On this page you'll find information for tenants, home repair programs, fair housing information, and other housing services.

Tenant Resources for Housing Eviction

It is important to note that the City of Wauwatosa does not play a role in the eviction process. Evictions are handled in Milwaukee County Circuit Court and in Wisconsin a tenant can only be evicted by a court order issued by a judge or court commissioner. 

All evictions begin with service of a notice (5, 14 or 28 days) to vacate. Notices must be properly served on a tenant for an eviction to proceed. If the notice expires and a tenant has not vacated, landlords may then file the eviction in Milwaukee County Circuit Court. If a landlord succeeds in Circuit Court, an eviction is ordered and the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office is notified. The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office is responsible for executing any moves not voluntarily completed pursuant to a court order. The Wauwatosa Police Department plays no role in evictions. 

Here is a list of available resources for tenants who may be facing potential eviction:

Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee

Legal Aid offers legal assistance in eviction defense and other landlord/tenant issues.  https://lasmilwaukee.com/

Phone: (414) 727-5300

Community Advocates Rental Housing Resource Center

Community Advocates connects people to resources and offers one-time financial assistance to individuals and families facing eviction due to income loss.  https://communityadvocates.net

Phone: (414) 270-4646 

IMPACT 211

For people facing eviction with no place to stay, dial 211.  The 211 hotline connects people with local shelters and other resources that can help.  https://www.impact.org

Phone: 211 

Mediate Milwaukee

Mediate Milwaukee offers mediation services in eviction cases, with a goal of avoiding eviction.  https://mediatewisconsin.com/

Phone: (414) 939-8800

Legal Action of Wisconsin

The Eviction Defense project offers legal assistance to people facing eviction.  https://www.legalaction.org/services/eviction-defense-project-milwaukee

Phone: (414) 278-7722

Resident Relief Foundation

The Resident Relief Foundation offers financial assistance to individuals and families facing eviction.  https://residentrelieffoundation.org

Wisconsin Department of Children and Families

Wisconsin DCF offers one-time financial assistance for parents with urgent housing and utility costs.  Applications must be made at a local W-2 agency.

https://dcf.wisconsin.gov/ea

(608) 422-7000

Wauwatosa Housing Rehabilitation Program

Income qualifying households residing in owner-occupied single family homes and duplexes are eligible for Wauwatosa's Housing Rehabilitation Program located in Wauwatosa.  

Milwaukee County Housing Programs

Milwaukee County receives federal money under the HOME Investment Partnership Funds program and operates three housing assistance programs in Wauwatosa (eligible applicants must meet income and program requirements):

• Home Repair Program
• First Time Homebuyer Assistance Program 
• Rent Assistance Program (Section 8)  * The Section 8 Rent Assistance Program is currently closed to new applicants. 

Contact Milwaukee County at (414) 278-4894 for more information on these programs, including having your name added to the rental assistance list.

Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council (MMFHC) 

The purpose of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council (MMFHC) is to promote fair housing throughout the state by guaranteeing all people equal access to housing opportunities and by creating and maintaining racially and economically integrated housing patterns. MMFHC provides enforcement, education, fair lending and inclusive communities programs.

MMFHC's resource, Fair Housing: A Guide for Owners and Managers of Rental Property,  provides a general overview of fair housing laws and examples of situations in which fair housing issues are pertinent, along with suggestions for a framework in which housing providers may development policies and practices that comply with fair housing laws.

Contact the Metropolitan Milwaukee Fair Housing Council at (414) 278-4894 for more information or to find out how to file a possible housing discrimination complaint.

Helpful Links 

City of Wauwatosa's Housing Discrimination Ordinance

WI Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)

WHEDA offers an array of programs prospective homebuyers can utilize to pursue homeownership in Wauwatosa. WHEDA’s Consumer Pages are available for anyone who wants to learn about the ease of obtaining a WHEDA loan, WHEDA down payment assistance, and a WHEDA mortgage credit certificate.  On these pages, consumers can find:

1. The Six Steps to Homeownership – everything from getting a free credit report and understanding it, budgeting, determining a compatible WHEDA Lender, understanding how to determine the type of house to shop for, and the mortgage process from application to closing.
2. Simple, easy to understand descriptions of WHEDA’s first mortgage and down payment assistance programs - so eligible consumers understand they can purchase a home using a WHEDA loan with little or NO money down.
3. Helpful tools and resources to explain in simple terms all the factors that need to be taken into consideration beyond just buying a home, the terms used, and the unanticipated costs of maintaining a home along with the many benefits that come with it.
4. Homebuyer Education and Landlord Education Providers directs consumers to professionals in all areas of Wisconsin who can assist with everything from help with credit repair, steps to take to become eligible for homeownership if currently are not, and even a link to FREE home buyer education through Framework Homeownership – a national home buyer education provider who is normally fee-based.  

WHEDA offers resources to people seeking a place to rent as well:

The Wisconsin Housing Search website (WIHousingSearch.org) is a free online housing location service. Multiple search parameters allow you to efficiently look for the next rental property that uniquely fits your situation. Find an Apartment.

The WHEDA Housing Choice Voucher Program helps families with very low to extremely low incomes rent decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing of their choice. Take a look at Rental Assistance Information.