About Michelle Mangen Expertise Wisconsin Landlord/Tenant Questions.
Experience Having been in the property management industry for over 13 years in Wisconsin and working quite closely with attorneys I have learned a great deal of information regarding landlord/tenant relationships. Additionally my previous experience included assuring that the company I worked for was compliant with regards to the law.
Education/Credentials Attended several seminars regarding landlord/tenant laws. Over 13 years in the industry.
Past/Present Clients New Land Enterprises, LLP - Milwaukee, WI. EA Properties - Green Bay, WI. Fox Valley Housing - Appleton, WI. Kevin Zimmerman, Wendy Scheels, Dave Anderson and other independent owners throughout the state of Wisconsin.
Question We live in a corner unit townhouse, and have been here for a couple months. In those couple months we've had multiple problems. First, we had trouble obtaining the lease from our landlord though we eventually got it. Currently we are dealing with a very large ant infestation everywhere, not just in places where food would be. We also have obnoxiously loud neighbors who play bass so that it wakes us up and we can hear it over our own TV. We've called our landlord multiple times and even written a letter to our neighbor but nothing has changed. She said she talked to them but if she did nothing has changed. The noise laws in our city are clear and any disturbing of the peace, no matter when, is illegal. We finally had to phone the police yesterday and today again, the loud bass woke me up from bed. Is any of this grounds to break the lease. It's hard to live like this. Thanks!
Answer Ashley:
Thanks for your question!
I am not sure where you live so it's hard to give you advice without knowing that information.
However, this is what the Law is for WI. The lease can only be broken if the apartment is unlivable - noise does not constitute as unlivable. However, the ants may qualify the apartment as unlivable.
I would suggest you call the Building Inspector where you live to find out on the ants.
Also, as you may end up in court I would make sure that all correspondence and requests you make to your landlord regarding both mentioned items are put in writing to them.
