sticky situation with landlord in wisconsin

[taminiemo]

This is a mess! I recently divorced and was a homemaker for several years. Long story short I needed a place to live and a job. I found the perfect situation which I would work for the landlord to pay for my rent. My landlord is in her late 90's and needs help at the buildings and at landlords home.

The first problem is there have been no efforts to fix my apartment at all which was a verbal agreement when I signed the lease. And I have asked several times to have this fixed, such as leaky faucets, electricity problems on one whole side of the apartment, large holes that go down into the basement, tons of things and nothing done. When i approached this to the maintance person they told me since I dont actually pay rent im the last to get fixed.

Second is after working for the landlord I found these buildings have serveral complaints and citations from the city and havent been fixed.

Also I found out I pay for the lighting on this building, plus all electricity needed for heat and hot water, basement and hallways. But heat and water are included in rent.?? Is this fair?

And this is a scarely issue, I live alone with my two children and the maintence man is scarey! He calls at all hours, shows up al all hours, drinks ALOT, and has commented sexually and rude remarks. Has told other tentants my situations. I have left out of town and he knew when I would be gone, and when i returned locks werent locked that i knew I had locked. And am missing personal items now but I can;'t prove it.

I have told the landlord of this several times and nothing has changed.

And I know I have gotten myself in a bind on this one with the rent thing. But how can I legally help myself, and get help, along with getting out! Im petrified of living here and have told many friends, I have even had people stay with me to feel safe and one ended up getting put on my lease! I have no family to help me and have two children. Assistance is a large waiting line.
But I do have witnesses to this maintence guy and his behaivor I just can't get thrown out on the streets with no where to live.

is there any help?

 

[Gail_in_Georgia]

Did you actually sign a lease?

If not, you are considered to be a month-to-month tenant. Typically one need give only 30 days notice that they are vacating the unit to be able to legally leave. No reason for vacating the premises needs to be given.

Gail

 

[Michael Wechsler]

Did you report the theft to the police? You should start by creating a "paper trail" such as filing a simple report and potentially sending a written complaint to the landlord, even a short email if you're on that basis with him which it seems you may be. I agree with Gail in wondering what the terms of your lease are and understanding your options. Don't worry, all will be fine.