A notice to pay rent or quit—also known as an eviction notice or notice to vacate due to late rent—is a written letter demanding a tenant who is late paying rent (1) pay the rent by a certain date or (2) quit (leave or vacate) the premises.
In Wisconsin, a notice to pay rent or quit is a legal document that a landlord can serve to a tenant who is late on their rent. This notice informs the tenant that they must either pay the overdue rent by a specified deadline or vacate the premises. Wisconsin Statute 704.17 outlines the procedures for such notices. For a month-to-month tenancy, the landlord must give the tenant at least 5 days' notice to pay the rent or vacate. If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may then proceed with filing an eviction lawsuit, also known as a forcible entry and detainer action. It's important to note that the specific requirements for the notice, including the way it is served and the timing, must be followed precisely to avoid legal challenges. Tenants have certain rights and may have defenses available to them, so landlords are often advised to consult with an attorney to ensure compliance with all legal procedures.