Most of the time, the landlord-tenant relationship goes smoothly. Tenants pay their rent on time and landlords deliver a safe, habitable property. But sometimes a tenant will not hold up their end of the bargain. Wisconsin law allows a landlord to evict a troublesome tenant in certain situations. To learn more, contact Wisconsin eviction attorney Brian Schuk today.
Causes for Eviction in Wisconsin
Landlords cannot simply evict a tenant on a whim. A plaintiff must have a valid cause for eviction before the process can begin. Common eviction grounds in Wisconsin include:
- Failure to pay rent in full or on-time
- Failure to vacate the property after the lease has ended
- Violation of the lease agreement
- Being a nuisance
- Damage to the property
- Engaging in a particular kind of criminal activity
If a tenant violates the terms of the lease or outstays the length of the rental agreement, a landlord may initiate foreclosure proceedings. To ensure the process goes smoothly, discuss your options with an experienced eviction attorney.
How to Legally Evict Tenants in Walworth County, WI
While Wisconsin's eviction laws are designed to provide relief to landlords with tenants that will not comply with the rental agreement, these laws also protect the rights of those tenants from unfair eviction. Legally evicting a tenant in Wisconsin can be uncomplicated with the help of an attorney, but it is critical to comply with all landlord-tenant statutes.
The eviction rules are particularly strict when a lease has an unexpired fixed term. The only way to legally evict a tenant during their lease is with a valid cause of eviction. The rules are more lax when a lease has expired but the tenant has not yet left. In that situation, a landlord may file for an eviction immediately.
The Wisconsin Eviction Process
The process for eviction in Wisconsin is lengthy and must be followed to the letter. If a landlord skips a step or otherwise fails to comply with the process, it could cost that landlord time and money. The process for a Wisconsin eviction is outlined below.
- Serve the tenant with the eviction notice
- Wait out the statutory eviction period set out in Section 704.17
- File a complaint for eviction in Small Claims Court
- Serve the tenant with the complaint and summons
- Attend the eviction trial
- Contact the Sheriff to coordinate the eviction
Eviction Mistakes and Consequences in Walworth County, WI
The consequences of an eviction mistake can be steep under Wisconsin law. If a landlord attempts self-help eviction, he or she could face a lawsuit for violating the rights of their tenant. And while it will not lead to a lawsuit against the tenant, any clerical error or mistake on the eviction notice can result in the landlord having to start the process all over again. To avoid these consequences, contact an experienced attorney today.
How a Walworth County Eviction Attorney Can Help
Attorney Brian Schuk has dedicated his practice to upholding the landlord-tenant laws of the state of Wisconsin. He has extensive experience handling eviction cases and can ensure that the landlords he represents comply with Wisconsin eviction requirements. Contact Schuk Law, LLC for a consultation today.