HomeMy WebLinkAboutWORKSHOP Public Information Campaign
Brought to you by the City of Oshkosh and the
Rental Housing Advisory Board
Tenant Rights – Respect for rights is the
foundation of rental housing. Property owners
reasonably expect payment for renting their
dwellings, and tenants should expect fair
treatment from housing providers. Wisconsin
Statute Ch 704 and WI Admin Code: ATCP 134
detail the rights and duties of landlords and
tenants. Rights and duties are enforced through
local ordinances. In exchange for rent payments,
tenants are entitled to:
✔ Due process during eviction proceedings ✔ Protection from landlord entry without 12
hour notice, except in case of emergencies ✔ Full return of security deposit, less any
non-paid rent or a list of required repairs ✔ Freedom from landlord retaliation when
exercising individual rights ✔ Peaceful enjoyment of dwellings
Healthy Homes – The vast majority of rentals in
Oshkosh are owned by “mom and pop” landlords,
or those who own only 2-3 properties. No matter
how many properties a provider manages, all
dwellings must meet health and safety standards
set by national, state, and local laws. There are a
number of programs and services in place to help
you keep your dwelling safe.
The Inspection Services Division enforces housing
codes. If your dwelling is in disrepair, despite
requests to the housing provider, Inspection
Services can perform an inspection at your request.
Inspections are not a tool to punish landlords, but
a way to maintain tenant rights and the viability to
the housing stock.
The Rental Inspection Program, run by Inspections
Services Division, examines rental properties for
housing code compliance. Landlords cannot accept
or decline inspections on behalf of the tenant.
Tenants cannot be charged or fined by the landlord
for complying with the program.
Responsibly Communicate -
Landlords must responsibly communicate intent to
enter the dwelling, for any reason, by providing 12
hours notice to the tenant. Landlords must also
communicate changes in the rental agreement so
that the tenant can accept, before the changes are
implemented.
Tenants should complete a move-in report and
return to the property manager within 7 days of
moving in. Record any and all damages, along with
pictures to document. Tenants may also request a
list of previous damages from the landlord.
Write to landlords. All communication with your
landlord, including repair requests, security
deposit disputes, and move-in/move-out forms
should be done in writing. When things are wrong
with the dwelling, tenants should take photos for
proof. When communicating with landlords,
tenants should assert the relevant right, and ask
for what you want. Landlords should provide a
timely reply. Tenants should make sure to follow
up.
Leave a forwarding address with your landlord
upon lease termination to help get your security
deposit returned.
Improve Housing Stock – The number of
renters in Oshkosh grows, and with it the need for
habitable and affordable dwellings. Throughout
the city, improvements need to be made in terms
of affordability and quality. The city’s Planning
Services Division offers no-interest loans and
grants to home owners. Four different
revitalization programs, designed to help first-time
home owners, as well as homeowners needing
some help with improvements and beautification.
Programs also provide grants and low-interest
loans to landlords for improvements and repairs.
Voice Issues – Effective communication is only
useful when tenants are willing to speak for
themselves. Knowledge of laws and rights
pertaining to rental housing is best used when it is
exercised. Renters in Oshkosh have the
opportunity to express their concerns:
• Rental Housing Advisory Board Meetings
• Responsible communication with
Landlords
• The city’s Inspection Services division
• The Department of Agriculture, Trade and
Consumer Protection takes complaints for
unauthorized entry, non-returned security
deposits, and landlord retaliation
RHAB meetings are a great way to
communicate your concerns to city
staff. RHAB meets the second
Wednesday of every even-number
month, at 3:30PM. You can
communicate with the board via email,
or in person at a meeting. Go to
onboard.ci.oshkosh.wi.us to learn more
about RHAB and how to contact them.
Empower Others – As a renter, you are not just
a customer. You are a human with the right to live
peacefully. Educating and protecting yourself
means you can help your neighbors, friends,
family, and co-workers avoid problems too!
Tenant unions are springing up nationwide, in
response to unprecedented upheaval in housing.
Landlords are organized, and have a powerful
presence in the state legislature. Organizing
tenants at the neighborhood level, or even for
individual multi-unit dwellings, can have profound
positive effects on tenant living.
Report abuses to relevant local and state
authorities, especially violations of fair housing
laws and local housing codes. Landlords cannot
retaliate against you for following the law, or
exercising your available rights. Learn more about
tenant rights at www.fairhousingwisconsin.com
and if you feel you have experienced
discrimination in a housing situation, please call
Fair Housing Council's toll-free complaint intake
line: (877) 647-3247.
RESOURCES
ADVOCAP
advocap.org (920) 426- 0150
City of Oshkosh Inspection Services
ci.oshkosh.wi.us/InspectionServices
(920) 236-5050
Consumer Protection Agency
(800) 422-7128
Fair Housing Council
(877) 647-3247
Lawyer Referal
(800) 362-9082
Legal Action of Wisconsin
(920) 233-6521
Oshkosh/Winnebago Housing Authority
(920) 424-1450 ohawcha.org
Rental Housing Advisory Board
onboard.ci.oshkosh.wi.us
Tenant Resource Center
tenantresourcecenter.org
United Way Essential Community Services
Dial 211
UW Extension Rent Smart Class
fyi.uwex.edu/rentsmart
UWO Student Legal Services
Attny. Erik Forsgren (920) 424-3202
Winnebago Apartment Association
(920) 420-0662 facebook.com/winnapt
Winnebago Conflict Resolution Center
(920) 236-4925 mediationwcrc.org