Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB706

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/27/23
• Refer: 11/27/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Rent abatement and retaliatory conduct and granting rule-making authority.

Impact

If enacted, AB706 is expected to significantly strengthen protections for tenants in Wisconsin. The updates will provide a clearer basis for tenants to enact rent abatement when facing unsafe living conditions, thus enhancing their rights while also holding landlords accountable for maintaining habitable living environments. The bill will also clarify that any retaliatory action taken by a landlord, such as raising rent or initiating eviction, against tenants who assert their rights or complain about unsafe living conditions, is presumed prohibited, thereby solidifying tenant protections.

Summary

Assembly Bill 706 aims to amend existing laws related to rent abatement and retaliatory actions by landlords in residential tenancies in Wisconsin. Under current law, tenants can withhold (abate) rent if their living situation adversely affects their health or safety. The bill expands tenants' rights by allowing for full rent abatement under certain conditions and mandates the creation of a rent abatement schedule by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding AB706 is the balance between tenant protections and the rights of landlords. While many advocacy groups support the bill as necessary for protecting vulnerable renters, landlords and some property management associations may argue that the expanded definitions of retaliatory actions and the allowance for full rent abatement could lead to increased difficulties in managing rental properties and maintaining tenant accountability. This discourse highlights critical concerns regarding the implications for housing stability and the responsibilities of both parties in the landlord-tenant relationship.