Recently, the Wisconsin legislature passed a bill altering the powers of landlords and rights of tenants. http://badgerherald.com/news/2013/10/24/landlord-tenant-bill-deconstructed/ Adam Almeida, President and CEO of TenantScreeningUSA.com states: “Legislators in Wisconsin have simplified the process of eviction and legally changed the dynamic of the renter/landlord relationship. It is a critical turning point that highlights the absolute need to work with a third-party tenant screening company in order to stay compliant with current legislation”
Recent changes in the Wisconsin legislature have altered the power of landlords as well as the rights of tenants. http://badgerherald.com/news/2013/10/24/landlord-tenant-bill-deconstructed/
The bill, which would remove more than 20 city ordinances, would impact areas such as dealing with parking, the eviction process and the removal of tenant property.
A primary change is with the manner in which tenants are contacted about potential eviction.
“Right now, it is state law that the landlord has to hire somebody to try three times to try and personally serve the tenant,” Zanichkowsky said. “If people miss an eviction hearing, they could be homeless. Now, county by county, they can say that mailing a notice is good enough.” http://badgerherald.com/news/2013/10/24/landlord-tenant-bill-deconstructed/
Another portion of the bill handles parking and removal of illegally parked vehicles as well as the handling of possessions after eviction.
Wisconsin has previously enacted two laws that provide greater power to landlords.
ACT 108 allows:
landlords to discriminate against prospective renters based on information like credit or criminal history, and to require security deposits greater than one month’s rent. http://www.thedailypage.com/daily/article.php?article=41322 see also http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/related/acts/108
Act 143 prevents:
cities, counties, towns and villages from blocking evictions, and says that landlords are not required to disclose building or housing code violations unless they have “actual knowledge” of them. http://www.thedailypage.com/daily/article.php?article=41322 see also http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/related/acts/143
Landlords and property managers need to stay informed with changing law and remain or become compliant with all local, State, and Federal law that mandate tenant screening.
Adam Almeida, President and CEO of TenantScreeningUSA.com states: “While the larger corporate rental communities may have the wherewithal to stay current with legislation, mid-size to smaller rental communities may not be able to afford such a luxury.”
Tenant screening is a critical component in vetting potential renters. Understanding their ability to fulfill their fiscal responsibilities as well as responsibilities to neighbors and property is important. But conducting tenant screening in a fully legal manner is equally important.
“Changes in the laws governing tenant screening in Wisconsin highlight the importance of landlords and property managers staying compliant within those laws. Working with third-party tenant screening companies is the simplest and most affordable manner to do so.” Almeida states.
TenantScreeningUSA.com is a third-party tenant screening company that provides tenant checks to landlords and property managers for all sizes and types of rental complexes. From the single-unit to the large community, TenantScreeningUSA.com has the ability to provide thorough background and credit checks along with leasing recommendations to landlords and property managers anywhere in the USA.
