Milwaukee Tenant's Rights and Resources
Milwaukee is home to a vibrant and diverse community, and as with any city, we are home to numerous renters. As a renter, it is important to know your rights to protect yourself from any unfair or unlawful treatment by your landlord. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key tenant's rights in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Note: None of this should be construe as legal advise, always consult an attorney when making decisions regarding the topics discussed in this post)
Discrimination
In Wisconsin, it is illegal for a landlord to discriminate against a tenant based on their race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability. This means that landlords cannot refuse to rent to a tenant or offer different rental terms based on any of these factors.
Security Deposits
A landlord in Milwaukee, Wisconsin can require a security deposit, but it must be returned to the tenant within 21 days of moving out, unless the landlord has a valid reason to keep some or all of the deposit. Reasons for keeping the deposit include unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, or unpaid utility bills.
Repairs
Landlords are required to make repairs to their rental property to ensure it is habitable for tenants. This includes repairs to the plumbing, electrical, and heating systems, as well as making sure the property is free from pests and has working locks. If the landlord fails to make necessary repairs, tenants have the right to withhold rent until the repairs are made.
Rent Increases
If a landlord in Milwaukee, Wisconsin wants to increase the rent, they must provide written notice to the tenant at least 28 days before the rent increase takes effect. If the rent increase is greater than 5%, the tenant has the right to terminate the lease within 14 days of receiving notice.
Evictions
Landlords in Milwaukee, Wisconsin must follow specific procedures if they want to evict a tenant. They must provide written notice to the tenant, stating the reason for the eviction and giving the tenant a specific amount of time to either fix the problem or vacate the property. If the tenant does not comply, the landlord can file for an eviction in court. Tenants in Milwaukee have certain rights that are designed to protect them from unfair or unlawful treatment by their landlords. These include protection from discrimination, the right to a timely return of their security deposit, the right to a habitable rental property, notice of rent increases, and specific eviction procedures. By understanding these rights, tenants can better protect themselves and their living situations.
Tenant Resources:
There are several resources available to tenants in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. These resources can help tenants understand their rights and navigate any issues that may arise with their landlord.
Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee: The Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee provides free legal services to low-income individuals in Milwaukee County. They offer legal assistance for a variety of issues, including housing and tenant rights.
Community Advocates: Community Advocates is a non-profit organization that provides a variety of services to Milwaukee residents, including housing assistance. They offer rental counseling, eviction prevention services, and tenant advocacy.
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP): The DATCP provides information on landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities. They offer a hotline for tenants to report issues or ask questions about their rental situations.
Tenant Resource Center: The Tenant Resource Center is a non-profit organization that provides tenants with information on their rights and resources to help them address housing issues. They offer a hotline for tenants to ask questions and receive advice on their rental situations.
Fair Housing Council of Greater Milwaukee: The Fair Housing Council of Greater Milwaukee works to eliminate housing discrimination in the greater Milwaukee area. They offer education and advocacy for tenants who have experienced discrimination in their housing situations.
By utilizing these resources, tenants can better understand their rights and take action if necessary to protect their living situations.