What legal action can I take
If what you describe above is the absolute truth, you may have made a big mistake if you left the unit.
Only a judge can evict a tenant after due process has been exhausted, as in a trial.
You may still be able to seek redress, so get ready to educate yourself, mate.
Wisconsin law says:
Many tenants mistakenly believe the landlord can kick them out when an eviction notice expires.
This is not true!
The only thing the landlord can do is file for an eviction hearing in court, where the tenant has a chance to fight the eviction and/or try to settle with the landlord.
The fact that you went to court will now be on both people's public record, and so will the results of the case (eviction, dismissal, or stipulated dismissal).
After getting an eviction notice, tenants MUST move out to avoid going to court, but they often have the chance to fix the problem and stay, without ever going to court.
A tenant can only be forced to leave an apartment after they been to court , and only if a judge rules in the landlord's favor.
A court order must be given to the sheriff who would then remove the tenant from the apartment.
The landlord cannot change the locks, throw the tenant's stuff out, or take any other action without this court order.
The sheriff (or deputy sheriff) is(are) the only person(persons) who can physically remove the tenant.
You have rights as a tenant.
Educate yourself about your rights as a tenant in WI:
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https://www.fdl.wi.gov/cofuploads/LT_TenantsRights143SightImpaired.pdf
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If what you recalled above is 100% accurate, you are the victim of an unlawful eviction.
You can bring a lawsuit in small claims court.
How?
Here's how:
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http://www.badgerlaw.net/Data/DocumentLibrary/Documents/1222180572.65
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https://www.fdl.wi.gov/cofuploads/LT_TenantsRights143SightImpaired.pdf
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Rights in Wisconsin
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Landlord Resources | City of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
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