The Sconi

The Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) have introduced a frequently asked questions page for those affected by the settlement with Milwaukee landlord Youssef (Joe) Berrada and his company, Berrada Properties Management, Inc. This development follows the entry of a Consent Judgment by the Milwaukee Circuit Court to resolve a landlord/tenant enforcement action initiated by the State on November 15, 2021. The agreement had earlier received approval from the Wisconsin Legislature’s Joint Committee on Finance.

"The resolution in this case establishes programs that will provide support to many Berrada Properties tenants," stated Attorney General Kaul. "I encourage those who may be eligible to learn more."

Randy Romanski, DATCP Secretary, praised his team: "I am proud of the DATCP Consumer Protection team’s work to investigate and refer this case, and thankful for the efforts of the Department of Justice that have brought about a solution for affected tenants." He added that illegal business practices harming consumers are unacceptable in Wisconsin and urged tenants or landlords with questions about their rights to explore online resources or contact their Consumer Protection Hotline.

Under the terms of the agreement, Berrada Properties Management is required to implement several remediation programs. These include running an income-based rental program for up to 300 tenants over three to five years, participating in an eviction diversion program, establishing a $1.3 million credit account for rent assistance grants, and offering up to $400,000 in move-out assistance payments for tenants facing eviction.

Community Advocates of Milwaukee will oversee these programs through the Milwaukee Rental Housing Resource Center. Queries regarding these initiatives can be directed via email or phone at (414)-895-7368.

Additionally, Berrada Properties Management has agreed to vacate and seal eviction judgments related to late rent fees or attorney fees alleged as illegally charged. A restitution program mandates payments to tenants affected by unauthorized charges or property confiscation.

While many benefits will take time to implement, current and past tenants since 2015 are automatically considered for restitution without needing any action on their part. Tenants before 2015 do not qualify for restitution.

The Consent Judgment includes a monetary payment exceeding $1.7 million owed by Berrada Properties Management—comprising civil forfeiture, attorney fees, costs, surcharges, and other statutory fees.

By entering into this agreement, Defendants do not admit liability or any violation of law as alleged in the lawsuit filed by the State. They deny any wrongdoing claimed by the State.

The DOJ's enforcement action was prompted following referral from DATCP after investigating alleged violations. Wisconsinites can file complaints via DATCP's consumer complaint webpage or contact their hotline at 1-800-422-7128.

The DOJ staff involved included Assistant Attorneys General Robert B. Bresette among others; while DATCP's team comprised Valerie Schmidt and others involved in complaint mediation.