Senate Bill 206 aims to amend existing laws regarding residential rental agreements in Wisconsin, specifically addressing voidable provisions within these agreements. The bill stipulates that if a court finds a lease contains a voidable provision, tenants have the option to either void the lease and transition to a periodic tenancy or sever the problematic provision while maintaining the rest of the lease. The bill also clarifies that certain provisions, such as those allowing landlords to terminate leases based on tenant actions related to law enforcement or safety services, are considered voidable. Additionally, it introduces a new section that outlines remedies for tenants affected by these voidable provisions, allowing them to recover twice the amount of any pecuniary loss, excluding rent paid.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that the Wisconsin Consumer Act does not apply to residential leases or mobile home leases, thereby limiting the legal framework under which tenants can seek remedies. It also modifies existing language in the statutes to replace terms like "void" with "authorize" in relation to landlord actions, thereby changing the legal implications of certain lease provisions. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance tenant protections while clarifying the legal landscape surrounding residential rental agreements in Wisconsin.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 704.44(intro.), 704.44, 704.44(1m)(intro.), 704.44(9), 704.44(10)