WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

AB 1048

Relating to: local regulation of landlords.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Margaret Arney and 27 co-sponsors

Wisconsin bill to grant municipalities expanded regulatory authority over landlord practices and rental standards failed committee passage in March 2026.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 1048

Legislative bill overview

AB 1048 sought to expand local municipalities' authority to regulate landlord practices and rental housing standards in Wisconsin. The bill was introduced with broad bipartisan support but failed to advance beyond committee in the 2026 legislative session.

Why is this important

Local rent and housing regulations directly affect housing affordability, tenant protections, and property owner compliance costs. The outcome of such legislation shapes whether individual cities can set their own rental standards or must follow statewide rules, impacting millions of residents in rental markets.

Potential points of contention

  • Preemption debate: Whether states should allow cities to regulate rentals independently or maintain uniform statewide standards to prevent a patchwork of conflicting local rules
  • Landlord compliance burden: Concerns that expanded local regulations increase administrative costs and complexity for property owners operating across multiple jurisdictions
  • Housing supply effects: Disagreement over whether stricter local regulations reduce new rental construction and worsen housing shortages, or protect existing tenants from exploitation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.