Landlord entry laws

[Mitchell Flaherty]

I recently closed on my first duplex. I inherited tenants, one of the tenants is fighting me tooth and nail every time I try to enter the unit for inspections and with contractors for quotes. He claims according to Wisconsin law I need to provide a certified mail 24 hour notice to enter. Everything I read states all I need to give him a 12 hour notice nothing states that it has to be certified mail written. He also claims that means that I illegally entered the garage because he has rights to the garage per his lease. His lease states that he gets half of the garage and the other tenant get the other half. I told him via text that I was entering the unit and garage days before I did. He has threatened me with legal action and has told me to go through his lawyer from now on. Does he have any grounds here? Everything I’m reading states that what he claims is all wrong. However obviously I want to double check.

Thanks for your time.

[Nathan Gesner]

NOLO is an excellent resource. Note they point directly to the actual statutes:

https://www.nolo.com/legal-enc...

I would print off the law and hand it to the tenant. If he refuses you again, serve him notice of termination.

Do yourself a favor: buy "Every Landlord's Legal Guide" by NOLO. Written by attorney investors, it's full of practical advice pertaining to management of investment property, has sample forms that can be edited, and - most importantly - they tell you what your primary state laws are and where you can read them. It's updated every year and is the best $40 you'll spend as a Landlord. There is one book for 49 states and a separate book for California.