Can a landlord have service disconnected in order to evict a tenant?
Wisconsin Administrative Code PSC 185.37(8)(g) prohibits disconnection of service for the intentional removal or eviction of a tenant from a rental property. If the utility is aware that the landlord wants water disconnected in order to evict a tenant, it cannot disconnect. This does not, however, mean that the utility is without recourse if service is in the landlord’s name and he or she refuses to pay. Under PSC 185.37(1m) the utility must attempt to transfer the delinquency from the rental property to the landlord’s home or office if it is served by the utility. Before the transfer can be made, the utility must provide written notice to the owner or property manager. If the delinquency remains unpaid, the utility may disconnect service at the landlord’s home or office upon ten days notice. If the delinquency cannot be transferred to the landlord’s home or office, the utility can disconnect the rental property upon ten days notice as provided in PSC 185.37(11)(a). Before disconnectin
