CHESNI EICK AND BENJAMIN HOOPS
Chesni Eick and Benjamin Hoops leased a well-maintained residence in Milton, Wisconsin, which they ultimately vacated four months after moving in, leaving the home in a severely deteriorated state, as depicted in the accompanying photographs. Upon their occupancy, the property had been recently enhanced with fresh paint, new carpeting, and misc repairs from the previous tenant who also caused significant damages. Despite the landlord’s efforts to accommodate their financial difficulties in paying their rent, including helping them with a payment plan, giving information on programs that could help them with their past due rent, and other opportunities to avoid the eviction. Eick and Hoops failed to make good faith earnest attempts to fulfill their rent obligations, resulting in an eviction. The subsequent condition of the home included extensive and costly damage: the residence was flooded, grease was poured onto the kitchen floors, obscene language was written on walls with nail polish, the newly installed bathroom laminate was destroyed, and the screen door was forcefully damaged, among other destruction.
This left the landlord with substantial repairs to address, including the replacement of carpet, flooring, repainting, and more. The financial burden caused by the damage inflicted by Chesni Eick and Benjamin Hoops not only affects the landlord but also the broader rental community, as these costs contribute to elevated rental prices, impacting well-meaning tenants. The victims in these scenarios extend beyond property owners to include the entire community of renters faced with increased living expenses. Landlords should use caution when renting to people like Chesni Eick and Benjamin Hoops in an effort to prevent higher rent burdens to the tenant community.
