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Wisconsin State Laws

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Wisconsin Community Association Laws

HOAs (s. 710.18), Condominiums (Ch. 703), Cooperatives (Ch. 185/193), Manufactured-Home Communities (s. 710.15; DSPS licensing s. 101.935; SPS 326), corporate acts (Ch. 181/180), real-estate practice (Ch. 452). Reference hub

Wisconsin takes a light-touch approach for most communities. Condominiums are governed comprehensively by Chapter 703 with detailed disclosure and record-keeping rules, but there’s no condo ombudsman. Traditional HOAs were largely private-document creatures until 2021 Act 199 created s. 710.18, adding baseline transparency—record your covenants, file an annual public notice with DFI, give 48-hour meeting notices, and provide fast, capped-fee payoff statements. Manufactured-home communities are the exception: they’re licensed and inspected by DSPS and operate under their own code. Net effect: state policy favors clarity and access to information over day-to-day state supervision.

At a glance

  • HOAs: s. 710.18 (DFI public notice; recorded covenants; 48-hour meeting notice; payoff statements & fee caps).
  • Condominiums: Ch. 703 (records, budgets, disclosures, association powers; no separate regulator).
  • Cooperatives: Ch. 185 (traditional) and Ch. 193 (unincorporated co-ops).
  • Manufactured-Home Communities: s. 710.15 (leases/rights) + s. 101.935 & SPS 326 (DSPS licensing & health/safety code); local fees under s. 66.0435.
  • Corporate form: Most associations are Ch. 181 nonstock; some under Ch. 180.
  • Managers: No separate CAM license; real-estate brokerage/property management falls under Ch. 452 (DSPS/REEB).

Primary Statutes

Corporate Acts — Chapters 181 & 180

Entity law (formation, meetings, records). Most associations use Ch. 181.

181: Legislature ·
180: Legislature

Popular Sections (direct links @ Wisconsin Legislature)

HOA (s. 710.18)

Condominium (Ch. 703)

Administrative Rules & Programs

Wisconsin relies mostly on statutes. Only manufactured-home communities have a dedicated code & licensure program.

Manufactured-Home Communities

HOAs

Condominiums

  • No condo-specific admin code; governance under Ch. 703.

Manager / Brokerage Licensing

Property management & brokerage

  • No separate “CAM” license. Activities that constitute brokerage require licensure under Ch. 452.
  • Regulated by the DSPS Real Estate Examining Board (REEB).

Read Chapter 452 (PDF)
DSPS — Real Estate (REEB)

Helpful notes

  • Trust accounts, disclosures & conduct are governed by Ch. 452 and REEB rules.
  • Association managers employed by a licensed broker must follow REEB 24 (conduct/ethics).

Governing Documents & Overlays

  • Governing documents: Declaration/CC&Rs, Articles, Bylaws, Rules/Resolutions; recorded & posted duties vary by regime.
  • Federal overlays: Fair Housing Act, ADA (where applicable), FDCPA, FCC OTARD, etc.
  • State/local overlays: Building & health codes; local ordinances; for MHCs, SPS 326 + local ordinances.
  • Conflicts: Statutes typically control over conflicting documents; consult counsel for interpretation.

State Contacts

Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI)

HOA General Information & Public Notice

DSPS — Manufactured-Home Communities

Program page

  • Scope: Licenses & inspects communities; administers SPS 326.
  • Email: DspsSbManfHomes@wi.gov
  • Phone: (608) 266-2112

DATCP — Manufactured-Home Community Tenant Protections

Disclaimer

This page is a general reference and not legal advice. Laws and rules change; always verify the current text on the official linked sites and consult qualified counsel for your situation.

Last updated: September 10, 2025

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