Being a Good Neighbor

UWM lies at the center of a lively mix of neighborhoods on Milwaukee’s Upper East Side, each with its own personality and distinctive blend of housing, shops, restaurants, parks and nightspots. Located just a few blocks from Lake Michigan, these neighborhoods are home to many UWM faculty, staff, alumni and students.

Due to the special nature of these neighborhoods, UWM is joining with students and community members to help persevere the neighborhoods’ character. Successful living in this area requires respect, communication and cooperation by all community members. This means working together to ensure that all members of the community respect the rights and diversity of their neighbors and takes responsibility for following community standards.

Showing Respect

Tenants

Tenants receive the use of the property for the term of the rental. They are expected to leave the property in good condition at the end of their stay. While in residence, tenants are expected to be good neighbors.

Being a good neighbor includes but is not limited to:

  • Reporting problems promptly
  • Keeping the property clean and removing garbage
  • Wheeling trash and recycling carts to designated pick-up areas and returning them to storage areas when emptied
  • Picking up debris outside the building and in common rooms and hallways
  • Refraining from making noise at levels that would disturb others
  • Avoiding all illegal activity

Being a good neighbor is especially important when there is no owner or manager on site. It’s a good idea for new tenants to introduce themselves to their neighbors and exchange phone numbers. Problems often can be avoided or quickly solved when neighbors know each other and communicate effectively.

Landlords

Landlords are in the business of renting property. The rent charged for the property depends on its size, location and condition. Landlords must provide a reasonably secure environment with working fixtures, heat and hot water, a hazard-free environment with smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, access to city services and access to the rented unit during the active rental agreement.

Landlords must follow established legal procedures when asking a tenant to vacate a property. The landlord is responsible for enforcing all codes applicable to rental property. These include occupancy codes, noise codes, building safety and security codes, nuisance codes, cleanliness codes and health codes.

The best landlords form a partnership with their tenants, which provide quality housing, maintains the value of their property and results in a living situation that is in harmony with the neighborhood.

Key City Codes

Occupancy

Occupancy of any unit, including homes, is restricted to no more than three (3) unrelated people, regardless of the number of bedrooms available, unless the landlord has a rooming-house license. Renters should also be aware of illegal attic or basement units. More information on the occupancy ordinance.

Alcohol

Milwaukee Police enforce the codes regarding illegal use of alcohol. Citations and fines can be issued for public drinking and the purchase of alcohol by a minor. The sale of alcohol or cups at parties is also illegal and grounds for the responsible party to receive citations. All fines increase for the second and third offenses. With the second offense, landlords as well as tenants receive a fine, increasing the offenders’ chance of eviction. A complaint regarding alcohol use/distribution can be made at the time of offense or the next day.

  • An illegal tavern costs about $2,500. Note: an illegal tavern is when there is a gathering where liquor is being distributed or sold. More information on illegal taverns.
Noise

Like most older, established neighborhoods, the Upper East Side is an area of closely-spaced homes and apartment buildings. Keeping noise – and music – to acceptable levels and reasonable hours is important. The Milwaukee Police strictly enforce rules related to loud called noise ordinances. Fines for excessive and/or late-night noice can be expensive and increase with each subsequent offense. Landlords are liable with the second offense, often leading to eviction of the offender. Similar to alcohol offenses, a complaint regarding noise can be made at the time of the offense or the next day.

  • The cost of a Noise Ordinance ticket is $206 for the first offense. More information on Noise Ordinances.
Laws & Fines

Fines vary between UWM Police and Milwaukee Police. City of Milwaukee fines reflect minimums for first offenses and are subject to change. Download full .pdf of offenses and penalties.

Remember, UWMPD, MPD and the Dean of Students Office work closely together to address student concerns off-campus. Even if you are off-campus, you are a member and representative of the greater Panther community. Any off- or on-campus misconduct will be reported to the Dean of Students Office and may results in a student conduct process. More information on laws and fines.