Fall/Winter Newsletter

WINTER Time is here!

The snow will soon be falling and the cold winds blowing! One of the most asked questions this time of year is who's shoveling the walks? Most people think it's the property owner, right? Well, if you live in a building that has three or less units, the tenants are responsible. Also it's in your lease that tenants are responsible for snow shoveling.

In the City of Milwaukee, occupants of rental housing (less than four units) are responsible for:

Mowing the Grass
Cutting the Weeds
Picking Up Trash
Shoveling Snow on Sidewalks and Steps
Keeping Trash Carts in the Proper Place

We know that some tenants don't have snow shovels or salt. Many community groups and churches also provide these tools or services. Talking with your block captain or checking with the City of Milwaukee Community Services may help you find other places to get the tools you need to help keep your yard looking nice. Don't forget to ask your neighbors for help; Many, may have shovels or other things you can use.

Why should renters be concerned about all of this? Well, it's part of your lease. By doing your fair share you help keep building maintenance costs down and that means keeping the rents from going up.

What does that really mean? If you don't shovel the snow, or pick up the trash, MPI could get a notice from the City of Milwaukee to shovel snow or clean your yard. Tenants will be charged for any costs or fees charged by the City to the property for tenant responsibilities. You MUST notify MPI immediately of any notices posted on your building. MPI would rather have it's maintenance personnel making houses better to live in, than picking up trash and shoveling snow. Wouldn't you rather spend your money on nice things for your family instead of having to pay some one to pickup trash or shovel snow. One final note about yard cleans and snow shoveling, the City of Milwaukee can fine tenants $120.00 or more.

Also the Post office will NOT DELIVER MAIL to a house that has not shoveled their walks, this includes the sidewalk across the front of the house, the walks to any mail box, steps and porches. Garbage carts need to be shoveled out or the City will not empty the carts.

Utilities: The utilities must be in the name of the primary Lessee. MPI can only give the name of the primary Lessee if contacted by the Utility or Telephone Company.

Where Can I Get Help to Pay My Rent?

If you’ve fallen behind in your rent there are several places where you might find help:

UMOS 929 W. Mitchell Blvd 414-389-6000	YW –orks 1915 N. Martin Luther King Dr. 414-374-9922

The Salvation Army	Friends and Family

The Red Cross	Your Church

NEW POLICY FOR PAYMENT OF RENT

As of January 1, 2009 MPI will no longer accept cash for payment of rent. Please bring your payment in check or money order, only MPI no longer gives change. Any money paid over the rental amount will be credited to your next month’s rent.

Why Tenants Get Rent Increases

There are many reasons why property owners are forced to raise rents:

Property Tax Increases	Increases in Property Insurance

Rising Maintenance Costs	Increases in Water & Sewer Costs

Extra People living in the Building

Tenant’s Failure To:

Perform Lawn Care	Keep Sidewalks Shoveled

Keep Yards & Building Clean	Perform Minor Maintenance

Over the past several years water & sewer costs in Milwaukee have more than doubled. It is very important that tenants notify the MPI of any leaks or if their toilets continue to run. By keeping the water and sewer costs in check tenants can help to avoid rent increases.

Old Appliances & Furniture

If you have old appliances and furniture you need to get rid of. Place them on the curb or in the alley and call for a special pick-up @ 286-3322

Controlling and Reducing Energy Costs

If you are experiencing financial difficulties, We Energies can help. Take the guesswork out of your energy bills.

Budget Billing Is Easy.
You can enroll in Budget Billing at anytime. You'll be billed approximately the same amount each month on Budget Billing during the 12-month billing period.

Early Identification Program
If your situation requires long-term assistance, we may also refer you to our Early Identification Program. EIP specialists provide comprehensive assistance to establish a payment plan and to provide information about other community and financial resources.

Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program
WHEAP provides funds to eligible households to assist with their energy bills. WHEAP’s eligibility is based on total energy usage and income, so you do not have to be behind on energy bills to qualify.

Applications are accepted in all counties between October 1st and May 15th. However, we encourage you to apply early in the season to get all the benefits that you are eligible to receive.

Grants & Other Services
Many counties may also provide emergency or crisis grants, as well as other energy related services. Income and other guidelines are also used to determine eligibility for these programs that include:

Counseling on energy benefits and conservation

Co-payment plans

Weatherization

Emergency furnace repair and replacement.

If you have high energy bills contact WE Energies at 1-800-842-4565 for FREE weatherization.

MPI Property Management, LLC