Wisconsin 14 Day Notice To Quit

Last Updated: March 5, 2024 by Roberto Valenzuela

A Wisconsin 14 Day Notice To Quit is a letter which complies with state legal requirements to begin eviction against a tenant for failing to pay rent on time more than once in the past twelve (12) months. This notice applies to year-to-year tenancies and tenancies of one year or less. The tenant is not given an opportunity for corrective action and must move out within fourteen (14) calendar days of receiving notice.

When To Use a Wisconsin 14 Day Notice To Quit

A Wisconsin 14 Day Notice To Quit begins the eviction process when the tenant is late on rent more than once during a twelve- (12) month period. This notice applies to tenancies of one (1) year or less, and year-to-year tenancies. A landlord may deliver this notice when any portion of the rent remains unpaid for a second time in twelve months, beginning the day after rent is normally due.

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In a tenancy of more than one (1) year, the 30 Day Notice To Quit applies. The 30 Day Notice always allows a tenant an opportunity to pay past due rent, even if rent has been late in the past.

Some types of Wisconsin lease termination notice may allow different reasons for termination, or different notice periods. This may also apply to an eviction notice issued because of a lease or legal violation.

How To Write a Wisconsin 14 Day Notice To Quit

To help ensure the legal compliance of a Notice To Quit:

  1. Use the full name of the receiving party, and address of record, if known
  2. Specify the termination date of the lease or tenancy
  3. Specify the basis for terminating the tenancy
  4. Fill in the full address of the rental premises
  5. Provide updated/current address and phone number information
  6. Print name and sign the notice
  7. Complete the certificate of service by indicating the date and method of notice delivery, along with printed name and signature

It is easy to lose an otherwise justified legal action because of improper notice. Check carefully to ensure enough time after notice is delivered, not when it’s sent.

How To Serve a Wisconsin 14 Day Notice To Quit

Wisconsin landlords may deliver a Notice To Quit using any of these methods:

  1. Hand delivery to the other party
  2. Hand delivery to a family member of the other party at least age 14 on the property, and informing them of the contents of the notice
  3. Hand delivery to someone in charge of or occupying the tenant’s address of record, PLUS delivery by mail
  4. Only after all hand delivery attempts fail: Posting at a conspicuous place on the premises, such as the entry door, PLUS delivery by mail
  5. Delivery by registered or certified mail to the tenant’s last known address

Counting for a notice period begins immediately upon delivery unless there is a mailed component. If the letter is mailed by regular mail, counting begins when the notice has been both mailed, and hand-delivered/posted. When delivering by registered or certified mail ONLY, counting begins on the 2nd calendar day after mailing (or 5th calendar day, if mailed out of state).

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In almost all cases, notice is legally served when it is received by the other party, NOT when it’s sent. Check specified date of termination carefully to ensure compliance with the legal requirements for a notice period.

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