MAYOR TOM BARRETT CALLS ATTENTION TO NEW STATE LAW THAT PROTECTS TENANT RIGHTS DURING FORECLOSURE

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett is promoting a new state law that recently took effect that protects the rights of renters of foreclosed properties.

Under the new state law:

* Landlords must provide written notice to tenants or prospective tenants when foreclosure action begins, and again when the deadline expires for the landlord to repay to avoid foreclosure.

* Banks and financial institutions must provide written notice three times to current tenants of the property in foreclosure: when the foreclosure action begins, when the court issues a judgment, and when the property will be placed for sale. Failure to provide notice carries a $250 fine plus attorney fees.

* Tenants may stay in their rental residence up to two months following sale of the foreclosed property.

* If there is a security deposit, tenants can withhold rent and let the security deposit cover the last month before the foreclosure 'redemption' period expires. This means the time allowed for a property owner to stop the foreclosure from moving forward, a period that lasts between six to 12 months.

* Beginning June 6, the Wisconsin Circuit Court records cannot display information regarding a tenant eviction that was prompted by mortgage foreclosure.

"After hearing horror stories of tenants losing money and being evicted because they were living in foreclosed properties, the City of Milwaukee requested a change in state law," Barrett said. "I am happy to see that changes have been made and that our residents now have greater rights to safe and secure rental housing during these difficult economic times."

Barrett credited members of the Milwaukee Foreclosure Partnership Initiative and members of the Wisconsin State Legislature for working to protect tenants' rights during the foreclosure process. State Senator Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) and State Representative Gordon Hintz (D-Oshkosh) were the lead sponsors of the legislation, which was included in the recent state budget and economic stimulus package. Minnesota and California have passed similar tenant protection laws.

Property owners (and renters) at risk from foreclosure are encouraged to visit http://www.milwaukeehousinghelp.org/ for referral information on housing counseling agencies, legal advice and more.

Beer Line Trail Art Collaboration Exhibition

Saturday April 18 (10:00-3:00) * King Commons II * 2767 N. King Drive


Red Line Milwaukee has partnered with Raoul Deal and the UWM Peck School of the Arts for an art collaboration featuring student artists, who are creating art instillations on the Beerline Trail. The collaborative art exhibit will document and capture the community building and civic engagement processes inherent in public art-making, which would not be possible without the support of Riverworks Corp., GroundWorks Milwaukee, and our many other supporters.



With Special Guests:

Darrin Reasby - Drawing & Visual Artist
Showcasing 3 Generations: Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr. and President Obama


Rozalia Singh – 3D & 2D Visual Artist


Romero Hernandez – 3D & 2D Visual Artist

Energy Assistance Applications available through May 15

Do you need help with the cost of heating your home? The Energy Assistance Program helps individuals and families pay their home heating and electric bills during the winter, and pays for improvements to homes and apartments to make them more energy efficient (weatherization). Energy grants depend on family size, income level and energy costs and change each year. Applicants for energy assistance must provide copies of their utility or heating oil bills, proof of income for all adult family members 18 and older and the social security cards for everyone in the household. Energy assistance applications are taken at the 2008-2009 Energy Locations operated by the Social Development Commission (SDC) and are available until May 15th, 2009.

Visit the SDC SDC Richards Street office at 4041 N. Richards Street between Mon. - Fri., 7:30 am - 4:30 pm (doors open at 7:30) to apply.