Cal. Civ. Code § 704.17

Notice terminating tenancies for failure to pay rent or other breach by tenant.

In Force
Verified 10/26/2026 · Next check 11/2/2026
effective 10/15/2026WisconsinEviction & Just Cause

Operative Text

Cal. Civ. Code § 704.17
704.17 Notice terminating tenancies for failure to pay rent or other breach by tenant.
(1g) Definition. In this section, “rent” includes any rent that is past due and any late fees owed for rent that is past due.
(1p) Month-to-month and week-to-week tenancies.
(a) If a month-to-month tenant or a week-to-week tenant fails to pay rent when due, the tenant’s tenancy is terminated if the landlord gives the tenant notice requiring the tenant to pay rent or vacate on or before a date at least 5 days after the giving of the notice and if the tenant fails to pay accordingly. A month-to-month tenancy is terminated if the landlord, while the tenant is in default in payment of rent, gives the tenant notice requiring the tenant to vacate on or before a date at least 14 days after the giving of the notice.
(b) If a month-to-month tenant commits waste or a material violation of s. 704.07 (3) or breaches any covenant or condition of the tenant’s agreement, other than for payment of rent, the tenancy can be terminated if any of the following applies:
1. The landlord gives the tenant a notice that requires the tenant to either remedy the default or vacate the premises no later than a date at least 5 days after the giving of the notice, and the tenant fails to comply with the notice. A tenant is considered to be complying with the notice if promptly upon receipt of the notice the tenant takes reasonable steps to remedy the default and proceeds with reasonable diligence, or if damages are adequate protection for the landlord and the tenant makes a bona fide and reasonable offer to pay the landlord all damages for the tenant’s breach. If, within one year from receiving a notice under this subdivision, the tenant again commits waste or breaches the same or any other covenant or condition of the tenant’s rental agreement, other than for payment of rent, the tenant’s tenancy is terminated if the landlord gives the tenant notice to vacate on or before a date at least 14 days after the giving of the notice.
2. The landlord gives the tenant notice requiring the tenant to vacate on or before a date at least 14 days after the giving of the notice.
(c) A property owner may terminate the tenancy of a week-to-week or month-to-month tenant if the property owner receives written notice from a law enforcement agency, as defined in s. 165.83 (1) (b), or from the office of the district attorney, that a nuisance under s. 823.113 (1) or (1m) (b) exists in that tenant’s rental unit or was caused by that tenant on the property owner’s property and if the property owner gives the tenant written notice requiring the tenant to vacate on or before a date at least 5 days after the giving of the notice. The notice shall state the basis for its issuance and the right of the tenant to contest the termination of tenancy in an eviction action under ch. 799. If the tenant contests the termination of tenancy, the tenancy may not be terminated without proof by the property owner by the greater preponderance of the credible evidence of the allegation in the notice from the law enforcement agency or the office of the district attorney that a nuisance under s. 823.113 (1) or (1m) (b) exists in that tenant’s rental unit or was caused by that tenant.
(2) Tenancies under a lease for one year or less, and year-to-year tenancies.
(a) If a tenant under a lease for a term of one year or less, or a year-to-year tenant, fails to pay any installment of rent when due, the tenant’s tenancy is terminated if the landlord gives the tenant notice requiring the tenant to pay rent or vacate on or before a date at least 5 days after the giving of the notice and if the tenant fails to pay accordingly. If a tenant has been given such a notice and has paid the rent on or before the specified date, or been permitted by the landlord to remain in possession contrary to such notice, and if within one year of any prior default in payment of rent for which notice was given the tenant fails to pay a subsequent installment of rent on time, the tenant’s tenancy is terminated if the landlord, while the tenant is in default in payment of rent, gives the tenant notice to vacate on or before a date at least 14 days after the giving of the notice.
(b) If a tenant under a lease for a term of one year or less, or a year-to-year tenant, commits waste or a material violation of s. 704.07 (3) or breaches any covenant or condition of the tenant’s lease, other than for payment of rent, the tenant’s tenancy is terminated if the landlord gives the tenant a notice requiring the tenant to remedy the default or vacate the premises on or before a date at least 5 days after the giving of the notice, and if the tenant fails to comply with such notice. A tenant is deemed to be complying with the notice if promptly upon receipt of such notice the tenant takes reasonable steps to remedy the default and proceeds with reasonable diligence, or if damages are adequate protection for the landlord and the tenant makes a bona fide and reasonable offer to pay the landlord all damages for the tenant’s breach. If within one year from the giving of any such notice, the tenant again commits waste or breaches the same or any other covenant or condition of the tenant’s lease, other than for payment of rent, the tenant’s tenancy is terminated if the landlord gives the tenant notice to vacate on or before a date at least 14 days after the giving of the notice.
(c) A property owner may terminate the tenancy of a tenant who is under a lease for a term of one year or less or who is a year-to-year tenant if the property owner receives written notice from a law enforcement agency, as defined in s. 165.83 (1) (b), or from the office of the district attorney, that a nuisance under s. 823.113 (1) or (1m) (b) exists in that tenant’s rental unit or was caused by that tenant on the property owner’s property and if the property owner gives the tenant written notice requiring the tenant to vacate on or before a date at least 5 days after the giving of the notice. The notice shall state the basis for its issuance and the right of the tenant to contest the termination of tenancy in an eviction action under ch. 799. If the tenant contests the termination of tenancy, the tenancy may not be terminated without proof by the property owner by the greater preponderance of the credible evidence of the allegation in the notice from the law enforcement agency or the office of the district attorney that a nuisance under s. 823.113 (1) or (1m) (b) exists in that tenant’s rental unit or was caused by that tenant.
(d) This subsection does not apply to week-to-week or month-to-month tenants.
(3) Lease for more than one year.
(a) If a tenant under a lease for more than one year fails to pay rent when due, or commits waste, or breaches any other covenant or condition of the tenant’s lease, the tenancy is terminated if the landlord gives the tenant notice requiring the tenant to pay the rent, repair the waste, or otherwise comply with the lease on or before a date at least 30 days after the giving of the notice, and if the tenant fails to comply with the notice. A tenant is deemed to be complying with the notice if promptly upon receipt of the notice the tenant takes reasonable steps to remedy the default and proceeds with reasonable diligence, or if damages are adequate protection for the landlord and the tenant makes a bona fide and reasonable offer to pay the landlord all damages for the tenant’s breach; but in case of failure to pay rent, all rent due must be paid on or before the date specified in the notice.
(b) A property owner may terminate the tenancy of a tenant who is under a lease for a term of more than one year if the property owner receives written notice from a law enforcement agency, as defined in s. 165.83 (1) (b), or from the office of the district attorney, that a nuisance under s. 823.113 (1) or (1m) (b) exists in that tenant’s rental unit or was caused by that tenant on the property owner’s property and if the property owner gives the tenant written notice to vacate on or before a date at least 5 days after the giving of the notice. The notice shall state the basis for its issuance and the right of the tenant to contest the termination of tenancy in an eviction action under ch. 799. If the tenant contests the termination of tenancy, the tenancy may not be terminated without proof by the property owner by the greater preponderance of the credible evidence of the allegation in the notice from the law enforcement agency or the office of the district attorney that a nuisance under s. 823.113 (1) or (1m) (b) exists in that tenant’s rental unit or was caused by that tenant.
(3m) Criminal activity.
(a) In this subsection:
1. “Controlled substance” has the meaning given in s. 961.01 (4).
2. “Drug-related criminal activity” means criminal activity that involves the manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance. “Drug-related criminal activity” does not include the manufacture, possession, or use of a controlled substance that is prescribed by a physician for the use of a disabled person, as defined in s. 100.264 (1) (a), and that is manufactured by, used by, or in the possession of the disabled person or in the possession of the disabled person’s personal care worker or other caregiver.
(b)
1. Notwithstanding subs. (1p) (b), (2) (b), and (3) (a), and except as provided in par. (c), a landlord may, upon notice to the tenant, terminate the tenancy of a tenant, without giving the tenant an opportunity to remedy the default, if the tenant, a member of the tenant’s household, or a guest or other invitee of the tenant or of a member of the tenant’s household engages in any criminal activity that threatens the health or safety of, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by, other tenants; engages in any criminal activity that threatens the health or safety of, or right to peaceful enjoyment of their residences by, persons residing in the immediate vicinity of the premises; engages in any criminal activity that threatens the health or safety of the landlord or an agent or employee of the landlord; or engages in any drug-related criminal activity on or near the premises. The notice shall require the tenant to vacate on or before a date at least 5 days after the giving of the notice. The notice shall state the basis for its issuance; include a description of the criminal activity or drug-related criminal activity, the date on which the activity took place, and the identity or description of the individuals engaging in the activity; advise the tenant that he or she may seek the assistance of legal counsel, a volunteer legal clinic, or a tenant resource center; and state that the tenant has the right to contest the allegations in the notice before a court commissioner or judge if an eviction action is filed. If the tenant contests the termination of tenancy, the tenancy may not be terminated without proof by the landlord by the greater preponderance of the credible evidence of the allegation in the notice.
2. To terminate a tenancy under this subsection, it is not necessary that the individual committing the criminal activity or drug-related criminal activity has been arrested for or convicted of the criminal activity or drug-related criminal activity.
(c) Paragraph (b) does not apply to a tenant who is the victim, as defined in s. 950.02 (4), of the criminal activity.
(4) Form of notice and manner of giving. Notice must be in writing and given as specified in s. 704.21. If so given, the tenant is not entitled to possession or occupancy of the premises after the date of termination specified in the notice.
(4m) Effect of incorrect amount in notice. A notice for failure to pay rent or any other amount due under the rental agreement that includes an incorrect statement of the amount due is valid unless any of the following applies:
(a) The landlord’s statement of the amount due is intentionally incorrect.
(b) The tenant paid or tendered payment of the amount the tenant believes to be due.
(5) Contrary provision in the lease.
(a) Except as provided in par. (b), provisions in the lease or rental agreement for termination contrary to this section are invalid except in leases for more than one year.
(b) Provisions in any lease or rental agreement for termination contrary to sub. (3m) are invalid.
Source: Legislative text reproduced verbatim
Plain English

Wisconsin Statute § 704.17 establishes the notice requirements and timelines that govern how a landlord may terminate a tenancy when a tenant fails to pay rent, breaches a lease condition, commits waste, engages in nuisance activity, or is involved in certain criminal activity. The required notice period varies depending on the type of tenancy (week-to-week, month-to-month, year-or-less lease, or multi-year lease) and the nature of the violation, ranging from 5 days to 30 days. For some repeated violations or certain criminal activity, the statute allows termination without giving the tenant an opportunity to cure the problem. The definition of 'rent' under this section expressly includes past-due amounts and any associated late fees.

Written by anthropic/claude-sonnet-4.6 · Reviewed on October 15, 2026

Plain English — not legal advice.

For Property Managers

Under Wis. Stat. § 704.17, compliant operators carefully match the type and length of notice to the specific tenancy type and the nature of the default — for example, a 5-day pay-or-vacate notice for a first nonpayment by a month-to-month tenant, or a 30-day cure-or-vacate notice for a tenant under a lease of more than one year. Notices must be in writing, delivered as required by § 704.21, and must accurately state the basis for termination; an intentionally incorrect rent amount or a situation where the tenant has already tendered the amount they believe due can invalidate the notice. For criminal activity covered by § 704.17(3m), operators document the activity, the date, and the individuals involved in the notice itself, and are aware that an arrest or conviction is not required to proceed, though the tenant retains the right to contest the termination in court.

General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.

For Tenants

Wis. Stat. § 704.17 gives tenants specific rights depending on the type of violation alleged: for many non-payment and non-criminal lease breaches, tenants generally have an opportunity to pay the overdue rent or remedy the default within the notice period before a tenancy can be terminated. Tenants who receive a notice based on nuisance or criminal activity have the right, stated in the notice itself, to contest the termination in an eviction proceeding under ch. 799, where the landlord must prove the allegations by the greater preponderance of credible evidence. Tenants who believe they are victims of the alleged criminal activity, or who have questions about whether a notice complies with § 704.17's requirements, may wish to contact a tenant resource center, a volunteer legal clinic, or a tenant-rights organization for general information about their options.

General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.

Generated October 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.

Effective Timeline

Current
Oct 15, 2026
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References Out

Rules and statutes cited by this regulation

Wis. Stat. § 165.83
Not yet ingested
Wis. Stat. ch. 799
Not yet ingested
Wis. Stat. § 961.01
Not yet ingested
Wis. Stat. § 100.264
Not yet ingested
Wis. Stat. § 950.02
Not yet ingested

References In

Rules and statutes that cite this regulation

Wis. Stat. § 100.20
Wis. Stat. § 101.91
Wis. Stat. § 710.15
Wis. Stat. § 710.15
Wis. Stat. ch. 704
Wis. Stat. § 710.15
Wis. Stat. ch. 704
Wis. Stat. § 710.15
Wis. Stat. ch. 704
Wis. Stat. § 704.17
Wis. Stat. § 100.20
Wis. Stat. § 704.01
Wis. Stat. § 799.44
Wis. Stat. ch. 704
Wis. Stat. ch. 704
Wis. Stat. § 106.50
Wis. Stat. § 106.50
Wis. Stat. § 106.50
Wis. Stat. § 106.50
Wis. Stat. § 106.50
Wis. Stat. § 106.50
Wis. Stat. § 704.29
Wis. Stat. § 704.085
Wis. Stat. § 799.45
Wis. Stat. § 704.29
Wis. Stat. § 66.0435
Wis. Stat. § 704.02
Wis. Stat. § 704.29
Wis. Stat. § 704.07
Wis. Stat. § 704.14
Wis. Stat. § 704.05
Wis. Stat. § 704.15
Wis. Stat. § 106.50
Wis. Stat. § 106.50
Wis. Stat. § 101.145
Wis. Stat. § 101.149
Wis. Stat. § 101.149
Wis. Stat. § 101.647
Wis. Stat. § 101.645
Wis. Stat. § 101.647
Wis. Stat. § 101.91
Wis. Stat. § 100.18
Wis. Stat. § 106.50
Wis. Stat. § 196.643
Wis. Stat. § 196.643
Wis. Stat. § 101.91
Wis. Stat. § 101.937
Wis. Stat. § 101.91
Wis. Stat. § 106.50
Wis. Stat. § 254.11
Wis. Stat. § 254.59
Wis. Stat. § 106.50
Wis. Stat. § 101.145
Wis. Stat. § 101.145
Wis. Stat. § 101.149
Wis. Stat. § 704.01
Wis. Stat. § 101.91
Wis. Stat. § 66.1011
Wis. Stat. § 106.50
Wis. Stat. § 101.132
Wis. Stat. § 66.1203
Wis. Stat. § 704.01
Wis. Stat. § 704.21
Wis. Stat. § 704.02
Wis. Stat. § 704.05
Wis. Stat. § 704.19
Wis. Stat. § 799.45
Wis. Stat. § 101.91
Wis. Stat. § 704.05
Wis. Stat. § 704.90
Wis. Stat. § 704.05
Wis. Stat. § 704.25
Wis. Stat. § 704.05
Wis. Stat. § 704.90
Wis. Stat. § 704.21
Wis. Stat. § 704.21
Wis. Stat. § 704.29
Wis. Stat. § 710.15
Wis. Stat. § 101.91
Wis. Stat. § 704.19
Wis. Stat. § 704.29
Wis. Stat. § 704.07
Wis. Stat. § 823.113
Wis. Stat. § 704.21
Wis. Stat. § 704.16
Wis. Stat. § 704.17
Wis. Stat. § 704.21
Wis. Stat. § 799.40
Wis. Stat. § 799.40
Wis. Stat. § 799.45
Wis. Stat. § 799.44
Wis. Stat. § 704.05
Wis. Stat. § 704.17
Wis. Stat. § 704.01
Wis. Stat. § 704.19
Wis. Stat. § 704.29
Wis. Stat. § 66.0435
Wis. Stat. § 799.45
Wis. Stat. § 704.27
Wis. Stat. § 704.19
Wis. Stat. § 704.21
Wis. Stat. § 704.02
Wis. Stat. § 704.29
Wis. Stat. § 704.07
Wis. Stat. § 704.14
Wis. Stat. § 704.07
Wis. Stat. § 704.28
Wis. Stat. § 100.20
Wis. Stat. § 66.0435
Wis. Stat. § 704.17
Wis. Stat. § 704.01
Wis. Stat. § 704.21
Wis. Stat. § 101.91
Wis. Stat. § 704.17
Wis. Stat. § 704.16
Wis. Stat. ch. 704
Wis. Stat. § 106.50
Wis. Stat. § 704.16
Wis. Stat. § 704.21
Wis. Stat. § 704.09

Related Rules

§ 151.20
TEMPORARY EVICTION CONTROLS AND RENT REDUCTIONS FOR MOBILE HOMES DAMAGED IN THE JANUARY, 1994 EARTHQUAKE
§ 1
Definitions
§ 2
Eviction of tenants prohibited; exceptions

Source Information

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