First Legal Challenge As A Result of Act 76 (Wisconsin's New Landlord Tenant Law)

LegislationAct 76 (SB 179)
Written By Tristan R. Pettit, Esq.

I just read an article on WXOW.com today about what I believe to be the first legal challenge as a result of the passage of Act 76 - Wisconsin's new landlord tenant law.

Two local landlords in La Crosse, Wisconsin are suing the city of La Crosse over its new registration and inspection ordinance which only applies to rental units. Per the article written by Dave Solie of WXOW.com, local attorney Bernardo Cueto filed the suit recently and says the ordinance violates Act 76 because it requires landlords to follow rules not required of other landowners. Mr. Cueto is quoted as saying "Act 76 was designed to promote equality between homeowners and renters and protect renters from unreasonable rules created by local governments and intrusions on their homes and privacy."

Act 76 amended sec. 66.0104, Wis Stats. and prohibits municipalities from enacting or enforcing certain ordinances that affect landlords and tenants, which I have discussed fully in a prior blog post.

The La Crosse Tribune also covered the lawsuit filing.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out as there was a similar ordinance enacted in Wausau recently and of course good ol' Milwaukee has the Residential Rental Inspection (RRI) pilot program which is very similar in nature.

 

Tristan R. Pettit, Esq.

Tristan is the President of Pettit Law Group and focuses his practice in the area of landlord-tenant law representing landlords and property management companies throughout Wisconsin.

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Act 76 - Wisconsin's New Landlord Tenant Law - Part 5: Domestic Violence Notice Langauge & More Prohibited Rental Agreement Provisions