51ÁÔĆć

Milwaukee is a city of distinct neighborhoods. Here is where 51ÁÔĆć students typically live based on distance from the Kenwood Campus:

For even more information about Milwaukee, click here: /about-milwaukee/

While it’s always good to plan, don’t let landlords pressure you into signing early. Typically, prices are best and the most variety of property is available between May and August. We typically recommend looking for a rental 2-3 months before you want to move in.

Resources to Help Your Search:

• Save Money: Complete the Preferred Tenant Program to qualify for $250 off your security deposit or 2% off monthly rent.
• Browse Listings: Use the service to find available units.
• Get Advice: Visit the Off-Campus Resource Center or connect with for a lease review.

For more information, please see our Rental Guide Process.

In the City of Milwaukee, it is illegal for more than 3 unrelated people to live in the same unit.

Warning: If a landlord suggests leaving names off the lease to bypass this rule, it is a major “red flag” and puts you at risk for legal eviction. If you are looking in or other suburbs, check local ordinances as rules may differ.

Before You Call, Have this Ready:

1. The landlord’s name and property address.
2. Your desired move-in date.
3. Your schedule for a showing.
4. Specific needs that should be answered before a showing. (e.g., “Do you allow pets?” or “Is parking included?”).

Making the call: Making phone calls to people you don’t know can be nerve wracking. We are providing a basic conversation outline to help cover all bases and help keep the conversation stress free. Change the bolded areas to your information.

If the landlord does not answer their phone, leave a message similar to the opening of the guide if they had answered. Be sure to include a call back number as well. If there is a best time to reach you, communicate that on the voicemail as well.

Student: Hello (Name of landlord), my name is (Your name). I am calling because I saw a listing for your property at (Address of house/apartment) on (Where you found the listing). I am hoping to move on (Date you want to move in) and am interested in more information about this property.

The landlord will likely tell you more about the unit –whether it is still available, pricing, length of lease, etc. Or, they may just ask you what more you would like to know about the unit. Some landlords will go into great detail while others may rely more on you to lead the conversation.

If the landlord doesn’t give you much more information about the building, ask your prepared need-based questions. Or anything else that may be important to you upfront.

You may just be interested in viewing the house and want to save your questions for then. If this is the case, lead the conversation towards scheduling a showing.

Student: I am interested in seeing the unit. Are there specific days or times that work best for you?

Have your schedule ready, so you can work with the landlord and find a time that fits within both of your schedules. This may be the next day or two weeks later –whatever works best for each party.

Once you decide on a date and time, make record of it so you don’t forget. Once a showing is scheduled and your basic questions have been answered, you’ve successfully taken the first steps towards signing a lease!

Student: Thank you for your time (Landlord name), and I look forward to meeting you on (Date and time of showing).

Before signing a lease, it is important to ask questions. Here are some sample questions that you may want to ask a landlord:

General Questions:

• How much is the monthly rent? 
• How much is the security deposit?  
• Does this apartment allow pets? 
• What is the manager’s contact information? 
• How do I place a maintenance request?
• Are there any items that need to be repaired or replaced? 

Safety:

• Who has access to the basement or storage areas (if there is one)?  
• Do all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors work? 
• Will the door/key locks be changed before I move in? 
• Will you feel safe in the rental? 
• Will you feel safe while walking to and from classes during the day and at night? 

Amenities:

• What appliances are included?  
• Who do I contact for maintenance repairs? 
• Is there a washer and dryer on the premise? What about a dishwasher or garage?
• How is the unit heated? Is there Air Conditioning?

Location, Structure, and Services

• Has the unit had previous noise complaints? Who do I contact if noise becomes a problem?
• When is trash pickup? How about recycling?
• Is the rental unit accessible with ramps or elevators?
• Can I paint or hang pictures on the walls?
• What features does this location offer? Is it a quiet neighborhood or a bustling street?

Students have found themselves evicted, homeless or in rentals with terrible issues. We want to help you make the best choice possible. Beware of any landlord exhibiting these behaviors:

• refusal to provide a sample lease or allow time to review the lease before signing
• pressuring you into signing a lease on the spot or quickly
• allowing more than 3 unrelated people to live together
• leaving a tenant’s name off the lease
• delayed/slow communication
• voicemail that is full or not set-up
• refusal to get agreements in writing
• refusal to provide a check-in sheet and perform a walk-through
• requiring more than 60-days notice to end the lease
• requiring earnest money
• cash-only transactions

The City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services website allows you to look up some information about properties: 

Verification Tools:

: Search your landlord by their last and first name, or any other applicable information you have to see any court records they may have. If nothing shows up, they have no old or active court records. You can click on the Case Number listed on the left to view more about that particular incident. Look out for housing related court records – such as multiple evictions. If you see anything that worries or confuses you, feel free to check with the OCRC or  for further assistance.

: View past or current violations that a building or household has with the City of Milwaukee. Type in the details to the property you are interested in, and then select “See Details” next to the line reading “Property Registration, Code Violations, Service Requests and Permits:”. This will take you to a full list of the building’s records with the City. Don’t worry about records that are closed or older than a year. If there is anything active that says “violation”, then it may be a concern. If you are unclear or want further clarification, feel free with talk to our office or .

When you are interested in a unit, we encourage you to reach out to the landlord to set up a showing. During a showing, the landlord or property manager will walk you around the property. Showings are a great opportunity to inspect the conditions of the unit, take pictures and videos, and ask any questions that were not covered by the listing.

Here are some helpful tips for a successful showing:

• Check out the area at night with friends to see if it’s well-lit and to get a feel for the neighborhood.
• Always take a friend – never tour a rental unit alone.
• Make sure you see the actual unit you will be renting, not a model.
• Check your cell phone reception in the unit to see if you can send and receive calls and texts.
• Check for damages from current tenants, pets, rodents, insects, water and fire throughout the unit, especially on the floors, walls, ceilings, and inside drawers or cabinets.
•  If there are any items that need to be repaired or replaced, discuss them with your landlord and write them in your lease.

Be prepared to provide personal information when filling out a rental application, it is common for applications to ask for information like:

• Social Security Numbers
• Rental History
• Employment History
• Information about your finances
• Banking information

Most landlords will charge a fee of approximately $20 to check your credit history through a reporting agency. By law, they can only charge you the actual cost of the credit check and must refund any excess.

To save money when applying for multiple units, you typically only need to pay this fee once. For any subsequent applications within 30 days of your first credit check, you have the right to provide a copy of that report instead of paying for a new one. In addition to credit checks, landlords may also charge for background checks, eviction records, and employment or rental history verifications.

Leases all look a little different, below are some items to look for in a lease before you sign it.

• The name and address of the landlord and tenant(s)
• The address of the rental property
• Where to send the rent
• The agreed upon monthly rent amount, with or without utilities (be specific – Heat? Water? Parking? Cable/Internet?)
• When the rent is due (e.g. on the first day of the month)
• The amount and terms of the security deposit
• Which repairs are your responsibility and which are at the request of the landlord
• Who is responsible for shoveling snow, cutting the lawn and who will supply the tools to do so
• Specific restrictions, such as no additional tenants, smoking, pets
• The notice period that the tenant is required to give when terminating tenancy, such as 60 days prior to end of lease
• Subletting rules
• When and how a landlord can enter the rental premises
• Conditions for termination of a lease (by either party)
• Terms for dispute resolutions (late rent, damage, repairs)
• Emergency contact information for tenant(s) and landlord (phone, e-mail)

It is important to avoid . We always recommend requesting a lease review from  before signing. This is a free service provided to students who pay their student segregated fees.

To get an idea of what to expect from a rental application, follow the link to , this website has the most updated versions of legal documents, such as a Wisconsin rental application.

Once you move into your rental unit, your landlord is legally required to provide you with a check-in sheet to record any pre-existing damages. You have seven (7) days to complete and return this document, so don’t wait!
While we recommend walking through the unit with your landlord, you can also do this on your own. Be sure to note any and all issues, including:

• Surfaces & Flooring: Look for carpet stains, hardwood scratches, or cracked floor tiles.
• Walls & Ceilings: Note any chipped paint, unauthorized holes from previous tenants, or water spots.
• Fixtures & Appliances: Check for leaky faucets, burnt-out bulbs, or loose cabinet handles.
• Functional Issues: Test windows to ensure they lock and check that all outlets are functioning properly.

Pro Tip: Document everything! Take clear photos or a video of the unit as you fill out the sheet. If you’ve already moved in, you should still complete the form and submit it to your landlord within the seven-day window to protect your security deposit.

Form of payment is at the discretion of your landlord. The safest options are check, money order, or online through direct withdrawal from your bank account. Landlords can refuse to accept cash. We recommend avoiding paying in cash in any circumstance so that the tenant has proof of payment protection in case a landlord claims they did not receive rent payment.

If a landlord is raising the rent, they have to let the tenant know. On a month-to-month lease, the landlord has to tell the tenant 28 days in advance.

If you cannot pay your rent on time, communication is key! Call your landlord and discuss your current situation with them to see if they can be flexible. Check your lease to see what your grace period is, and if/when late fee charges will be assessed. If you are paying your rent late, make sure to note on the check or in the description within the web-portal what month the rent is for, so you don’t continue to be assessed late fee charges.

First thing’s first, check your lease! Generally speaking, unless the damage is caused by the negligence of the tenant (tenant action or inaction), responsibility to make major repairs such as heat, air conditioning, electric, plumbing is that of the landlord. Minor inexpensive items are the responsibility of the tenant.(1) and (2).  The landlord’s promise to repair must be in writing and have a completion date if it is made prior to the lease being signed. The landlord is also required to notify the tenant in writing of unavoidable delays which make the completion of the repairs impossible to complete prior to the initial promised date. A completion date has to be given in any case.

In Milwaukee, clear sidewalks aren’t just a courtesy, they’re the law. To avoid fines or safety hazards, it’s important to know who is “on the hook” for shoveling.

Sidewalk Snow Removal

Clear sidewalks are a legal requirement for both safety and accessibility.

• Check Your Lease: Before the first flake falls, review your lease to see if snow removal is your responsibility or if your landlord has agreed to handle it.
• The 24-Hour Rule: You have 24 hours after snow or ice stops falling to clear the sidewalks bordering your property.
• Corner Lots: If you live on a corner, you are also responsible for clearing the crosswalk area and any mid-block ramps.
• Fines & Citations: Failing to clear snow can result in a fine starting at $50. If the city has to clear it for you, that cost is billed to the property owner.
• Important Note: The city is responsible for alley approaches, but they do not plow the alleys themselves. If your parking spot is in an alley, you and your roommates may need to clear a path to the street.

Winter Parking Rules

Standard parking rules change during the winter months to allow room for snowplows.

• Check the Signs: Some residential streets ban parking on one side for the entire winter (Dec 1 – Mar 1). Others require you to alternate sides. Always check the posted signs on your block.
• Snow Routes: Never park on streets labeled “Snow Route: Tow Away Zone.” If a snow emergency is declared, these streets must remain completely clear for emergency vehicles and plows.
• Snow Emergencies: When an emergency is declared, special night parking rules (11:00 PM – 6:00 AM) apply to all city streets. You can sign up for to know when a snow emergency is in place!
  • Tip: During these times, many Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) open their playgrounds and lots for overnight parking.

There are a couple of options that you can do to file a complaint. You can do one, both or none of these options. Before you decide how you would like to proceed, OCRC would be happy to meet with you to talk about the issues or concerns that you are experiencing and review available options with you. If you would like to meet with a staff member from OCRC please fill out this form.

You can file a Complaint with the Off Campus Resource Center through this form.  If the landlord is a partner of the OCRC, the OCRC staff will review continued partnership based on the complaint.

You can file a Complaint with the Department of Neighborhood Services through their .

Please consider participating in Panther Swap to give away unwanted household furniture, decorations, clothes, etc. For more information, please click here: Panther Swap

Drop bulky items off at a Drop-Off Center* (Will also take electronics, appliances, and tires for recycling.) 

• North Milwaukee: Milwaukee DPW Self-Help Center 
• 6660 N Industrial Road Milwaukee, WI 53223 
• South Milwaukee: Milwaukee Lincoln Ave Self-Help Center 
• 3879 W Lincoln Ave Milwaukee, WI 53215 Regular Pick-Up

 through the City of Milwaukee

• Only for one (1) cubic yard, about the size of a rocking chair or two garbage carts, may be put at your regular collection point for pickup on your regular day. No online request or call is needed.

Schedule a  with the City of Milwaukee

• For more than one (1) cubic yard, place the item(s) at your regular collection point and  online or call the city at 414-286-2489.
• Rates:
  • $50 for 1-4 cubic yards
  • $150 for 4-6 cubic yards

​*These centers require a Milwaukee I.D. or a recent utility bill under the same name as your I.D. in order to use their services. 

Take action by implementing these safety recommendations! Areas and homes that are poorly maintained and lighted, hidden by fencing or landscaping, or out of sight of neighbors can be risky. Do your part to help minimize crime by considering and implementing the following information. Please note that this is not an inclusive list of safety tips, we do recommend that all students download the RAVE Guardian App through the 51ÁÔĆć Police Department.

Trust Your Instincts: If You See Something, Say Something

• If you return home and notice something questionable (e.g., slit screen, broken window) do not go inside.
• Call 51ÁÔĆćPD or MPD right away.
• If you think there is something wrong, trust your feelings. Keeping our community safe requires everyone to be alert and proactive.
• Remember that sexual consent is a knowing, voluntary, and mutual decision among all participants to engage in sexual activity. Silence does not equal consent.
• Consider giving someone a safe ride home or speaking up when you see someone engaging in threatening behavior.
• Reducing rates of violence in our community can seem overwhelming, but it becomes easier when we all work together. To report concerns, you may choose to call the 51ÁÔĆć Police (414-229-4627) or file an online report with the 
• Always contact 911 in case of an emergency. Make safety a priority.

Keep Strangers Out of Your Home

• Lock your doors both while you are home and away.
• Never prop doors open and leave the doorway unattended.
• It’s your right to know who is in your home. Do not be afraid to ask utility employees or law enforcement for identification. You can call the company to see if they have sent someone out.
• Check with roommates before answering the door to see if you are expecting someone. Don’t answer the door if you are uncomfortable!
• Put your valuable items out of sight both in your home and in your vehicle (phone chargers, wallets, keys, etc.).
• Close your blinds while you are not home.

Protect Your Property and Keep It Well-Lit

• Leaving for a few days or just for the evening? Leave a light on inside.
• Leave your porch/outdoor light on at night to help you see better as you enter your home and while neighbors are walking by.
• If a light fixture is out discuss with your landlord whom is responsible for replacing/fixing lighting.
• Check with a parent/guardian and their insurance to see if you are covered under their homeowner’s insurance. If you’re not, get renter’s insurance!
• Record serial numbers, take pictures and register your valuable items with the police department.
• Report and freeze cards and accounts immediately if you lose information or suspect fraudulent charges.

The safety and security of 51ÁÔĆć students and community members is a top priority at 51ÁÔĆć. Because of that we strive to provide you with the most updated information and alerts possible. Below are multiple resources available if you have additional questions.

51ÁÔĆć Emergency Alert Emergency Notification Program

51ÁÔĆć’s Emergency Alert Program, also known as RAVE Alert, allows students, faculty and staff to register to be notified via text message or email in the event of a campus emergency. RAVE Alert is completely voluntary, and will be used for emergency contact purposes only. Emergency purposes include credible, life-threatening incidents that present imminent danger. At no time will it be used to distribute advertising or other unsolicited content.

Campus Health and Safety

At 51ÁÔĆć, we all share a deep sense of community about keeping safe and healthy. From peace-of-mind to personal well-being, we’ll be here for you. At this new Campus Health and Safety page you can find a wide variety of information from health issues that are currently taking place on campus, tips on staying health, lifestyle and well-being issues for students to current safety issues facing the campus community.

B.O.S.S. (Be On the Safe Side) Van Taxi Service

This van escort service is designed to ensure that students have a safe ride home from campus or campus-area locations during night hours. It runs from 6pm-2am during the semester. You can request a B.O.S.S. van by calling 414-229-6503, stopping at the B.O.S.S. office located on the ground floor of the Union, or downloading the app Tapride and signing in with your 51ÁÔĆć ID.

51ÁÔĆć-PD

The University Police Department is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and has an authorized strength of 35+ full-time sworn police officers. Support personnel include dispatchers, clericals and U-park security officers.

RAVE Guardian

RAVE Mobile Technology is the emergency communications platform that 51ÁÔĆć uses to send emergency alerts by email, text, social media and website connection. The RAVE Guardian app, which can be downloaded for free from Apple or Android stores allows users to interact with the police department through texting, confidential tips, location sharing, a call directory and a safety/resource content portal.

The Milwaukee Police Department homepage has information relating to crime statistics, non-emergency numbers and overnight parking, as well as tips to protect yourself in the city.

51ÁÔĆćPD, 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 with be reported to the Dean of Students Office and may result in a student conduct process. While this is not an inclusive list, below is a list of common citations issued by 51ÁÔĆćPD and/or MPD- please note that fine amounts are reflective of a first offense, and are subject to change at anytime.

Violation/Fine Guide:

• Wisconsin State Statue (WI)
• University of Wisconsin System (UWS)
• Milwaukee Ordinance (MKE)

Assaultive Behavior – UWS $361.50

No person may intentionally strike, shove, hit, punch, kick or otherwise subject another person to physical contact or cause bodily harm without the consent of the person.

Deposit of Human Waste – UWS $267

No person may deposit human waste products upon, nor urinate or defecate upon, any university lands or facilities other than into a toilet or other device designed and intended to be used to ultimately deposit such human waste products into a septic or sanitary sewer system.

Disorderly Conduct – UWS $298.50, MKE $195

No person may engage in violent, abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud or otherwise disorderly conduct under circumstances in which the conduct tends to cause or provoke a disturbance, in university buildings or on university lands.

Excessive Noise Prohibited – MKE $240

No person shall produce or cause to be produced noise which exceeds the limitations set forth (approx. 50feet) It shall be unlawful for any person occupying or having charge or control of any building or premises, or any part thereof, to cause, suffer or allow any loud, excessive or unusual noise in the operation of any radio, stereo or other mechanical nuisances or electrical device, instrument or machine, which loud, excessive or unusual noise tends to unreasonably disturb the comfort, quiet or repose of persons therein or in the vicinity.

• This ordinance violation could be used for hosts of a house party

Failure to Obey Signage – UWS $204

No person may fail to comply with a sign that reasonably conveys prohibited behavior and that has been approved and posted on university buildings or lands in compliance with the university’s formal process for posting signs.

• This UWS violation is being used for use of tobacco on campus (which includes smoking/vaping)

Fake ID’s – WI $519

Any underage person who does any of the following is guilty of a violation:

• Intentionally carries an official identification card not legally issued to him or her, or an official identification card which has been altered or duplicated to convey false information.
• Intentionally carries an official identification card or other documentation showing that the person has attained the legal drinking age, with knowledge that the official identification card or documentation is false.

Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – UWS $330

No person may use, or possess with the primary intent to use, drug paraphernalia to plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, prepare, test, analyze, pack, repack, store, contain, conceal, inject, ingest, inhale or otherwise introduce into the human body a controlled substance or controlled substance analog.

Possession of Marijuana/THC – UWS $393, MKE $50

No person may intentionally use or possess marijuana on university lands, except when such use or possession is authorized under Ch. 961, Stats., or is permitted under s. 961.34, Stats.

Public Drinking/Possession of Alcohol Beverages – MKE $144

It shall be unlawful for any person to consume any alcohol beverage or possess on his or her person, any bottle or receptacle containing alcohol beverages if the bottle has been opened, the seal broken or the contents of the bottle or receptacle have been partially removed upon any public alley, highway, pedestrian mall, sidewalk, or street within the limits of the city.

Resisting or Obstructing Police Officer – UWS $456

No person may knowingly resist or obstruct a university police officer while that officer is doing any act in an official capacity and with lawful authority.

Smoking in Buildings – UWS Fine $204

No person may smoke in any residence hall or other university-owned or university-leased student housing or in any location that is 25 feet or less from such residence hall or housing. No person may smoke in any nonresidential university building.

Sale of Alcohol/License Required – MKE $3,234.06

It shall be unlawful for any person to sell, barter or offer for sale or barter in the city any intoxicating liquors or fermented malt beverages without having obtained a license as provided for in this chapter, or to be in violation of the terms of such license. This includes monetary donations.

• This ordinance violation could be used for hosts of a house party

Underage Drinking – WI $267+, MKE $195+

WI – Any underage person not accompanied by his or her parent, guardian or spouse, who has attained the legal drinking age, who knowingly possesses or consumes alcohol beverages is guilty of a violation.