The Right Landlord?
It is customary for landlords to check the background of prospective renters. It is equally important for tenants to check out the landlord. It does not take a lot of time, costs almost nothing, and can save tenants the time and money involved in settling disputes with a bad landlord.
Current Renters
If you only check one resource, it should be the current renters. If the area seems safe, go to the apartment building when the landlord is not around and knock on a door. Explain that you are thinking about renting in the building and you would like a little information about the landlord. Many renters will be willing to talk with you for a few minutes.
Ask questions such as:
- Does the landlord respond quickly when repair problems are reported?
- Did the landlord complete promised repairs/improvements (such as installing new carpet?)
- What happens if you pay the rent late?
- Does the landlord act in a pleasant and professional manner?
- Does the landlord keep common areas such as sidewalks, yards, laundry rooms, and hallways in good condition?
- Are there major repair problems in the building?
- Are there pests (such as cockroaches and/or mice) or plumbing, electricity, and structural problems such as a leaking roof or basement?
- Does the heat work properly?
- Are there noise or safety problems in the building or the neighborhood?
- Does the landlord give proper advance notice before entering apartment?
- Is the current renter leaving? If so, why?
If possible, talk to at least two current renters. A poor report from current renters is a strong reason to consider finding a different apartment.
Small Claims Court Records
It is easy to check small claims court records. Go to the small claims court in your county. Each office will have paper or computer files. The files list cases alphabetically by the last name of the persons who are suing and being sued. The files will list case numbers. You can ask the clerk to pull files for all cases your potential landlord has been involved in during the last year or last two years.
The case files will often be brief, but the Summons and Complaint will tell who is suing whom, and why. A judgment or the court minutes will tell you who won the case. When you check the court records,try to take into consideration the number of apartments a which landlord/management company controls; a large number of court records might correspond to a large number of apartment units. If you find that the landlord is in court over tenant/landlord issues it may be wise to look for another apartment.
Consumer Protection
Call the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and ask if any complaints have been filed against the landlord. You can find out the number of complaints which have been filed against the landlord, the dates they were filed, and the way in which the complaints were resolved. Again, remember to consider how many apartments the landlord owns or manages. You can go to the consumer protection agency to see the actual tenant complaints.
- Consumer Protection
- Madison: (608) 224-4960
Statewide: (800) 422-7128
Building Inspection Records
Many towns and cities in Wisconsin have building inspectors. Inspectors keep written records every time they inspect an apartment. You can visit your local inspection office and ask to see the records for addresses you are considering. All inspection reports are public records and you must be allowed to see them. Focus on recent records, such as inspection reports within the past five years. The records should show that the inspector has visited the apartment and the repairs that the inspector ordered the landlord to make. Check to see how soon the repairs were finished. Also check to make sure it is still the same landlord who owns the building. You can get this information by stopping by the UWP Rental Issues Coordinator Office, located in the Ullsvik Center or call 342-1495.
You may want to stay away from a building which inspectors have visited several times in the recent past because the building is probably not kept in good repair. You may also want to stay away from landlords who do not make repairs even when ordered to do so by the building inspector.
Zoning Records
When you check inspection records it is a good idea to check zoning. In most towns and cities, building and zoning inspectors share the same office; often one person serves as both building and zoning inspector. Give the zoning staff the address of the apartment and ask how the building is zoned.
You may find that no more than two or three unrelated persons can live in the building which may come as an unpleasant shock if you were planning to move in with two or three friends. You might also find out that your prospective "three-bedroom" apartment only has two legal bedrooms.
If you find unexpected surprises in your zoning check you should consider dropping the apartment from your list.
Police Records
Call your local police department and ask whether you can get a printout of all police calls to your prospective apartment building. You may have to go to the police department in person and/or pay a small fee. There also may be a police officer assigned to the neighborhood you want to move. Talk to that officer about the neighborhood. It might be a good idea to stay away from any building which has a long record of police calls.
Disclaimer
No part of this webpage should be regarded as legal advice or considered a replacement for a landlord's or tenant's responsibility to be familiar with the law. If legal assistance is required, the services of a housing attorney should be sought.