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Can local governments in Wisconsin regulate rent prices?

By Hope Karnopp
NO

Local governments in Wisconsin do not have the authority to enact rent control.

Under state law, "No city, village, town or county may regulate the amount of rent or fees charged for the use of a residential rental dwelling unit."

The state of Wisconsin also cannot control rents as, "There are no state laws limiting the amount of a rent increase," according to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Many states, including most of Wisconsin's neighbors, have laws that prevent localities from enacting rent control. Others, such as Oregon and California, have statewide rent control.

Some cities have their own policies. Republican lawmakers in Minnesota unsuccessfully moved to cancel rent control measures approved by voters in St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Officials in Madison have pointed to the state law to explain why they cannot regulate rent increases, some reaching 20% a year for student renters.

This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
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Wisconsin Watch, the news arm of the nonpartisan, nonprofit Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism, increases the quality and quantity of investigative reporting in Wisconsin, while training current and future investigative journalists. Its work fosters an informed citizenry and strengthens democracy.
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