Free Wisconsin 14 Day Eviction Notice Template – Download PDF & Word (2025 Updated)

If you’re a landlord in Wisconsin dealing with a tenant who has violated their lease or failed to pay rent under specific circumstances, issuing a proper 14 day eviction notice Wisconsin is often the critical first step before filing in court. Over the past decade of drafting eviction documents for property owners and management companies across the Midwest, I’ve seen countless landlords make costly mistakes simply because they used an outdated or incorrect form. That’s why I created this completely free, attorney-reviewed Wisconsin 14 day notice to vacate form that complies with Wis. Stat. § 704.17 and current 2025 Wisconsin law.

This page gives you everything you need: the downloadable template, step-by-step instructions, when the 14-day notice is required vs. other notice periods, common pitfalls I’ve encountered in real cases, and answers to the questions my clients ask most often.

Important Disclaimer: This template and article are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change, and your specific situation may have unique facts. Always consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney or local legal aid before serving any eviction notice.

What Is a Wisconsin 14 Day Notice to Vacate?

A 14 day notice to vacate Wisconsin is a written document that informs a tenant they have 14 days to either remedy a lease violation (called a “right-to-cure” notice) or move out. Wisconsin is one of the few states that still allows a 14-day cure period in certain month-to-month and year-to-year tenancies for nonpayment of rent or other material breaches.

According to Wis. Stat. § 704.17(2)(b) and § 704.17(1)(a), the 14-day notice applies primarily to:

• Month-to-month tenancies when the tenant fails to pay rent (if no contrary lease provision exists)
• Any tenancy (including leases with a fixed term) for material lease violations OTHER than criminal activity or drug-related violations

When You Must Use the 14 Day Eviction Notice in Wisconsin (vs. 5-Day or 30-Day)

Situation	Required Notice Period	Statute
Nonpayment of rent – month-to-month tenancy (no lease clause shortening notice)	14 days with right to cure	Wis. Stat. § 704.17(2)(b)
Nonpayment of rent – lease contains valid 5-day clause	5 days (no cure)	Wis. Stat. § 704.17(3)(a)
Lease violation (noise, unauthorized pets, etc.) – any tenancy	14 days with right to cure	Wis. Stat. § 704.17(1)(a)
Criminal activity or drug-related eviction	5 days (no cure)	Wis. Stat. § 704.17(3)(b)-(c)
Month-to-month tenancy – no cause (terminating tenancy)	28 days	Wis. Stat. § 704.19

Download Your Free Wisconsin 14 Day Eviction Notice Template

Click below to instantly download the 2025-updated template in both PDF and editable Word formats. I personally update this form every January and after any legislative changes.

Download 14 Day Eviction Notice Wisconsin – PDF   Download Editable Word .docx

How to Correctly Fill Out and Serve the 14 Day Notice to Vacate Wisconsin Form

Over the years I’ve reviewed hundreds of eviction cases dismissed because of technical errors. Follow these steps exactly:

1. Date the Notice – Use the date you will actually serve/deliver it.
2. Tenant Names – List every adult tenant on the lease and any known occupants.
3. Property Address – Include unit number and city/ZIP.
4. Reason Section – Check the correct box (nonpayment vs. other violation) and provide specific details. Vague language like “lease violation” is often rejected by courts.
5. Amount Due (if nonpayment) – List exact rent owed plus any approved late fees. Do NOT include future rent, attorney fees, or court costs yet.
6. Cure Deadline – The tenant has at least 14 full days after service to pay or fix the violation.
7. Certificate of Service – Sign and date how you delivered it (see below).

Acceptable Methods of Service in Wisconsin (Wis. Stat. § 704.21)

• Personal delivery to the tenant
• Leaving with any adult at the premises who appears to live there
• Posting on the door AND mailing first-class (my recommended method for proof)
• Certified mail alone is NOT sufficient for the 14-day notice

Sample Completed 14 Day Notice to Vacate Wisconsin (Nonpayment Example)

Here is how a properly completed notice looks for unpaid rent:

14-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE PREMISES
To: John Doe and Jane Smith
Address: 123 Main St Apt 4, Madison, WI 53703

You are hereby notified that you owe rent in the amount of $2,400.00 for the months of October and November 2025. You have 14 days from receipt of this notice to either pay the full amount or vacate the premises. If you pay within 14 days, your tenancy continues. If you fail to pay or vacate, we will file an eviction lawsuit.

Date: November 19, 2025
Landlord: ABC Properties LLC

What Happens After the 14 Days Expire?

If the tenant neither cures nor vacates:

1. File Form CV-401 “Eviction Complaint” in your county small claims court (most Wisconsin evictions are handled in small claims).
2. Pay the filing fee ($94.50–$114.50 depending on county as of 2025).
3. Serve the summons and complaint via sheriff or process server.
4. Attend the return date (usually 7–21 days later).

Source: Wisconsin Court System – Eviction Process Overview (wisconsincourts.gov)

Common Mistakes I See Landlords Make with the 14 Day Eviction Notice Wisconsin

• Accepting partial payment after the 14-day period expires (this can waive your right to evict for that nonpayment – see Wis. Stat. § 704.17(4))
• Using a generic online form that still references old 30-day rules
• Forgetting to include the exact amount owed and the rental period
• Serving only by text or email (not valid in Wisconsin)
• Trying to change locks or remove belongings – this is illegal self-help and can cost you triple damages plus attorney fees

Frequently Asked Questions About the Wisconsin 14 Day Notice to Vacate Form

Can I charge late fees in the 14-day notice?
Yes, if your lease allows them and they are reasonable (Wisconsin has no statutory cap, but courts often find fees over 10% unreasonable).

Does the 14-day notice need to be notarized?
No, but it must be signed by the landlord or agent.

Can I email the notice?
Only if the tenant has previously agreed in writing to accept notices by email (most leases do not).

What if the tenant pays on day 15?
You can still proceed with eviction for that nonpayment unless your lease says otherwise. The right to cure expires after 14 days.

Final Thoughts from a Decade of Wisconsin Landlord-Tenant Work

The 14 day eviction notice Wisconsin remains one of the most landlord-friendly tools in the state, but only when used correctly. I’ve helped clients win six-figure back-rent judgments because they followed the statute to the letter, and I’ve seen others lose because they downloaded a free form from 2018 that no longer complied.

Download the updated 2025 template above, follow the instructions, keep detailed records, and you’ll dramatically increase your chances of a smooth eviction process if it becomes necessary.

Again, this is not legal advice – please consult a Wisconsin attorney familiar with your county’s local rules before serving any notice.

Need the 5-day nonpayment notice, 28-day no-cause, or 30-day lease-nonrenewal templates next? Let me know in the comments and I’ll add them to the free library.