MILWAUKEE, Wis. — One of Milwaukee's largest and most controversial landlords agreed to pay more than $1.7 million to settle a lawsuit centered on tenant rights.
Attorney General Josh Kaul made the announcement Wednesday alongside partners Community Advocates of Milwaukee, Legal Action of Wisconsin, and Milwaukee Rental Housing Resource Center.
"This is a landmark agreement for housing in the Milwaukee area, and for Berrada Properties tenants," Kaul said.
The settlement is related to a lawsuit filed in 2021 that included allegations regarding various issues, from rent agreements to remodeling complaints.
Berrada agreed to several remediation programs, including offering income-based rent, eviction diversion, and rental and move-out assistance. It will also vacate and seal eviction judgments that the state says were illegally charged and reimburse tenants who paid unauthorized late fees or attorneys' fees.
"It's a long time coming," Sherlonda Carter told TMJ4 News.
Carter moved out of her maggot-infested Berrada apartment but still has family and friends renting at their locations.
"It's taken too long to get here, and I'm happy it is here. I hope for the other people that live in his property that it helps them tremendously because I wasn't helped [in] any type of way," Carter stated.
Watch: DOJ and Berrada Properties reach settlement totaling more than $1.7M
Carter is cautiously optimistic and hopes this settlement is not the end of holding one of the city's biggest landlords accountable.
"There's people out here suffering," Carter said.
The agreement still has to be reviewed by the state legislature's Joint Finance Committee before going to a judge for approval. TMJ4 is still waiting to learn who qualifies for these programs, including reimbursement.
TMJ4 News reached out to Berrada Properties for comment. An attorney released the following statement on their behalf.
“In resolving this matter, Berrada Properties Management, Inc., is doing what is best for its tenants but denies any wrongdoing. The settlement memorializes several practices and procedures in place since before the litigation was commenced. As it has always done, Berrada Properties Management, Inc., will continue to act in the best interests of its tenants by acquiring, improving, and professionally managing previously neglected properties.”
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