Negligent Property Manager

[J. Erickson]

After my father's passing in 2010, i hired a property management company to operate my dad's rentals as I have no landlord experience and live two hours away.  Spring of last year I instructed company NOT to renew leases because i was planning on selling as leases ended.  One house returned SATURATED with dog urine (skunk level odor-no exageration) sub floor buckled and black mold beneath carpets.  Second house saturated with mold.  Renters and their neighbors have called health department on mold and rat issues due to the lack of response by company.  Third house I just found out has had 10 sewer back ups in the last 8 years.  Sewage still on basement floor. Fourth house was rented to office workers daughter for the past 4 years.  $50 monthly pet rent waived and was going to be allowed to stay rent free past lease.  Also renewed lease that he was instructed NOT to on six separate occasions. Upon firing manager and transferring remainder of leases to new company, I have made several requests for any and all articles associated with my properties to be turned over.  I still do not have all my paperwork.  Obvious stonewalling and convenient misunderstanding my requests, I have complained to every consumer protection group I can find.  Why is it that this type of business is not governed?  I called Realtor's Association to file an ethics complaint and they do not have record of his credentials (required to manage properties in WI).  This person has cost me thousands!  Although he has agreed to pay me $5000 in pet rent and new manager's fees  (as well as lawyer consult)  he will not pay until I sign a 'cease and desist statement and a promise not to sue him , his company or employees.  I believe he is guilty of unethical business practices, negligence, breach of contract and fraud.  Lawyer consult not helpful, time and expense with no guarantee..