My roommate is playing activist and bringing a petition of tenants together to make a change in the building. He posted letters in elevators and throughout mentioning issues that he is sick and tired of having a "slum" landlord and that he wants changes. He announced that he has contacted a law office interested in his case and that broken elevators, broken phones in elevators (repetative) and faulty laundry facilities over and over is dangerous and unacceptable. Can he do this? He is not on the lease and has been living in my apartment for 1 year. The landlord knows this but has no problems-but I feel will have problems now. Live in Wisconsin-any advice?

Jim

My roomate is playing activist and bringing a petition of tenants together to make a change in the building. He posted letters in elevators and throughout mentioning issues that he is sick and tired of having a "slum" landlord and that he wants changes. He announced that he has contacted a law office interested in his case and that broken elevators, broken phones in elevators (repetative) and faulty laundry facilties over and over is dangerous and unacceptable. Can he do this? He is not on the lease and has been living in my apartment for 1 year. The landlord knows this but has no problems-but I feel will have problems now. Live in Wisconsin-any advice?

Jim
I agree there will be problems. You need to do whatever is necessary to remove him from the apt - 30 day notice or maybe offer him his deposit when he gets his stuff cleared out. He has no "standing" since he is not a tenant and it is doubtful any law firm would handle any litigation on his behalf since he is not "authorized" as a tenant/resident.

Well of course anyone can lobby for the safety of a building, but they can not as noted do any law suits, they will need the tennants to do action, and since he is your guest, guess who the landlord will hold responsible for causing problem.