Q: My landlord was living in the home previously and left behind items 6 months later is refusing to move them out
She told us when she moved in she would move them and 6 months later it is still here. We rent the home and two car garage and she occupies space with her personal items. Can we move it out or charge her to move it? Or charge her for the space we can’t use.? Also she has not changed her mailing address and I’ve asked her to change it and she has not done so I do not want to keep getting her mail it’s so much! If I don’t notify her she has a lot she doesn’t care to pick it up.
A:
Under Wisconsin law, unless the lease has an exception, a tenant has the right to exclusive possession of the premises. So unless your lease allows the storage of personal property by the landlord, then have the right to exclusive possession and you may take your landlord to court to enforce your rights under the lease. The applicable statute follows:
704.05 Rights and duties of landlord and tenant in absence of written agreement to contrary.
(1) When section applicable. So far as applicable, this section governs the rights and duties of the landlord and tenant in the absence of any inconsistent provision in writing signed by both the landlord and the tenant. Except as otherwise provided in this section, this section applies to any tenancy.
(2) Possession of tenant and access by landlord. Until the expiration date specified in the lease, or the termination of a periodic tenancy or tenancy at will, and so long as the tenant is not in default, the tenant has the right to exclusive possession of the premises, except as hereafter provided. The landlord may upon advance notice and at reasonable times inspect the premises, make repairs and show the premises to prospective tenants or purchasers; and if the tenant is absent from the premises and the landlord reasonably believes that entry is necessary to preserve or protect the premises, the landlord may enter without notice and with such force as appears necessary.
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