Change for landlords in WI

The Wisconsin Attorney General just issued a formal legal opinion that states that it is legal for a residential landlord in Wisconsin to require an outgoing tenant to pay to have the carpet in the unit professionally cleaned and to include such a provision in the rental agreement.

Previously, requiring the carpet to be professionally cleaned upon leaving their unit was against state statutes in WI.  I recall being a tenant and having that mandate put on me; I had no idea at the time that the landlords I was living under were violating that statute.  (I'm sure 90% of current tenants didn't know this either.)

Having carpets professionally cleaned was against state statute 134.06(3)(c) due to the "normal wear and tear" element.  However, it's interesting to note that a landlord may still NOT deduct this cost from the tenant's security deposit!  (And this is even if it's stated in the lease!)