5 Tips For Wisconsin Renters After Eviction Moratorium Ends

WISCONSIN — The U.S. Supreme Court ended the national eviction moratorium Thursday, which strips struggling renters' protection from eviction during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Landlords can evict renters who are behind on their rent and eviction orders can be enforced, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection said.

Wisconsin doesn't have its own eviction moratorium right now — the sole state moratorium only lasted a few months in 2020, Wisconsin Public Radio reported.

However, there are programs in Wisconsin that can give renters some help if they are struggling to pay the bills.

Eligible households behind on their payments can apply to the Wisconsin Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which offers up to 12 months of rent and utility assistance, the department said.

Here's a list of tips for dealing with landlords and renters after the moratorium.

• The National Low Income Housing Coalition has a database for renters and landlords looking for assistance to pay for rent, utilities or both. Those who can't find an assistance program in their area can also call 211.
• If a landlord has filed to evict a renter in court, the renter should find an attorney and seek rent assistance, the department said. Wisconsin Judicare and Legal Action Wisconsin both offer free and reduced cost legal assistance. Renters must go to the scheduled court date and should show up with a written plan on how they will catch up on rent.
• Mediation is a less stressful and less expensive step for renters and landlords to consider before filing for an eviction, the department said. Parties can go to Mediation in Wisconsin - Tenant Resource Center or to Mediate Wisconsin in Milwaukee County to get mediation for rent negotiations.
• Renters can try to work an arrangement with their landlord or leasing agency to pay off rent, CNET reported. Renters could ask their landlords if they can pay less rent or spread payments for some months' rent over the next year, but shouldn't agree to unreasonable conditions or terms they aren't able to meet.
• If a renter needs emergency housing, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a list of housing organizations in the area.