Milwaukee, WI Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)
Key Facts
- Protection window
- 12 months after correction certified
- Forfeiture range
- $100 to $2,000 per attempt
- Burden of proof
- On landlord to show good cause
- Complaint goes to
- Commissioner of Neighborhood Services
Summary
Milwaukee tenants who complain to the commissioner about code violations or use rent withholding are protected from eviction or retaliation for 12 months after the fix is certified.
No person or tenant shall be evicted or retaliated against for complaining of violations of this code or for complying with this section. It shall be presumed that any attempt to ... harass or retaliate against such tenant during the period from the first complaint to the commissioner to 12 months after the certification ... is declared void and subject to a forfeiture of not less than $100 nor more than $2,000 for each such attempt.
Full Breakdown
Under Milwaukee Code of Ordinances § 200-22-5, a tenant who reports a code violation to the commissioner of neighborhood services, or who withholds rent into the city-approved escrow account under § 200-22, cannot legally be evicted, have rent raised, or otherwise be harassed for it. Any adverse move by the landlord within 12 months of the tenant's first complaint (running until the department certifies the violations corrected) is presumed retaliatory, and the landlord bears the burden of proving a good-cause reason unrelated to the complaint. A tenant can still be evicted for nonpayment of rent outside escrow or for committing waste on the property. Violators face a forfeiture of $100 to $2,000 per attempt.
Violations & Fines
Retaliatory eviction or rent increase voided; forfeiture of $100-$2,000 per violation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my Milwaukee landlord evict me for reporting a code violation?
What can I still be evicted for while a complaint is pending?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Milwaukee
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