Illegal Eviction Procedures in Wisconsin
Wisconsin landlordsmust follow specific rules and procedures when evicting a tenant (see thearticle HowEvictions Work: What Renters Need toKnow, on this site). The state forbids landlords from taking thelaw into their own hands. Examples of illegal “self-help” evictions includechanging the locks, removing the front door, or turning off the heat orelectricity—all of which may be the basis for a tenant suing a landlord, with damages to be determined by the court in Wisconsin.
If you decide to sueyour landlord for an illegal eviction, check Wisconsin law (you'll find Wisconsinrules prohibiting self-help evictions at Wis. Adm. Code § ATCP 134.09(7)). See the Laws andLegal Research section of this site foradvice on finding and reading statutes.
It's also a good ideato get advice from a local tenants' rights group in Wisconsin. The U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website includes informationon tenant advocates for each state.
Finally, considerconsulting an experienced tenants' lawyer. See the article Tips on Hiring and Working WithLawyers on this site foradvice.
For a wide range ofother articles of interest to tenants, see the Renters'and Tenants' Rightssection on this site.