Eviction – Monetary Judgment

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WI Court of Appeals – District IV

Case Name: Douglas Robert Strehlow v. Renee Marie Cera

Case No.: 2019AP842

Officials: KLOPPENBURG, J.

Focus: Eviction – Monetary Judgment

Douglas Robert Strehlow filed this small claims action against Renee Marie Cera, seeking eviction and monetary relief for Cera’s alleged failure to pay rent due for March 2019. At a hearing on April 22, 2019, Strehlow submitted as exhibits the lease agreement between him and Cera, and the five-day and fourteen-day notices that he had given Cera. On April 23, 2019, the circuit court entered judgment for eviction and for money in the amount of $1,371.50. Cera appeals. As I explain, her appeal fails in several respects.

Cera’s primary argument on appeal is that she had a defense to Strehlow’s claim, namely, that she did not pay the full amount of rent due in March based on alleged deficiencies in the condition of the rental unit, Strehlow’s alleged failure to correct those deficiencies, and Cera’s alleged efforts to correct those deficiencies. Cera attaches to her appellant’s brief copies of photographs, email correspondence, and invoices in support of her argument.

I acknowledge Cera’s assertions of the harsh consequences of the eviction and monetary judgments in her situation. However, for all of the reasons stated above, her appeal from those judgments fails and, therefore, I affirm.

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Derek A Hawkins is trademark corporate counsel for Harley-Davidson. Hawkins oversees the prosecution and maintenance of the Harley-Davidson’s international trademark portfolio in emerging markets.