Assembly Bill 202 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 states the Wisconsin Consumer Act does not apply to residential or mobile home leases.

Furthermore, the bill establishes remedies for tenants affected by voidable provisions, allowing them to recover twice the amount of any pecuniary loss caused by such provisions, excluding any rent paid. It limits the remedies available to those specified in the bill, ensuring that tenants can seek damages and reasonable attorney fees in cases where they are harmed by these voidable provisions. The proposed changes reflect a response to recent court rulings and aim to enhance tenant protections in Wisconsin's rental market.

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