Cal. Civ. Code § 704.95
Practices regulated by the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection.
Operative Text
704.95 Practices regulated by the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection. Practices in violation of s. 704.28 or 704.44 may also constitute unfair methods of competition or unfair trade practices under s. 100.20. However, the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection may not issue an order or promulgate a rule under s. 100.20 that changes any right or duty arising under this chapter.
Wisconsin Statute § 704.95 establishes that certain landlord-tenant practices that violate Wis. Stat. §§ 704.28 or 704.44 may also be treated as unfair methods of competition or unfair trade practices under the state's consumer protection law, § 100.20. This dual classification means a single practice could be subject to both landlord-tenant law and broader consumer protection oversight. However, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is expressly limited in its authority — it cannot use its consumer protection rulemaking power to alter any rights or duties that exist under Chapter 704.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Wis. Stat. § 704.95, property owners and managers should be aware that conduct already prohibited by §§ 704.28 or 704.44 — such as improper security deposit handling or prohibited lease provisions — may simultaneously expose them to scrutiny under Wisconsin's consumer protection statutes. Compliant operators generally ensure their practices conform to Chapter 704 requirements, understanding that violations could trigger action from DATCP in addition to standard landlord-tenant remedies. Maintaining clear, lawful lease terms and deposit practices is consistent with avoiding liability under both regulatory frameworks.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Wis. Stat. § 704.95 means that if a landlord's conduct violates §§ 704.28 or 704.44, tenants may have recourse not only under landlord-tenant law but also potentially through Wisconsin's consumer protection framework administered by DATCP. Tenants who believe they have experienced such violations can explore filing a complaint with DATCP or consulting a tenant-rights organization to understand which avenues may be available. Because § 704.95 preserves all existing Chapter 704 rights, any consumer protection action taken by DATCP cannot diminish the protections tenants already hold under that chapter.
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.
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