An eviction is a case to remove tenants from rental property and claim the money owed in rent and damages, regardless of the amount claimed. Tenants who pay partial rent, no rent, or late rent (even one day late) put themselves at risk of eviction, as do tenants who break the rules or terms of the rental agreement or cause damage.

If a tenant refuses to leave the premises after their tenancy has been terminated, a landlord may start an eviction action. The tenant(s) will be served a summons and complaint. This is their notice to appear in court, it does not mean they are evicted. In court, the judge asks tenant(s) and the landlord to explain their sides and then will make a decision about the eviction.

If you receive a summons for eviction, seek the help of a legal aid service (look up LEGAL AID in the yellow pages of your phone book) or consult with a private attorney (call the State Bar of Wisconsin Lawyer Referral Service 800-362-9082 or 608-257-4666.)

Removal From Premises

The landlord may not confiscate personal belongings, turn off utilities, lock tenant(s) out of their apartments, or use force to remove them.

If the Judge rules in the landlord's favor, the Judge may issue a Writ of Eviction (a court order) requiring tenant(s) to leave the property. If they don't, the Sheriff’s Department may remove them and their belongings from the premises. The Sheriff’s Department will post a 48 hour Notice to Vacate before moving a tenant from the property. If the court determines that the tenant has wrongfully overstayed, the landlord may be awarded twice the amount of rent, prorated on a daily basis, for each day they unlawfully occupied the premises.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection publishes A Landlord/Tenant Guide for more information and resources.

The Landlord Tenant Guide:

• Landlord Tenant Guide

Small Claims Evictions are heard most Monday Mornings by the sitting Civil Judges. Please note when filing for a Small Claims Eviction, the following is required:

• Completed Form SC-500 (or SC-500i) Small Claims Summons & Complaint; and
• Completed Form GF-175 Affidavit of Non-Military Service (for each tenant); and
• Copy of the 5-Day, 14-Day or 30-Day Notice
• Completed Form SC-512 Writ of Eviction

Basic Steps for Handling Small Claims for Eviction:

• SC-6010

The Wisconsin Court System has developed an interactive website to help complete small claims forms. The self-help small claims Web site, is designed to guide you through the process of filing a small claims legal claim. By answering a number of questions, this website will help choose and complete the forms you need to file a small claims case.

Forms Assistant Website here.

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