New Legislation Could Substantially
Alter State Tenant-Landlord Laws
New legislation (named AB561 and SB466) has been introduced that could change the entire nature of tenant-landlord law in Wisconsin, and if passed, could facilitate abusive landlord practices. Some of the changes that would be enacted by this bill include:
- Eliminating double damages, court costs and reasonable attorney fees for failure to return security deposit or disclose repair issues - a tenant could only get single damages
- Allowing landlords to use illegal contract provisions without consequences
- Allowing landlords to take property that is left behind by a tenant
Hearings have been scheduled with less than 48 hours notice. They will be on Wednesday, February 15: the Assembly Committee on Housing will conduct a hearing at 11am, and the Senate Committee on Insurance and Housing will have a hearing and a vote at 2:05pm.
For more information, see the Wisconsin Alliance for Tenants' Rights.
Governor Signed Bill To Reduce Tenants Rights in Dane County, Madison and Fitchburg
2011 Wisconsin Act 108 (previously known as SB107) went into effect December 21, 2011. We have changed all our English materials and website content (Spanish brochures forthcoming) and you will see things struck out or bolded to indicate changes that are a result of SB107. Here is a summary of what has changed. Please note! Your rights may still be in place in some cases even after the law is in effect depending upon how the law was written or what is written into your lease. Please call us for details.
Free Housing Counseling
Tenant Resource Center (TRC) offers free housing counseling for tenants and landlords interested in learning more about their rental rights and responsibilities under Wisconsin law.
Information on state and local rental laws and regulations and lease screening services are available at TRC. We can also refer clients to other agencies when appropriate to assist them with their needs. Please see the links on the left for more information on a variety of topics. Call or visit any TRC office for individual assistance, on a walk-in basis, no appointment necessary.
MADISON -- MAIN OFFICE
Walk-In: 1202 Williamson Street, Suite 102, Madison, WI 53703
Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Monday - Friday
Rental Rights Phone: (608) 257-0006
Toll-free: 1-877-238-RENT
En Español: (608) 237-8913
Fax: (608) 286-0804
Email: asktrc@tenantresourcecenter.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tenantresourcecenter
Twitter: @MadisonTRC
EN ESPAÑOL: El Centro de Recursos para Inquilinos atiende consultas telefónicas y consultas personales en inglés y en español, sin necesidad de cita previa, de lunes a viernes de 9:00 a.m. a 6:00 p.m. en el # 1202 Williamson St, oficina 102 en Madison, teléfono 608-237-8913.
MADISON -- UW CAMPUS OFFICE
Walk-In: Student Activity Center, ASM Office, Room 4301, 333 East Campus Mall
Spring Hours:
Monday 11:30am -3pm
Tuesday 12:30-5pm
Wednesday 9am-1pm
Thursday 2-6pm
Phone: (608) 561-3727
E-mail: uw@tenantresourcecenter.org
Learn more about Housing Counseling...
Housing Help Desk
Located in the Dane County Job Center on the North side of Madison, the TRC Housing Help Desk provides tenants, landlords and social service agency staff with information, referrals and applications for low-cost housing, subsidized housing, transitional housing and emergency shelter services. The Help Desk can also make referrals to useful community resources including limited financial assistance for eviction prevention, security deposits and utilities.
Walk-In: 1819 Aberg Avenue, Madison, WI 53704
Hours: 10:00 AM - 2:00, Monday - Friday
Phone: (608) 242-7406
NOTE: Hours were reduced to 10am-2pm, Monday - Friday as of December 1st, 2011.
Do you object to these hours being reduced? Please donate here, or contact the Dane County Board of Supervisors and let them know how you feel.
Learn more about the Housing Help Desk...
Mediation Services
The Housing Mediation Service serves tenants, landlords, roommates and neighbors with rental housing related disputes. Mediation services are free at small claims court for eviction cases. A small fee is charged if there is not a pending eviction.
To access the Housing Mediation Service, call the intake line at: (608) 257-2799
Learn more about Housing Mediation Services...
Mission Statement
The Tenant Resource Center is a nonprofit, membership organization dedicated to promoting positive relations between rental housing consumers and providers throughout Wisconsin. By providing information and referrals, education about rental rights and responsibilities, and access to conflict resolution, we empower the community to obtain and maintain quality affordable housing.
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