Housing (Tenant Rights)

SB 206 makes certain terms in Wisconsin residential rental agreements void and unenforceable if they violate specific protections. It directly affects tenants and landlords by prohibiting clauses that allow retaliation for contacting services (e.g., law enforcement or health services), termination due to a tenant being a crime victim, or termination without required notice for crimes on property. Tenants can choose to void their entire lease or sever only the prohibited clause, with remedies including a periodic tenancy (renewable month-to-month) and double damages for financial losses caused by prohibited terms. The bill specifically targets provisions under sections 704.44(1m) to (10) of Wisconsin statutes, creating clear legal pathways for tenants to challenge unfair lease terms.