Spring/Summer Newsletter

SPRING 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
Keeping Trash Carts in the Proper Place
Keeping the Yard Clean

If you don’t have a rake, MPI has them to use for free with a $5.00 deposit if you return it in good condition you get your deposit back. You can also buy a new one for $5.00! 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 mowers or other things that 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 Health Department to shovel snow or clean your yard. To clean a yard it could take two men, a truck, a trailer, tools and a trip to the dump . This costs MPI at least $100.00 per yard! The law allows the owner to charge tenants for the cost of the work, so that means if you live in a duplex, each tenant could be billed $50.00 or more to have their yard cleaned. 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.

The City of Milwaukee can fine tenants and owners any where from $50.00 to $400.00 a day for yards that are not taken care of.

RENTERS AND OWNERS WORKING TOGETHER TO

KEEP MILWAUKEE SAFE AND BEAUTIFUL

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 – Works 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