Milwaukee Common Council approves filing for new rental inspection pilot program to ensure habitable housing
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- On Tuesday, the Milwaukee Common Council approved the filing for a new rental inspection program that would change the way the city looks at smaller properties like single-family homes and duplexes.
The pilot program -- sponsored by District 15 Alderman Russell Stamper II -- would last five years and impact hundreds of rental units in Milwaukee's Uptown neighborhood by allowing the city to designate certain districts where rental properties could be periodically inspected for habitability violations.
These could include high rates of building code complaints, rodent or insect infestations, or structural hazards.
If successful in that first half-decade, the program could then expand to include more neighborhoods in the city.
"This is not about punishing landlords, it's about establishing a basic community standard," said Ald. Stamper.
If a violation is found, the ordinance gives owners at least 30 days to make repairs.
"If you collect rent in our neighborhood, you must provide a safe and habitable home," Ald. Stamper said.
City data shows 58% of eligible properties in the Uptown neighborhood district have received at least one complaint since 2023. Just last year alone, the Department of Neighborhood Services recorded 214 unique enforcement complaints.
Now that the council passed unanimous approval, the city will send official notices to property owners and tenants -- but if access is denied, no inspection will be performed.
"These benefits will reach beyond individual properties. Better maintained rental housing means safer families, stronger blocks, reduce blight, improve property values, and a better quality of life in the entire neighborhood," Ald. Stamper said.
Although this was adopted by the council, it still needs approval from the mayor.
If he approves it, the ordinance will expire five years after taking effect unless reauthorized by the council.