Chapter 703

703.29 History History: 1977 c. 407.

703.30 703.30 Rules of construction.

703.30(1) (1) Certain rules of law not applicable. Neither the rule of law known as the rule against perpetuities nor the rule of law known as the rule restricting unreasonable restraints on alienation may be applied to defeat or invalidate any provision of this chapter or of any condominium instruments, bylaws or other instrument made pursuant to this chapter.

703.30(2) (2) Substantial conformity of condominium instruments and bylaws sufficient. The provisions of any condominium instruments recorded and any bylaws required under this chapter shall be liberally construed to facilitate the creation and operation of the condominium. So long as the condominium instruments and bylaws substantially conform with the requirements of this chapter, no variance from the requirements shall affect the condominium status of the property in question nor the title of any unit owner to his or her unit, votes and percentage interests in the common elements and in common expenses and common surpluses.

703.30(3) (3) Provisions of condominium instruments and bylaws severable. All provisions of condominium instruments and bylaws are severable and the invalidity of one provision does not affect the validity of any other provision.

703.30(4) (4) Conflicts in provisions. If there is any conflict between any provisions of a declaration and provisions of a condominium plat or any provisions of the bylaws, the provisions of the declaration shall control. If there is any conflict between any provisions of any condominium instruments and any provisions of any bylaws, the provisions of the condominium instruments shall control. If there is any conflict between any provisions of any condominium instruments or any provisions of any bylaws and any provisions of this chapter, the provisions of this chapter shall control.

703.30(5) (5) Instruments construed together. Condominium instruments shall be construed together and are determined to incorporate one another to the extent that any requirement of this chapter applying to one instrument is satisfied if the deficiency can be corrected by reference to any of the others.

703.30 History History: 1977 c. 407; 2021 a. 168.

703.30 Annotation The application of this section is limited to the condominium status of the property and title of the unit owners. It does not apply to a project’s status as an expanding condominium under s. 703.26. Rock Lake Estates Unit Owners Ass’n v. Town of Lake Mills, 195 Wis. 2d 348, 536 N.W.2d 415 (Ct. App. 1995), 94-2488.

703.31 703.31 Personal application.

703.31(1) (1) All unit owners, tenants of the owners, employees of owners and tenants or any other persons that in any manner use property or any part thereof subject to this chapter shall be subject to this chapter and to the declaration and bylaws of the association adopted under this chapter.

703.31(2) (2) All agreements, decisions and determinations lawfully made by an association in accordance with the voting percentages established in this chapter, declaration or bylaws, shall be deemed to be binding on all unit owners.

703.31 History History: 1977 c. 407.

703.315 703.315 Lease or rental agreements for residential units.

703.315(1) (1) Definitions. In this section:

703.315(1)(a) (a) “Condominium rental agreement” means an agreement, whether oral or written, for the rental or lease of a residential condominium unit by the same tenant for a period of more than one month.

703.315(1)(b) (b) “Tenant” means any of the following:

703.315(1)(b)1. 1. A person occupying or entitled to present or future occupancy of a residential condominium unit under a condominium rental agreement.

703.315(1)(b)2. 2. A periodic tenant, as defined in s. 704.01 (2), of a residential condominium unit that pays rent on a month-to-month or greater recurring interval of time.

703.315(1)(c) (c) “Unit owner” means the owner of a unit that is rented or leased under a condominium rental agreement or by a periodic tenant.

703.315(2) (2) Agreement for compliance. Entering into a condominium rental agreement constitutes an agreement by the tenant, as a condition of the condominium rental agreement, to comply with this chapter, the rules and bylaws of the association, and the provisions of the declaration. Entitlement to occupancy of a unit as a periodic tenant, as described in sub. (1) (b) 2., constitutes an agreement by the periodic tenant, as a condition of the tenancy, to comply with this chapter, the rules and bylaws of the association, and the provisions of the declaration.

703.315(3) (3) Copy of written agreement to association. Within 5 business days after entering into or renewing a written condominium rental agreement, the unit owner shall provide a copy of the agreement to the association. The association shall keep a copy of any condominium rental agreement on file while the agreement is in effect.

703.315(4) (4) Contact of unit owner and tenant by association. The association may contact or give notice to the tenant or unit owner by:

703.315(4)(a) (a) Making the contact or giving the notice by the means indicated by the tenant or unit owner in writing to the association.

703.315(4)(b) (b) If par. (a) does not apply, by any method under s. 704.21 (1) (a) to (e), in the case of the tenant, or by any method under s. 704.21 (2) (a) to (d), in the case of the unit owner.

703.315(5) (5) Copy of condominium documents to tenant. Before a tenant occupies a unit, the unit owner shall provide a copy of the declaration and the association bylaws and rules to the tenant or place the information in the unit.

703.315(6) (6) Time share not covered. This section does not apply to a time-share unit governed under ch. 707.

703.315 History History: 2003 a. 283.

703.315 Note NOTE: 2003 Wis. Act 283, which affected this section, contains extensive explanatory notes.

703.32 703.32 Easements and encroachments.

703.32(1) (1) Presumption as to existing physical boundaries. Any existing physical boundaries of any unit or common elements constructed or reconstructed in substantial conformity with the condominium plat shall be conclusively presumed to be its boundaries, regardless of the shifting, settlement or lateral movement of any building and regardless of minor variations between the physical boundaries as described in the declaration or shown on the condominium plat and the existing physical boundaries of any such unit or common element. This presumption applies only to encroachments within the condominium.

703.32(2) (2) Encroachment as result of authorized construction, reconstruction or repair. If any portion of any common element encroaches on any unit or if any portion of a unit encroaches on any common element, as a result of the duly authorized construction, reconstruction or repair of a building, a valid easement for the encroachment and for the maintenance of the same shall exist so long as the building stands.

703.32(3) (3) Easements included in grant of unit. A grant or other disposition of a condominium unit shall include and grant and be subject to any easement arising under the provisions of this section without specific or particular reference to the easement.

703.32(4) (4) Association’s right of entry to make repairs. An association shall have an irrevocable right and an easement to enter units to make repairs to common elements when the repairs reasonably appear necessary for public safety or to prevent damage to other portions of the condominium. Except in cases involving manifest danger to public safety or property, an association shall make a reasonable effort to give notice to the owner of any unit to be entered for the purpose of such repairs. No entry by an association for the purposes specified in this subsection may be considered a trespass.

703.32 History History: 1977 c. 407.

703.33 703.33 Disclosure requirements in connection with sale of unit.

703.33(1) (1) Material to be furnished by seller to purchaser before closing. Not later than 15 days prior to the closing of the sale of a unit to a member of the public, the seller shall furnish to the purchaser the following:

703.33(1)(a) (a) Copies of the proposed or existing declaration, the bylaws, and any rules or regulations.

703.33(1)(b) (b) A copy of the proposed or existing articles of incorporation of the association, if it is or is to be incorporated.

703.33(1)(c) (c) A copy of any proposed or existing management contract, employment contract or other contract affecting the use, maintenance or access of all or part of the condominium to which it is anticipated the unit owners or the association will be a party following closing.

703.33(1)(d) (d) A copy of the projected annual operating budget for the condominium including reasonable details concerning the estimated monthly payments by the purchaser for assessments, and monthly charges for the use, rental or lease of any facilities not part of the condominium.

703.33(1)(e) (e) A copy of any lease to which it is anticipated the unit owners or the association will be a party following closing.

703.33(1)(f) (f) A description of any contemplated expansion of the condominium with a general description of each stage of expansion and the maximum number of units that can be added to the condominium.

703.33(1)(g) (g) A copy of the floor plan of the unit together with the information that is necessary to show the location of the common elements and other facilities to be used by the unit owners and indicating which facilities will be part of the condominium and which facilities will be owned by others.

703.33(1)(h) (h) An executive summary setting forth in clear plain language the following information, or the location within the disclosure materials described in pars. (a) to (g) where the information may be found, and the date on which the executive summary is prepared or revised:

703.33(1)(h)1. 1. ‘Condominium identification.’ The name of the condominium.

703.33(1)(h)2. 2. ‘Expansion plans.’ A description of the declarant’s expansion plan for the condominium and deadline for implementation and the identity of the condominium management during the expansion period.

703.33(1)(h)3. 3. ‘Governance.’ The name and address of the condominium association; whether the association is self-managed or has hired or retained management; and the name, address, and telephone number of the individual or individuals who may be contacted regarding the condominium in general.

703.33(1)(h)4. 4. ‘Special amenities.’ A description of any special amenities, such as an athletic club or golf course, and a statement of the obligation of a unit owner to join or support the amenity.

703.33(1)(h)5. 5. ‘Maintenance and repair of units.’ A description of an owner’s responsibilities for the repair and maintenance of the unit.

703.33(1)(h)6. 6. ‘Maintenance, repair, and replacement of common elements.’ The identity of the person responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of common elements and limited common elements and whether repairs or replacements will be funded from unit owner assessments, reserve funds, or both.

703.33(1)(h)7. 7. ‘Rental of units.’ Whether unit owners may rent their units and any restrictions on rentals.

703.33(1)(h)8. 8. ‘Unit alterations.’ A description of any rules, restrictions, or procedures governing a unit owner’s authority to alter the unit or use or enclose limited common elements.

703.33(1)(h)9. 9. ‘Parking.’ A description of the availability, restrictions, and costs of parking.

703.33(1)(h)10. 10. ‘Pets.’ A description of rules relating to unit owners’ pets.

703.33(1)(h)11. 11. ‘Reserves.’ Whether the association maintains reserves for repairs and replacement of common elements beyond routine maintenance and, if so, whether a statutory reserve account under s. 703.163 is maintained and the amount of the reserve balance.

703.33(1)(h)11m. 11m. ‘Fees on new units.’ A description of any provisions exempting the declarant or modifying the declarant’s obligation to pay assessments on the declarant’s unsold units during the period of the declarant’s control, and any other provisions in the declaration, bylaws, or budget addressing the levying and payment of assessments on units during the period of the declarant’s control.

703.33(1)(h)11q. 11q. ‘Amendments.’ An indication that a unit purchaser’s rights and responsibilities may be altered by an amendment of the declaration or bylaws, and a description of the amendment process and requirements.

703.33(1)(h)12. 12. ‘Other restrictions or features.’ At the option of the declarant or association a description of other restrictions or features of the condominium.

703.33(1)(h)13. 13. ‘First right of purchase.’ Whether the association has a first right to purchase the unit.

703.33(1)(h)14. 14. ‘Transfer fee.’ Whether the association charges a fee in connection with a transfer of ownership of the unit and, if a fee is charged, the amount of the fee.

703.33(1)(h)15. 15. ‘Disclosure material fee.’ Whether the association charges a fee for providing the disclosure materials described in this section and, if a fee is charged, the amount of the fee.

703.33(1)(h)16. 16. ‘Payoff statement fee.’ Whether the association charges a fee for providing a payoff statement under s. 703.335 and, if a fee is charged, the amount of the fee.

703.33(1m) (1m) Preparation of executive summary. The executive summary under sub. (1) (h) shall be prepared, and subsequently revised whenever a change is made in the disclosure materials described in sub. (1) (a) to (g) that requires a revision of a statement in the summary, by the declarant or the association, whichever is in control of the condominium when the executive summary is prepared or revised.

703.33(2) (2) Disclosure form. The materials required in sub. (1) shall be delivered to a prospective purchaser with cover sheet, index, and tables of contents as prescribed in this section. A cover sheet and index shall precede all other materials required in sub. (1). The executive summary required under sub. (1) (h) shall appear immediately following the index. A table of contents shall precede the section to which it applies.

703.33(2)(a) (a) Cover sheet. A cover sheet shall be of the same approximate size and shape as the majority of the disclosure materials required in sub. (1) and shall bear the title “Disclosure Materials” and shall contain the name and location of the condominium, the name and business address of the declarant, and the name and business address of the declarant’s agent or, if the seller is not the declarant, the name and address of the seller. Following this information, but separate from it, there shall appear on the front of the cover sheet 3 statements in boldface type, or capital letters no smaller than the largest type on the page, in the following wording:

703.33(2)(a)1. 1. THESE ARE THE LEGAL DOCUMENTS COVERING YOUR RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS A CONDOMINIUM OWNER. IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND ANY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THEM, YOU SHOULD OBTAIN PROFESSIONAL ADVICE.

703.33(2)(a)2. 2. THESE DISCLOSURE MATERIALS GIVEN TO YOU AS REQUIRED BY LAW MAY, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECT AND BINDING. FOR A COMPLETE UNDERSTANDING OF THE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, CONSULT THE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENTS TO WHICH A PARTICULAR EXECUTIVE SUMMARY STATEMENT PERTAINS. ORAL STATEMENTS MAY NOT BE LEGALLY BINDING.

703.33(2)(a)3. 3. YOU MAY AT ANY TIME WITHIN 5 BUSINESS DAYS FOLLOWING RECEIPT OF THESE DOCUMENTS, OR FOLLOWING NOTICE OF ANY MATERIAL CHANGES IN THESE DOCUMENTS, CANCEL IN WRITING THE CONTRACT OF SALE AND RECEIVE A FULL REFUND OF ANY DEPOSITS MADE. IF THE SELLER DELIVERS LESS THAN ALL OF THE DOCUMENTS REQUIRED, YOU HAVE 5 BUSINESS DAYS FOLLOWING RECEIPT OF THE DOCUMENTS TO CANCEL IN WRITING THE CONTRACT OF SALE OR, IF THE SELLER DELIVERS A COVER SHEET AND INDEX, TO DELIVER A WRITTEN REQUEST FOR ANY MISSING DOCUMENTS. SEE THE INDEX, IF ANY, FOLLOWING THIS INFORMATION TO DETERMINE IF DOCUMENTS ARE MISSING. IF YOU TIMELY DELIVER A WRITTEN REQUEST FOR MISSING DOCUMENTS, YOU MAY, AT ANY TIME WITHIN 5 BUSINESS DAYS FOLLOWING THE EARLIER OF EITHER THE RECEIPT OF THE REQUESTED DOCUMENTS OR THE SELLER’S DEADLINE TO DELIVER THE REQUESTED DOCUMENTS, CANCEL IN WRITING THE CONTRACT OF SALE AND RECEIVE A FULL REFUND OF ANY DEPOSITS MADE. YOU HAVE NO FURTHER RIGHT TO CANCEL THE CONTRACT OF SALE BASED ON THE DOCUMENTS UNLESS THE DOCUMENTS ARE MATERIALLY CHANGED.

703.33(2)(b) (b) Index. Following the material required in par. (a), there shall appear an index of the disclosure materials. An index may begin on the cover sheet, if space permits, and be continued on the first and subsequent pages immediately following the cover sheet or may begin on the first page immediately following the cover sheet and continue on subsequent pages. An index shall be in substantially the following form:

The disclosure materials the seller is required by law to provide to each prospective condominium purchaser contains the following documents and exhibits:

703.33(2)(b)1c. 1c. ‘Executive summary.’ The executive summary highlights for a buyer of a condominium unit essential information regarding the condominium. The executive summary begins on page ......

703.33(2)(b)1m. 1m. ‘Declaration.’ The declaration establishes and describes the condominium, the units and the common areas. The declaration begins on page ......

703.33(2)(b)2. 2. ‘Bylaws.’ The bylaws contain rules which govern the condominium and effect the rights and responsibilities of unit owners. The bylaws begin on page ......

703.33(2)(b)3. 3. ‘Articles of incorporation.’ The operation of a condominium is governed by the association, of which each unit owner is a member. Powers, duties, and operation of an association are specified in its articles of incorporation. The articles of incorporation begin on page ......

703.33(2)(b)4. 4. ‘ Management or employment contracts.’ Certain services are provided to the condominium through contracts with individuals or private firms. These contracts begin on page ......

703.33(2)(b)5. 5. ‘Annual operating budget.’ The association incurs expenses for the operation of the condominium which are assessed to the unit owners. The operating budget is an estimate of those charges which are in addition to mortgage and utility payments. The budget begins on page ......

703.33(2)(b)6. 6. ‘Leases.’ Units in this condominium are sold subject to one or more leases of property or facilities which are not a part of the condominium. These leases begin on page ......

703.33(2)(b)7. 7. ‘Expansion plans.’ The declarant has reserved the right to expand the condominium in the future. A description of the plans for expansion and its effect on unit owners begins on page ......

703.33(2)(b)8. 8. ‘Floor plan and map.’ The seller has provided a floor plan of the unit being offered for sale and a map of the condominium which shows the location of the unit you are considering and all facilities and common areas which are part of the condominium. The floor plan and map begin on page ......

703.33(2)(c) (c) Tables of contents and page numbers. In addition to an index required by par. (b), tables of contents for the declaration and bylaws shall be provided, identifying each section of these documents and providing a page number for each section. Each section of disclosure material required in sub. (1) shall, on the first page of that material, identify contents of that section but, with the exception of the declaration and bylaws, is not required to have a table of contents. Each section of disclosure material shall be separately identified by a letter, tab, or number. Pages within each section shall be consecutively numbered with an indication of the section as part of the pagination.

703.33(2)(cm) (cm) Statements; building code violations. Except with respect to a conversion condominium with 4 or fewer units, in addition to the other information required by this section, the declarant of a conversion condominium shall provide to each purchaser all of the following:

703.33(2)(cm)1. 1. A statement by the declarant, based on a report prepared by an independent architect or engineer, describing the present condition of those structural components and mechanical and electrical installations that are material to the use and enjoyment of the building.

703.33(2)(cm)2. 2. A statement by the declarant of the expected useful life of each item reported on in subd. 1. or a statement that no representations are made in that regard.

703.33(2)(cm)3. 3. A list of any outstanding notices of uncured violations of building code or other municipal regulations, together with the estimated cost of curing those violations.

703.33(2)(d) (d) Additions or exclusions. All materials required by this section shall be delivered to a prospective purchaser with disclosure materials required under sub. (1) except that articles of incorporation, leases and expansion plans of the index need not be included if they clearly do not apply.

703.33(2m) (2m) Association’s obligation to provide disclosure information. Within 10 days after a written request by a seller other than the declarant, an association shall furnish the information necessary for the seller to comply with this section. The association may charge to the seller, and the seller shall pay to the association, all of the following amounts:

703.33(2m)(a) (a) Except as provided in s. 703.205, the actual costs of furnishing the information under subs. (1), (1m), and (2) or $50, whichever is less.

703.33(2m)(b) (b) The actual costs of furnishing the information under sub. (3m) or $15, whichever is less.