before the termination date (or the date a new tenant's tenancy begins if the landlord re-rents earlier).
- The date on which the landlord learns that the tenant has vacated or been removed after the termination date.

The 21-day period for your deposit began on [[Start Date of 21-Day Clock, e.g., later of termination or vacate date]] and expires on [[21-Day Deadline Date]].

Itemized Statement of Deductions

The following is a complete itemized statement of all amounts withheld from your security deposit. Only lawful deductions are taken: unpaid rent for which you are legally responsible, repair of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and cleaning necessary to return the Premises to the condition at the beginning of the tenancy (reasonable wear and tear excepted). No deduction is made for ordinary wear and tear or for conditions that existed prior to your tenancy and were noted on the move-in checklist.

Original Security Deposit: $[[Original Security Deposit Amount]]
Less Total Deductions: ($[[Total Deductions]])
Amount Returned to You: $[[Net Amount Returned or "0.00 if fully withheld"]]

A check in the amount of $[[Net Amount Returned]], made payable to [[Tenant Full Name(s) or "all tenants jointly"]], is enclosed with this letter. The check number is [[Check Number]] and is drawn on [[Bank Name]].

If the net amount is zero, no check is enclosed and this letter serves as the full accounting.

Forwarding Address Confirmation Your security deposit and this statement are being sent to the forwarding address you provided: [[Tenant Forwarding Address, City, State, ZIP Code]]

If this address is incorrect or you have a new address, please notify us in writing immediately at the address above.

Permissible Deductions Under ATCP 134.06(3) ATCP 134.06(3) limits withholding to the following categories only: - Unpaid rent for which the tenant is legally responsible (subject to mitigation rules in Wis. Stat. § 704.29). - Damage to the premises beyond ordinary wear and tear. - Cleaning necessary to return the premises to the condition at the start of the tenancy (ordinary wear and tear excepted).

Deductions for the following are prohibited:
- Ordinary cleaning that would be expected at the end of any tenancy.
- Wear and tear from normal residential use.
- Pre-existing conditions documented on the move-in checklist.
- Costs of improvements or upgrades that were not required to repair tenant-caused damage.
- Any penalty or charge not tied to actual loss.

Each deduction listed above falls within one of the permissible categories and is supported by documentation.

Your Rights Under ATCP 134.06 If you believe any deduction is improper or that the deposit was not returned within the required 21 days, you may be entitled to recover twice the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney fees under ATCP 134.06(5) and related provisions. The burden is on the landlord to justify each deduction with evidence.

You should review the supporting documentation and contact us in writing within a reasonable time if you dispute any item. We will respond in writing.

Move-Out Inspection and Condition A pre-move-out or final inspection was offered / conducted on [[Inspection Date(s) or "not requested by tenant"]]. The condition of the Premises at move-out was documented in the attached Move-Out Report (Exhibit 1) or photos. Any discrepancies from the move-in condition (Exhibit 2, original checklist) are noted in the deductions above.

Tenant was provided the opportunity to be present at the final inspection per best practices.

Instructions to Tenant Please:

1. Cash or deposit the enclosed check promptly.

2. Review the attached documentation for each deduction in full.

3. If you have questions or a dispute, submit them in writing to the address above within [[Dispute Response Window, e.g., 14 days]] so we may respond.

4. Update your address with the U.S. Postal Service and any utilities to avoid delays in future correspondence.

5. Retain this letter and all attachments as proof of the accounting and for tax or dispute purposes.

6. Note the 21-day statutory deadline and keep records of when you received this package.

7. If any check is not received, notify us immediately in writing so a stop-payment and reissue process can begin.

Mailing and Delivery Certification This letter and any check are being sent by: - [ ] First-class mail to the forwarding address above. - [ ] Certified mail, return receipt requested (tracking # [[Tracking Number]]). - [ ] Hand delivery with signed receipt. - [ ] Other method: [[Describe]].

Mailed / Delivered on: [[Actual Mailing or Delivery Date]]

Record Retention Landlord will retain copies of this letter, the itemized statement, all supporting receipts, photos, checklists, and proof of mailing or delivery for a minimum of [[Retention Period, e.g., three years]] or as required by law or company policy.

Sample Calculation Illustration (for reference only) If original deposit was $1,200.00 and documented deductions totaled $375.00 for unpaid rent ($200) and repair of damaged screen door ($175 with receipt), the net return would be $825.00. The statement above follows this exact format with your actual figures and documentation.

Additional Notes - All amounts withheld are supported by receipts, invoices, or reasonable estimates attached hereto. Deductions exceeding $125 (or the current ATCP threshold) include copies of actual bills or estimates. - No amount is withheld for normal cleaning or wear that would be expected from ordinary residential use over the tenancy period. - If you were responsible for any final utility bills that were paid by Landlord, those may be noted separately if not already deducted here. - This return is made in full compliance with ATCP 134.06. Failure by a landlord to comply with the return and itemization requirements may expose the landlord to the penalties described above. - Interest on the deposit, if any is required by the lease or local rule, has been calculated and included or noted separately. - Any balance remaining after lawful deductions is returned in full.

If you have any questions, please contact [[Landlord or Agent Contact Name]] at [[Phone]] or [[Email]].

Sincerely,

[[Landlord or Authorized Agent Full Name]]
[[Title, e.g., Property Manager / Owner]]
[[Landlord or Management Company Name]]
Date: [[Date Signed]]

Enclosures:
- Check No. [[Check Number]] for $[[Net Amount]]
- Itemized receipts / invoices / estimates (as applicable)
- Move-Out Inspection Report / Photos
- Copy of original Move-In Checklist (for reference)
- Proof of mailing or delivery
- [[Any other attachments]], -

*Sample template for Wisconsin, not legal advice. Security deposit accounting and return must strictly follow ATCP 134.06 (current as of 2026-06). The 21-day deadline, itemization requirements, and penalty provisions (double damages + attorney fees for willful violation) are mandatory. Verify all facts, amounts, and supporting documents against the actual tenancy records and current administrative code before mailing. This letter is a form only. Consult legal counsel for disputes or complex situations.*