No, squatting in Wisconsin is illegal as it constitutes criminal trespass under state law, with penalties escalating from misdemeanors to felonies based on aggravating factors like force or prior convictions. Wisconsin Statutes § 943.13 criminalizes unauthorized entry or occupation of property, and local ordinances—such as Milwaukee’s 2024 “Vacant Property Ordinance”—enhance enforcement by mandating property owner notifications and expedited eviction processes. Courts consistently rule against squatters, even if they claim adverse possession, unless strict statutory requirements (e.g., 20+ years of continuous, hostile, open, and notorious possession) are met, a near-impossible standard in urban areas.
Key Regulations for Squatting in Wisconsin
- Criminal Trespass Statutes: Wisconsin Statutes § 943.13 prohibits entering or remaining on another’s property without consent, punishable by up to 9 months in jail and $10,000 in fines for a first-degree misdemeanor. Subsequent offenses or use of force elevate charges to Class H felonies.
- Adverse Possession Limitations: To claim ownership via adverse possession (Wis. Stat. § 893.25), squatters must prove 20+ years of continuous, exclusive, and hostile use—an impractical burden given Wisconsin’s stringent documentation requirements and frequent property turnover.
- Local Enforcement Protocols: Cities like Milwaukee and Madison require property owners to register vacant buildings (e.g., Milwaukee’s 2024 ordinance) and provide 30-day notice to squatters before eviction, streamlining removal under state landlord-tenant laws. Law enforcement prioritizes these cases under “blight reduction” initiatives.