A new law in Wisconsin will allow victims of domestic violence to break their leases to protect themselves from imminent danger. Similar laws already exist in Colorado, Delaware, North Carolina, Washington, Texas, Oregon, and Illinois.
The Wisconsin law requires anyone seeking to break a lease to show documentation of a threat, such as a criminal complaint or restraining order--I wonder whether a police report might also suffice.
Some Wisconsin landlords are less than excited about the law, and at least one doesn't seem especially concerned about sounding like a jerk about it:
“I don’t know if it really protects anyone else in the building if that victim moves out,” Kintopf said. “Where does it stop? Would the bank let me out of my mortgage? Landlords are in favor of helping people, but I’m not convinced this is the best way.”
Right. Way to make yourself into the real victim here. Really keeps it all in proportion.
It doesn't sound like anyone's arguing this law doesn't impact landlords. That would be stupid--it clearly does. But what a relief that the state legislature has recognized the role economics can play in keeping victims of abuse from being able to protect themselves, and is ready to use the force of the state to alleviate some of those obstacles.
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