"Constructive eviction" is a defense used in court, when:

• a rental unit becomes unlivable, and
• the tenants have moved out because of the issues which caused the unit to become unlivable, and
• the landlord ends up suing the tenants for back-owed rent

Constructive eviction eviction is not: 

• A defense that can be used if the problem was a result of a tenant’s “actions or inactions” 
• The same as rent abatement 
• Something a tenant can claim if they are still living in the unit

← Back to Repairs.

So, there's been a lot of water around Wisconsin lately. And, as they say, when it rains, it floods. (Or something like that). Flooding is technically a repair issue, so for more information on the overarching laws about repairs, see our repairs page for Wisconsin, or for Madison & Fitchburg.

We've been flooded with calls about this issue (pun totally intended), and we have answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. 

← Back to Repairs.

For those of us with children, I think we have all had the experience, at least once, of knowing that we are in a situation that is harmful to our children, in this very moment, and we are currently powerless to do anything about it. A friend-turned-client called me recently, in the throes of desperation: her baby had high lead levels in his blood, and it seemed like there was so very little that she could do to keep him safe. 

In the end, they were able to take steps to get their family and kiddos into a safe home, and today I'm going through those steps with you.

← Back to Repairs.

Has anyone else noticed that it's been a super wet June (and now July) here in Wisconsin? So much rain. Our email is flooded (heh) with complaints about water and mold. 

Now, to be clear, I think mold can be devastating - let's say you're a family with kids, the kids have mold-triggered asthma which leads to bronchitis or, worse, pneumonia. Sickness in the kiddos leads to days home from work for the parents, which means that it's hard to pay rent. Suddenly, this little spore becomes a make-it-or-break-it thing. Of course, it's usually less impactful for most of the folks who read this blog, but it can damage carpets, lead to mild sickness, render furniture unusable. Let's look at some of the steps to deal with mold.