MADISON, WI -- Legislation authored by Senator Romaine Robert Quinn (R-Birchwood) to prevent predatory practices in real estate was signed into law on Friday.
The legislation, now Wisconsin Act 32, aims to protect Wisconsin homeowners from being taken advantage of by businesses that offer non-improvement contracts. The deceptive business practice has become prevalent around the nation where individuals are enticed with upfront cash offers in exchange for signing exclusive contracts on their homes.
“Homeowners preyed upon by these offers often don’t even know that the agreements include terms that essentially allow a company to place a lien on their property,” Quinn said. “In many cases, this has resulted in steep penalties—sometimes a percentage of the property’s value—if the owners or their heirs sought to terminate the contract.”
This new law prohibits bad actors seeking to use liens on real property as leverage for non-improvement contracts. Liens will now only be permissible for contracts involving actual work, labor, services, materials, plans, or specifications that directly enhance the property itself. Any entity violating this provision will face penalties and fines. Additionally, the law allows victims of such deceptive practices to recover actual costs, damages, and attorney fees.
“Passing this bill in Wisconsin was necessary to protect consumers, often seniors, from schemers who exploit property ownership for unjust financial gain,” Quinn said. “This is simply a common sense measure that has real impact for people in Northern Wisconsin and around the entire state.”
Last Update: Aug 11, 2025 1:58 pm CDT
