If you thought Door County residents only complained about late cherry blossoms or tourists stopping short on Highway 42, think again. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has released its list of the top consumer complaints of 2025, and yes, some of them may sound familiar.
Topping the list once again are landlord-tenant issues, proving that arguments over security deposits and mysterious maintenance delays aren’t just a peninsula pastime. Telemarketing came in second, meaning those “extended car warranty” calls are still interrupting supper, even during fish fry season.
Home improvement complaints ranked third, a reminder that not every contractor finishes the job before winter, or before the Packers kick off. Telecommunications complaints also climbed the ranks, likely fueled by billing disputes and internet speeds that mysteriously slow down just as someone tries to post sunset photos from Cave Point.
A newcomer to the top ten was major appliances, suggesting more than a few washing machines chose to quit during laundry night. Travel complaints rounded out the list, because even Door County folks occasionally leave paradise, and sometimes regret it.
DATCP says complaints are up overall, but help is just a phone call or online form away. So whether it’s a leaky roof, a pesky cold caller, or an appliance with bad timing, consumers don’t have to handle it alone. Door County residents can request assistance with their issues, no matter how common, big, or small, by filing an online complaint on DATCP’s Consumer Protection webpage.
DATCP’s top ten consumer complaints filed in 2025:
1. Landlord-Tenant Issues: 2,620 complaints
2. Telemarketing: 1,283 complaints
3. Home Improvement: 641 complaints
4. Telecommunications: 633 complaints
5. Identity Theft: 468 complaints
6. Medical Services: 456 complaints
7. Motor Vehicle Repair: 445 complaints
8. Motor Vehicle Sales: 380 complaints
9. Travel: 219 complaints
10. Major Appliances: 158 complaints
