Landlord/Tenant

The Columbia County Department of Health & Human Services does not have a Housing Authority or a building inspector. If a tenant has a concern with conditions in his/her residence, the first step should be to attempt to address the concern directly with their landlord. Written documentation of any attempts to address the issue with the landlord, as well as documentation of any responses from the landlord and, if applicable, pictures of the concerning issue are always good to have, in the event of a legal dispute.  Both landlords and tenants have legal rights and responsibilities regarding the contract of a rental agreement. Review your lease documents and the resources listed below in this website. The Columbia County Department of Health cannot give legal advice; however, it would be wise for both parties to seek their own independent legal advice in the event of a rental issue or concern.

The local municipality that the rental property is located in may be able to address the concern if a building code or other municipal code has been violated. Municipalities may have building inspectors and housing codes that can address rental issues.

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is Wisconsin's primary consumer protection agency. Wisconsin law provides a legal framework for the relationship between landlords and tenants. Many disputes between landlords and tenants can be avoided if both parties understand their legal rights and responsibilities. The Bureau of Consumer Protection provides resources to educate the public on these issues.

DATCP's Landlord–​Tenant Guide answers common questions about the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants in simple language. This resource provides landlords and tenants with answers to commonly asked questions about landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities in simple language. The information is intended to help landlords and tenants avoid common problems and resolve them when they do occur. It is not intended to be comprehensive or a substitute for legal advice.​

Tenants' Rights and Responsibilities- A​s a tenant in Wisconsin, it is important to understand your rights and responsibilities. Access the ​Tenants' Rights and Responsibilities fact sheet to learn about ​considerations you should make before you rent, while renting, and before terminating a tenancy, as ​well as details about eviction and unhealthy or unsafe conditions.

Visit DATCP for more information.

To file a complaint with DATCP, click here.