Do your Research

Current Tenants

If you only check on resource, check with the current tenants.  Many tenants are willing to talk for a few minutes regarding the property and the landlord if you explain that you are a prospective tenant.  Current tenants are valuable resources because they have firsthand experience with the landlord.  Make sure to ask questions such as:

• Does the landlord respond quickly when repair problems are reported?
• Are promised improvements (carpet cleanings, door knob fixing) completed on time?
• Is the landlord pleasant and professional?
• Does the landlord keep common areas (front lawn, parking lot) in good condition?
• Do the heat and appliances work properly?
• Is it a noisy neighborhood?
• Is proper notice given before the landlord enters the unit?

Small Claims Court Records

Let’s say that your prospective landlord fudges something in the lease which ends up costing his current tenants an extra $25 a month.  That adds up quickly in a year ($300 to be exact), and if the tenants find the error, they may take the landlord to Small Claims Court to get their $300 back.  In most cases, landlords won’t be found in the Small Claims Court Record, though it is worth the 2 minutes it takes to check it out.  To check out your prospective landlord visit the Wisconsin Small Claims Court website.

Consumer Protection

This is easy as a phone call.  Dial up the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection to ask if any complaints have been filed against the landlord.  You can find the number of complaints, the dates which they were filed, and the way in which the complaints were resolved.  The number for the Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is 1-800-422-7128.