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Bill

SB 1098

Relating to: local regulation of landlords and tenants.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Larson and 3 co-sponsors

SB 1098 would grant Wisconsin municipalities greater authority to independently regulate landlord-tenant relations, allowing local housing standards beyond state baseline requirements.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1098

Legislative bill overview

SB 1098 would expand local municipalities' authority to regulate landlord-tenant relationships in Wisconsin, likely allowing cities and counties to establish their own rental housing standards, tenant protections, and landlord requirements beyond current state law. The bill was introduced with bipartisan support but ultimately failed to advance in the 2026 legislative session.

Why is this important

Landlord-tenant law significantly affects housing affordability, tenant safety, and the rental market. Currently, Wisconsin state law sets baseline standards, but expanding local control could create a patchwork of different regulations across the state—benefiting tenants in progressive areas while potentially creating compliance burdens for landlords operating across multiple jurisdictions and uncertainty for renters moving between municipalities.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord compliance burden: Property owners operating across multiple jurisdictions could face conflicting local regulations, increasing administrative costs and complexity
  • Housing supply concerns: Stricter local regulations could reduce rental property development or investment, potentially raising rents and reducing housing availability
  • Statewide uniformity vs. local flexibility: Tension between maintaining consistent state standards and allowing communities to address local housing conditions differently

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

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