If you are looking for legal advice, referrals or assistance as it pertains to the legal side of renting off campus, please look through the resources below. We have compiled a list of multiple Milwaukee legal resources that are available to you.
Legal Advice
Law for Learners
Law for Learners is a free resource for students that can connect you with legal help specific to your unique situation. The help varies based on the legal matter. It may include one or more of the following.
- Advice: Providing legal explanations and guidance, including options and next steps.
- General assistance: Helping you complete forms, sharing information about court procedures or available resources, and providing guidance on self-representation.
- Referral: Connecting you with another resource or legal service provider.
- Full representation: Working with you for an entire legal proceeding.
Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic
The Marquette Volunteer Legal Clinic provides free, brief legal advice and referral services on most civil legal matters. The clinics are staffed by volunteer law students and attorneys. Their services are currently operating remotely.
Cost: Free
Contact Information: Call (414) 278-3965 to request an appointment, or use the appointment request form on their website.
Background Check
Wisconsin Circuit Court Access
The Wisconsin Circuit Court Access provides access to all circuit court records, including previous small claims proceedings. You can look up landlords or rental companies to obtain a background check on any potential rental-related or safety concerns.
Cost: Free
Website: wcca.wicourts.gov
Emergency Assistance
IMPACT 2-1-1 (Emergency Shelter Hotline)
IMPACT helps people take the first step toward changing their life, for good. They assess and guide those experiencing personal crisis toward resources to achieve stability, and collaborate with community partners to foster system improvement. They are available 24-hours a day.
Cost: Free
Contact Information: Call toll-free 1-866-211-3380, text your ZIP Code to 898-211, or visit their website https://www.impactinc.org/contact-us/.
Illegal Housing Discrimination
Fair Housing Council
Federal and state laws make it illegal to discriminate against protected classes or engage in unfair or predatory lending practices. The Fair Housing Council is a resource if you feel you have experienced illegal housing discrimination.
Cost: Free
Contact Information: Call (414) 278-1240 or visit their website https://www.fairhousingwisconsin.com/.
Report an Issue at your Unit
Department of Neighborhood Services Housing Complaints
If you are having issues with your unit or rental property (ex. no water), call your landlord or the building’s owner about the problem. The owner information is available using the Department of Neighborhood Services’ Land Management System (LMS). If the owner is unresponsive, then contact DNS to report the issue.
Cost: Free
Contact Information: Call (414) 286-2268 or visit their website https://city.milwaukee.gov/DNS/About-Us/Complaints.
Property Public Records
Milwaukee City Clerk/Alderperson
The City’s Clerk Office serves as a primary resource for public and privileged access to, and preservation of, current and archival information on Milwaukee’s municipal government and historic properties.
Cost: Free
Contact Information: Call the City Clerk’s Office at (414) 286-2221 or visit their website at https://city.milwaukee.gov/cityclerk.
File a Marketplace Complaint
Better Business Bureau
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) serves to advance marketplace trust by creating a marketplace where buyers and sellers can trust each other. They provide balance by calling out bad business behavior (scams, fraud, etc) and commending good businesses through the BBB Accreditation program.
Cost: Free
Contact Information: Call (414) 847-6000 or visit their website https://www.bbb.org/local-bbb/bbb-serving-wisconsin.
Low-Income Legal Assistance
Legal Action of Wisconsin
The Legal Action of Wisconsin provides free legal services to low-income people who would be denied justice without their help. They deliver top-quality, personalized legal service to every client they serve.
They also offer a Low Income Taxpayer Clinic, to help resolve the tax problems of individuals who cannot afford the help of tax professionals.
Cost: Free
Contact Information: Call (855) 947-2529 for general inquiries or the local office line at (414) 278-7722. Visit their website at https://www.legalaction.org/.
Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee
The Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee provides free legal assistance to low income Milwaukee County residents with civil legal problems. They provide legal assistance on various issues including:
Cost: Free
Contact Information: If you have questions or would like to consult with an attorney, follow their get help guide, or call (414) 727-5300. Visit their website at https://lasmilwaukee.com/.
Find a Lawyer
State Bar Lawyer Referral Service
The State Bar Lawyer Referral Service can help you figure out if you need a lawyer, and how to proceed if you do. When you call the service, you will not get legal advice; however, you will talk to a legal assistant who is experienced in analyzing potential legal problems – and in helping you locate the best source of help.
Cost: Free
Contact Information: You can reach the State Bar Lawyer Referral Service by phone at (800) 362-9082 or (608) 257-4666 (in Dane County and outside of Wisconsin). Visit their website at https://www.wisbar.org/forpublic/ineedalawyer/pages/lris.aspx.
Milwaukee Bar Lawyer Referral Service
The Milwaukee Bar Lawyer Referral Service is a free over-the-phone referral service for anyone that has a legal question or is seeking to obtain legal counsel. A trained interviewer will assess your situation and determine the most appropriate way to proceed. Then, they will refer you to either a private attorney, government agency, or community resource, depending on the nature of the legal problem.
Cost: Free (If you are referred to an attorney, the first half hour consultation will cost no more than $20.)
Contact Information: You can reach the Milwaukee Bar Lawyer Referral Service by phone at (414) 274-6768. Visit their website at https://findmilwaukeelawyers.org/.