Council approves ordinance protecting tenants in lead-exposure investigations
“Prolonged exposure to lead can have extremely dangerous health consequences, especially for children”
The Common Council on Tuesday, July 9 approved an ordinance protecting tenants living in a residence being investigated for lead-exposure levels from retaliation by their landlord.
Common Council File #181759, sponsored by Alderman José G. Pérez and cosponsored by the entire Common Council, would protect tenants against retaliation or eviction from landlords for a variety of activities related to lead-exposure investigations in rented residences. These activities include seeking advice or services to guard household members from exposure to suspected lead-based nuisances, cooperating with city representatives investigating or removing lead sources, or arranging the removal of known lead sources.
“Prolonged exposure to lead can have extremely dangerous health consequences, especially for children,” said Ald. Pérez. “Milwaukee residents should not be unfairly punished or evicted by their landlord for investigating the lead levels in their home, whether through the city or an outside service. In fact, they should be commended for taking steps to keep their family and themselves as safe as possible.”
Under the ordinance, landlords are prohibited from terminating a tenancy or evicting a tenant by any means, including the reduction or removal of heat, water or electricity to the dwelling unit, in retaliation against a tenant for lead investigations. Any person that violates this section will be liable upon conviction to a Class J penalty under s. 61-16. Each and every violation of the ordinance would constitute a separate offense.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
More about the Lead Crisis
- $43 Million Later, MPS Says Classrooms Are Safe From Lead Dust - Corrinne Hess - Dec 18th, 2025
- MPS Buildings Cleared of Lead-Paint Risks after 10-Plus Months of Work - Milwaukee Public Schools - Dec 17th, 2025
- Wisconsin Moves to Require Lead Service Lines Replaced By 2037 - Danielle Kaeding - Dec 11th, 2025
- Gov. Evers, DNR Announce More Than $159 Million to Ensure Clean, Safe Drinking Water for Wisconsinites in 29 Municipalities - Gov. Tony Evers - Dec 10th, 2025
- EPA Announces $3 Billion in New Funding for States to Reduce Lead in Drinking Water - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - Nov 25th, 2025
- Wisconsin Communities Get $282 Million for Drinking Water Projects - Danielle Kaeding - Nov 19th, 2025
- MKE County: County Launches Lead Abatement Program - Graham Kilmer - Nov 9th, 2025
- Milwaukee County Launches Lead Remediation Program to Reduce Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Homes in Suburban Communities - David Crowley - Nov 5th, 2025
- Wisconsin Improves Child Lead Testing Rates, Urges Continued Testing and At-Home Prevention - Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Oct 21st, 2025
- City Hall: Milwaukee Must Replace 100 Lead Laterals Per Week To Meet 2025 Goal - Jeramey Jannene - Oct 1st, 2025
Read more about Lead Crisis here
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