State guide
Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a comparatively robust state system: DHS runs lead certification, a statewide Lead-Free/Lead-Safe Registry, and an EPA-authorized state renovation program. I found voluntary statewide lead-safe and lead-free certificates and a voluntary Milwaukee Lead Safe Registry, but no statewide mandatory rental lead-safe certificate requirement on the official pages reviewed.
Checked against official sources on October 4, 2026. Rules and links change; confirm with the office listed before you act.
- State lead program
- Wisconsin DHS runs the state lead certification, registry, and enforcement programs, including the EPA-authorized Lead-Safe Renovation Rule.
- Rental lead-safe requirements
- Wisconsin has a voluntary statewide Lead-Free/Lead-Safe Registry, and Milwaukee operates a voluntary Lead Safe Registry; no official statewide mandatory rental lead-safe certificate or routine rental lead inspection requirement was identified on the pages reviewed.
- Certified lead inspector and risk assessor lookup
- Official page →
- Renovation (RRP) program
- state program
- Disclosure
- No additional statewide rental lead disclosure rule beyond the federal pre-1978 disclosure was identified on the official Wisconsin pages reviewed.
Official resources in Wisconsin
State registry page for lead-free and lead-safe certified properties, including how certification works.
Official state RRP-equivalent page explaining certification, tenant notices, and lead-safe renovation requirements.
DHS consumer guide with the certified company list and hiring steps.
State program page for financial assistance and lead-safe repairs in eligible owner-occupied and rental properties.
Milwaukee’s lead and housing health page with its Lead Safe Registry and program contacts.
Key facts for Wisconsin
- DHS maintains a statewide Lead-Free/Lead-Safe Registry for houses, apartments, and child-occupied facilities.
- Lead-safe certificates in the Wisconsin registry can last from nine months to 20 years.
- DHS is authorized by EPA to administer Wisconsin’s Lead-Safe Renovation Rule.
- Both company and individual certifications are needed for lead renovation work in Wisconsin.
- Milwaukee requires all non-owner occupied residential property owners to register ownership contact information with DNS.
- Milwaukee’s Home Environmental Health page links the city’s Lead Safe Registry.
Local rental lead ordinances in Wisconsin
| City | city | phone | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Asbestos Certification Unit Dane | Madison | 608-261-6876 | Handles lead certifications and answers questions about certified lead professionals and property status. |
| Lead-Safe Homes Program Dane | Madison | 608-267-9191 | State program for eligible lead hazard reduction work in owner-occupied and rental properties. |
| Home Environmental Health Milwaukee | Milwaukee | 414-286-2165 | Milwaukee Health Department program page for lead services, data, and the city Lead Safe Registry. |
| Property Registration Program Milwaukee | Milwaukee | 414-286-8569 | Milwaukee registration program for all non-owner occupied residential property owners. |
* Not published: the official page doesn't list it. Call the office to confirm before you rely on it.
What to do next
- Check the Wisconsin registry to see whether a rental unit already has a lead-safe or lead-free certificate before you sign or renew.
- Before renovation or window replacement in pre-1978 housing, confirm both the company and worker are covered by Wisconsin certification requirements.
- If an older rental has eligible occupants, ask whether the property can apply to the Wisconsin Lead-Safe Homes Program.
Not seeing your city or county?
Not every city publishes its rules online. Try these, in order:
- General Start with the statewide information above.
- Closest verified Nearest places where we have verified local data outside this state (distance from Wisconsin's population center, for comparison only):
- Evanston Landlord/Tenant Services, Illinois · about 134 miles
- Chicago Municipal Code Chapter 7-4 Lead-Bearing Substances, Illinois · about 147 miles
- Grand Rapids Code Compliance, Michigan · about 177 miles
- Call to confirm Ask the official office.Lead-Free/Lead-Safe Registry
Website →Phone: (608) 261-6876 (as listed on that page, checked Oct 4, 2026)Your city or county office: Local governments →Not sure who handles it locally? USAGov's free help line, 1-844-872-4681, or the Wisconsin page on USA.gov can point you to the right office. - Know the current info? Tell us with a link to the official page.