Requiring landlords or tenants to apply for emergency rental assistance and participate in mediation prior to eviction and prohibiting certain rent increases.
Impact
The bill significantly alters the legal landscape for eviction proceedings in Wisconsin. By requiring landlords to pursue rental assistance before an eviction and to participate in mediation, the bill emphasizes collaboration between landlords and tenants, ultimately aiming to reduce the number of evictions in the state. This could lead to increased housing stability for tenants, who often face financial hardships, while ensuring landlords are aware of available assistance programs.
Summary
Assembly Bill 712 addresses the issue of eviction procedures in Wisconsin, particularly for residential tenants facing rental payment difficulties. The bill mandates that landlords give tenants a minimum of 30 days’ notice before eviction can occur due to non-payment of rent, an extension from the current notice period. Landlords must also apply for emergency rental assistance if available, and provide necessary information about this assistance in their notices. This provision aims to ensure that tenants are informed and can seek help before facing eviction.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding AB712 include debates regarding the balance of power between landlords and tenants. Supporters argue that the bill protects vulnerable tenants, providing them with necessary breathing room during financial crises. Critics, however, may express concerns about potential negative impacts on landlords, particularly small property owners, who could find the extended eviction process burdensome and financially challenging. The prohibition of rent increases for 12 months after receiving rental assistance further adds to the complexity of this bill, raising concerns over the economic viability for many landlords.
Improving housing stability for tenants subject to the residential landlord-tenant act and the manufactured/mobile home landlord-tenant act by limiting rent and fee increases, requiring notice of rent and fee increases, limiting fees and deposits, establishing a landlord resource center and associated services, authorizing tenant lease termination, creating parity between lease types, and providing for attorney general enforcement.
An Act Prohibiting The Eviction Of A Residential Tenant For Nonpayment Of Rent If The Landlord's Online Rental Payment System Prevents Such Payment Of Rent.