I talked to a person at the Salvation Army, they started a fund for Billy's residents to get caught back up on their bills. People can send checks to:
Salvation Army
514 Sutherland Ave
Janesville, WI 53545
Make sure you put "Billy Kesselring" in the memo of the check. The money will go toward the individual families rent owed to Billy and be sent direct to Alliant so everyone gets paid. The families who use these funds also will go through some financial budgeting classes offered by the Salvation Army. I think this is a great plan for everyone. Also the donations are tax deductible. I believe all the details above are correct but I do not work for the Salvation Army or for Billy so you can double check anything I just said. The Salvation Army's phone number is 608-757-8300. I also heard that a plan is in place so the lights will not go off tomorrow.

guardian- well said. the problem is more people are coming this way for the free stuff-deadbeats that WONT work. there are jobs out there maybe youll have to be less picky for now.

It has been many years now, but I had my power shut off. It was usually for a day-two at the max. No one ever told me I couldn't stay in the house. I suspect there is maybe more to this than meets the eye??!

I wonder if the landlord will lose power at his personal residence? I always had thought one bill in a name that was shut off would result in all addresses with that name being shut off??!

It is sad "we" can't do something to help the people who paid their rent. It might sound cold, but I couldn't care less about the deadbeats who didn't pay their rent: they caused this! I know times are tough, believe me, I know! But nothing in life is free or without consequence.

Best of luck to all! (Especially the non-freeloader)

ladulce: Why should the tax payer cover the electricity for these people? Something these people need to think about is finding a place to stay once the Bank forecloses on the homes. So to put off the relocation seems short sighted thinking. The water shut off could also be the same reason as electrical. Maybe this guy hasn't paid the water bill also.

I work in social work, and, we have MANY times gone to homes in the summer where there is no electricity. No one has ever been evicted or had their children taken because of that, that I know of. There are certain religions and cultures that don't have electricity. Installing battery operated smoke detectors seems like a much less expensive alternative to finding them new places to live.... Or, what about PAYING the electric bill, wouldn't that ALSO be less expensive? And, lastly why would water be turned off if electricity is? Obviously, with no electricity, they can't heat the water, but, they would still have water. Alliant cut off electricity to 100's of homes a week or so ago. None of those people are "kicked out". Why are these?

Guardians: You've hit the nail on the head good post. I hear Cuba is nice this time of year and you'll get some free health care. On a serious note it is sad that people are being put out on the street but what are the rest of us suppose to do? Put them up in our houses, pay their rent, pay their cell phone bills, etc. I commend those who want to help and if you’re serious post your names and phone numbers so the masses of people who need the help will call you directly. Otherwise just calling on the city to do something is lame at best. Just saying the city should cover the cost is silly. Where will it end. This is not a new problem and will continue for years to come. The sooner Americans figure out the spending spree on non essential goods, services needs to end the better. I’m not saying don’t have nice things but if you cannot afford them then maybe you should rethink priorities like saving for a possible layoff or saving for some kind of retirement. Stop trying to outdo your friends, relatives, co-workers and the guy next door with the newest gadget. Teach your children the importance of education and be a part of the solution not the problem. Show them what happens to the people that are not prepared for the real world after high school. Really show them, take them to volunteer at a shelter and require the kids to have a work ethic starting at an early age that has a cause and effect design. Life is not easy as many people already know and waiting until you’re out on your own to find out might be too late. Lastly, I would like to see the school system put more energy into life skills for the kids. How to write a résumé, how to interview for a job, how to budget money, how to maintain a good credit score, etc. May GOD Bless those in need.

So if I choose to live without electrical/water services...I can be evicted from my home? How is that a health hazard? Can I not use the rest room at a gas station, pay for a shower at a truck stop (or take a shower at someone elses house), and choose to eat elsewhere rather than cook?
Or is this just applicable to apt. units??

SEXAME76: In case no one has mentioned to you yet, having SEX in your name does nothing for you - also, you need to lose the CAPS!

It is not the purpose of our government or community to provide long term financial support.
We are all already paying energy welfare for deadbeat customers. It's called the "State-Wide Low-Income Assistance Fee", and we are paying 3% of our electric bill for the utility to recoup losses for the customers that do not want to pay for the utilities they consume.
Renting a property, and purchasing utilities are contracts.
If you do not fulfill your side of a contract, the contract and services provided should be terminated.
Turn off the cable, turn off the satellite, turn off the cell phones, quit cranking out babies that you cannot afford to support, and get a job.
Electricity and natural gas are not rights, you will have to pay for these services.
If you are concerned about freezing to death, and do not want to work, try the southern states.
Signed-Another person tired of giving away 1/3 of my income in taxes.
___________________________
Best Post this week AMEN

sorry about that i was just upset that day well got to go bye

It is not the purpose of our government or community to provide long term financial support.

We are all already paying energy welfare for deadbeat customers. It's called the "State-Wide Low-Income Assistance Fee", and we are paying 3% of our electric bill for the utility to recoup losses for the customers that do not want to pay for the utilities they consume.

Renting a property, and purchasing utilities are contracts.

If you do not fulfill your side of a contract, the contract and services provided should be terminated.

Turn off the cable, turn off the satellite, turn off the cell phones, quit cranking out babies that you cannot afford to support, and get a job.

Electricity and natural gas are not rights, you will have to pay for these services.

If you are concerned about freezing to death, and do not want to work, try the southern states.

Signed-Another person tired of giving away 1/3 of my income in taxes.

as a kid, there were times when Dad couldn't pay bills, we lived w/o electricity for a time,granted, it was summer, but we made it. no candy or movies or soda pop, but somehow the people nowadays think them are essentials. The deciding factor was that Dad still had a job -how many of these people have a job ?

What good does it do to post your thoughts and comments if one can't understand what you are trying to say because of bad grammar and spelling? Wow. I thought we had good schools in Janesville......

I have been told by billy that all is good and that the power won't be shut off as I am a tenant of his and I called alliant and they told me it is just postponed till wednesday so all you out there know that he still doesn't know as to whether or not it will be shut off and if he told you it won't be shut off he doesn't know. thanks!

Lets put two and two together.

When apartments sell, they sell because of the assumed value of future rental income. More more units that are leased, and the higher they are leased for, the more a complex sells for. This is done by taking NOI (Rental Income) - Exmenses x a CAP Rate (Capitalization Rate).

My guess, is that the owner bought these units with high vacancies (inherintly lower than market prices), then filled them up fast with tenants regardless of thier ability to pay rent. By doing so, he eliminated vacancy, and would have been able to sell them quickly for a profit with an increased NOI (Net Operating Income).

Unfortunatly, the national market is in the tank, and well, we all know that Janesville is not an exception to that rule. Now, he is stuck with these properties.

Just my thoughts...

Stacy Vogel - I was wondering what time the Gazette's deadline is?

Macdaddy...I'm sure the city will put one of their nice little "Red" signs on the door of each house. When they do that anyone found in the house will be taken to jail. Sad ! Just plain sad!!

Now is the time to help each other. And I am NOT talking about helping the lazy ones, who like to live off our tax-paying money. With the recession and people losing their jobs left and right, no one has extra money to dish out for foolishness: ice arena, tunnel, etc.

msleo:"Lets take the hockey arena money and help those that need it during this recession and prove that janesvillians aren't the rich-acting snobs every one calls us."
I have said this from the beginning with the ice arena. Some people are more concerned with sports than humans!

pjdnt:"We already pay on the low income side on your allinet bill its on there, we pay 2% of your bill goes to this fund. Where is that money now?"
In their pockets or maybe they had to pay millions in bonuses.

I hope someone from the city can explain this situation to me, because it doesnt make sense at all. I mean how is it more unsafe to kick a family out at night to sleep on the streets than it is to have them sleeping in a building with no heat or electricity? At least they would have a roof to protect them from the elements and give a little warmth with the insulation.
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The streets aren't more safe at night to sleep on them otherwise we would all do that, sleep on the streets and go to our homes during the day.
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And another thing are the police going to seriously make sure no one sneaks back in at night? because talk about a waste of tax money!

People can't live in homes without power because it is a health and safety hazard, said Jennifer Petruzzello, Janesville Neighborhood Services director.
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What do they do about the Amish, they burn oil lamps and candles, what about when our power goes out during a storm and it takes three days to fix it? It's happened more than once so where was Miss Jennifer then? Why were we and our neighbors not kicked out of our houses? Three of the houses on my block are rentals, so don't use the 'only rentals' excuse.

The city officals that are running Janesville need to pull their heads out of their ***es and see what they are doing to the poor!
Janesville should have the motto "If your income is below poverty level move on" because we only help and spend money on things like badly needed tunnels, ice arena's etc.
Lets take the hockey arena money and help those that need it during this recession and prove that janesvillians aren't the rich-acting snobs every one calls us. Fat chance the snooty city officals would give up anything to help the poor!

http://www.yellowbook.com/profile/sd-pro...

not too much info here.

I am confused. He bought all 5 properties between 3-21-08 and 3-26-08. Did he pay cash for them. I dont understand what bank would give somebody 5 mortages in the same week for properties.
if he recieved $1000 in rent from just one apartment on s jackson that should cover a mortgage payment(? if there is one) or the utilties. Did he just pocket any money received and not pay knowing he would forclose on ALL 5 properties? It just doesnt make sence to me sorry.

1000 for rent seems pretty high but it was supposed to include utilities so that isnt too bad I guess.I guess I shouldnt feel bad about charging my tenants $800 for a three bedroom , off street parking, laundry hook ups, basement, dining room, kitchen with appliances . 2400 sg ft. I always thought it was fair.I bet it was prettier than that place too. Somebody mentioned they were slums till the guy tried to fix them up. I never increaseded their rent in the 2 1/2 years they lived there because they were good tenants.

SEXAME76... It was very nice of you to say such kind words about your landlord,Billy.After reading what you had to say my words to you are... "Remember bad things happen to GOOD people".I believe you are one of the GOOD.It sounds to me like you knew you wouldn't be able to pay/make up the pass due rent so you did the right thing for all involved.I hope your family is managing better in your new place and you have found your footing.This is just so sad for all of Janesville !!!

Concerned citizen-
SD Properties was called and e-mailed for comment Friday morning, but the messages were not returned until after the Gazette's deadline. We hope to have an update article next week, and we plan to include Mr. Kesselring's response in that article.
-Stacy Vogel, reporter

WELL I LIVE AT 315 W VAN BUREN ST UPPER AND I COULD NOT PAY A 1025.00 FOR MY RENT THERE I HAD A 3 BEDROOMS THAT FROM THERE I JUST MOVE FROM THERE LAST MONTH BUT I WON HIM LIKE 2000,00 FROM NOT PAYING MY RENT I FEEL REALLY BAD JUST I HAVE COULDN'T PAY FOR THE RENT AND TRY TO TAKE CARE OF MY KIDS AND MY HUSBAND AND ME SO I KNOW LIVE IN A 4 BEDROOM PEOPLE HAVE TO JUST KNOW THAT BILLY IS A GOOD MAN IF IT WAS NOT FOR HIM I DIDN'T HAVE A PLACE AT THE TIME WHEN I GOT THE PLACE AND MY BROTHER LIVE AT ONE OF THIS OTHER PLACE AND HE HAS TO MOVE TOO AND I HAVE TO SAY MY BROTHER PAYED HIS RENT AND THE HOLE TIME I GIVE MY BROTHER 100.00 SO HELP COULD PAY HIS RENT TOO I LIVE AT THAT PLACE FOR 8 MOS AND I PAY ONLY 6 MOS OF RENT I JUST COULD NOT PAY THAT MUCH FOR RENT NO MORE THAT IS ONLY WHY I OWN HIM MONEY BUT MY BROTHER HAS KIDS THERE AT HIS PLACE AND HE TOLD ME LAST NIGHT THAT BILLY CALL HIM TO TELL HIM THAT HE IS GOING TO TAKE HIM TO COURT CUZ THERE MOVING FROM HIS PLACE I AM NOT MAD AT HIM I AM GOING TO GO DOWN TO MY OLD PLACE THEN THE NEW PEOPLE WILL BE THERE AROUND 11 AM AT 315 W VAN BUREN ST AND JACKSON ST BUT AM BILLY IS A VERY GOOD PERSON AT HEART LIKE I SAID I DO KNOW WITH OUT HIM I WHOULDN'T HAVE A PLACE FOR THE WINTER DAYS I CALL HIM AND TOLD HIM I BAD I FEEL ABOUT NOT PAYING MY RENT IT IS JUST I COULDN'T PAY NO MORE PAYING THAT MUCH THAT IS WHY I DIDN'T PAY RENT I AM GOING TO BE THERE FOR BILLY ON THIS SIDE CUZ IT IS PEOPLE LIKE ME IS WAY HE IS WHERE HE IS TODAY CUZ THERE IS ALOT OF PEOPLE THAT DIDN'T PAY THERE RENT THAT IS HOW IS HE TO PAY THE GAS AND ELEC AND LIGHTS SO WHAT WAS HE TO DO WHEN PEOPLE WOULDN'T PAY THE RENT SO HE CAN PAY ALL THAT STUFF AND HE DIDN'T KICK ME OUT I MOVE OUT I AM SORRY FOR ALL THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE TO GO THOUGH ALL OF THIS BUT I JUST HOPE IT GET BATTER FOR ALL OF YOU EVEN MY OWN FAMILY IS RENTER FROM BILLY TOO BUT I WILL WORK OUT OK HANG IN THERE WILL I JUST WISH ALL THE BEST LUCK

you know i was just thinking, which i probably shouldnt do sometimes,(lol) instead of the city investing all this time and energy, and what ever else its going to take to put these people out. they should be putting all that effort into taking care of the herion problem in this city. but i guess its more important to oust all these people into the streets than to try an get a handle on the drug problem in this town, but i guess they dont want that dirty little mess to get to big an stain janesville.

How about a bailout from the feds?

i cant believe the city is going to make these people leave their homes. then the next story you will see is from someone from the city in the news, saying uh ya were trying to resovle this situation as quick as possible, utilities have been shut off in the past in peoples homes and they werent put out so why now? energy assistance was just saying there was money for shut offs, why cant they help? why cant these people get the utilities on in their names, you cannot put these people out on the streets, that is a health hazard and a safety issue, think about it before you do it.

good post sandman.

truthteller- dont forget the $450 for parking ramp!!! for 4 level or just 3 1/2 if that is all we can afford. I dont get what the half ramp level will be for? short cars. or do they mean not a full level a tthe top just the left half.

sandman- that is what i always mention when thiese articles come up and people say it just isnt true and bash me. Well I see it is true. coorect not all BUT a lot will gets their wants before paying for the needs and say poor me.

pjdnt... I'm sure it's a catch 22... The renters may be low-income but the landlord is not.Sad all the way around! Renters being put out of their homes that paid their rent and landlord being foreclosed on because of those that didn't pay their rent ! Sad ! Sad!
I was told those that had paid their rent are being put in motels and those that didn't pay are being moved to shelters.

We already pay on the low income side on your allinet bill its on there, we pay 2% of your bill goes to this fund. Where is that money now?

Call Governor Doyle- he has been wasting alot- tell him we have people in need!

I thought President elect Obama was going to fix everything and solve all of our problems.

So I actually happen to know this person that we're all talking about. He actually does care about the tenants. He has not evicted people because he knows of their inability to pay rent. If they are trying, he lets them stay. He also realized that most of these people would have been out on the streets in the middle of a VERY harsh winter. He contacted all the "help" agencies for people and like everyone is saying...they are tapped out. Someone mentioned that he just bought them. The people who owned them before didn't keep them up...THEY were the slum lords. He spent thousands trying to bring them up to par. And yes, the tenants actually do owe him so much that he hasn't been able to pay. I believe a story is going to be on the news on a station out of Madison that explains the mis-information in this article. I am friends with him...he was never called to comment. He IS serving his country but is still in the state so he could have been reached.

Sandman: theoretically you are right when it comes down to priorities, however, there are many out there that do live w/o cable, doing EVERYTHING they can to find work when work is not available, and trying to support children... many w/ cars now are either former GM employees or own them outright through a private seller... a lot of people still have TV's & electronics because they can't sell them OR currently use them (even if it's watching DVD's or playing a video game here or there) to reduce the stress they're under during these times (the Kw usage is less than what many think it is to play a video game or watch a few movies)... a majority of those people that are able to have cell phones are utilizing prepay and using them in cases of an emergency... roughly $30 every 3 months or so to keep an emergency means of communication compared to $45 + (after tax/francise fees) on average... you do the math... I'm not making excuses for those that prove your comment right, however, there are those out there that are doing what they can for what they have and WHO they need to take care of... there are parents out there w/ 4+ children & 2 adults per household... how do you propose they find 1) any place large enough to accomadate these people to live @ a reasonable cost, & 2) any one willing to be put in that particular situation, especially if he/she has kids of his/her own??

misstrish84... When a house is turned into apartments and has only one gas meter and one electic meter,it is against the law for the renters to pay the power bills.Regardless if they agree to spilt the bills 50/50.

"The city will give residents orders to vacate their homes within a day or two of the power being shut off, said Kelly Lee, neighborhood development specialist. The tenants can return during the day and leave their belongings in the apartments, but they can't sleep there."

Much better they go sleep in the woods. It is a health hazard to live in a house without electricity. Does the city really have nothing better to do?

Wow, how'd it get this far without a concern?

Why cant the tenants just open a new alliant account in their own names?

jayvee...I do not know this landlord,but I took the time and looked up the addresses you gave that are in foreclosure.From what I can tell on the city web site he bought all of them in 2008 and it looks like he went in and completely remodeled all of them.My guess is the only thing he didn't do is put in separate heating units or electric boxes.That would be the reason HE had to pay the power bills himself,not the renters.If the people are not paying their rent,how is he to pay the bills ?? Someone had said on here the other day that he is in the military and serving our country.Could it be that who ever he left in charge of his affairs here didn't/couldn't take care of them ???

IF the tenants are in subsidized housing they would have been evicted for not paying rent. I'm wondering if these are the slummy apartments on Kellogg down by Mercy South. Or where exactly they are. Poor management lead to the problems at least in part. Initial 5 day right to cure eviction notice can be served the day after rent is due and not paid. Then a 15 day eviction notice. Then 30 day. Once all have been properly delivered to the renter a court hearing is set for eviction. I believe reasonable time is allowed or the police department along with a moving company enter the rental unit, remove all property, and put it in storage. I could be wrong, however that is what I have heard is the way it goes. It's because of bad property owners/landlords that people can't find housing. Also, if you are in income based housing subsidized by HUD, if you get evicted you lose your subsidy permanently. So, there again, I doubt these tenants were receiving section 8 or any subsidy from HUD. Bad tenants give good tenants a bad name as do bad landlords (slumlords)giving decent/good landlords a bad name....

I agree some of these people don't have their priorities straight. I have one buddy who's about to have his power shut off after not paying his bill all winter. He and his family all smoke- figure 4-5 packs a day between them. $25 a day habit? multiply that by 30 days and you get $750!!! All of them have cell phones- add another $200. Cable with cable internet and pay channels $150. Two dogs to feed and care for- I would guess another $100 a month. That's $1,200 a month that is totally pure luxoury items! Where are people's priorities!!
The problem is that they now society will take care of them. I truely feel sorry for all the kids involved and the people that ARE paying rent and being responsable. I think our city really has to realize we can't spend $2.5 million on the Tallman house,$750 on a tunnel,untold millions on the ice arena and childrens museums and all these other special interest ventures when we are in the midst of a depression!!

PAY YOUR RENT!
I've personally seen a lot of these situations where landlords don't get paid, but tenants have cars, cell phones, big screen TVs, cable or satellite hook-ups, computers and internet, and no shortage of cigarettes and booze, as well as a wealth of prescription medications and, often, illicit drugs. NOT ALL, of course, but far too many to excuse most people's unpaid rent. Guess it's a matter of (poor) priorities -- ENTERTAINMENT OVER SUSTENANCE!
If you're having a hard time, pool your resources and move in with someone else to share the rent. Find a second job. Do something. How is it that all these Mexicans, who don't speak English well, have little education and often no driver's license or car could have found jobs (and usually more than one) and kept them, even sending money back to relatives in Mexico? THEY ARE HUNGRY, SEE THE OPPORTUNITY, HAVE A WORK ETHIC, AND VALUE FAMILY TRADITIONS AND RESPECT THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES, THAT'S HOW (of course, they weren't born and raise in the USA and haven't quite become acclimated to it's lack of expectations!). Root, hog, or die.
Unfortunately, there's no shortage of programs out there to float these, burgeoning, bloated, self-entitled masses. And why should they, of their kids, ever learn to be autonomous and responsible for themselves under such conditions?

tallman house isnt safe for people to live there either.

thisisme: Without trying to insult I would suggest you get some thicker skin if you're going to post comments on a internet message board. You have completely taken my posts out of context and seem to be quite agitated. Life is too short my friend to get this upset over a message board.

Thisisme posted the following: Maybe there is a valid reason that someone would start a fire in their living room or kitchen. It wouldn't occur to me to do it, but with the right reason, my mind could be changed. (ok... my mind couldn't be changed about a fire in the house, but it seemed the best example to use).

Wow!! I'd say that might be a bad example. Hey Steve what are doing? I'm toasting marshmallows for smores. Do me a favor and open the window it's a little Smokey in here. Now that's being a smart ass.

My example of changing my mind over a subject would be: I'm planning on going golfing today. My friend says might not be a good idea cause it's going to thunderstorm all day. Let's go to the indoor driving range instead. Ok sounds good to me. Mind changed based on new information.

I know we'll never see eye to eye and I'm ok with that. Best of luck in your travels and we'll agree to disagree.

How about we house them at the Ice arena and Tallman house?

When my power was shut off for an extended period a few years ago near the end of September through October, I still had running water and gas utilities. I also had Alliant calling every week asking if I was "comfortable" and if there was anything they could do. After making the caller cry for being a pest and insensitive, I kept eating ramen and peanut butter sandwiches until I could pay the bill.
I slept in my apartment the whole time.
I could still bathe, clean and cook...I just did some of it in the dark. True, I didn't have a refrigerator...but I did what I had to do.

Whoever wrote this article doesn't have all the facts.

The issue of the evictions is because many of the tenants receive Section 8 rental assistance from HUD. HUD requires electricity as part of their contract.

The thought never occured to me is, again, a smart ass remark to bring light into a terrible situation. We all like to think that everyone thinks like us, even though we all know that is not true. I have seen every type of person and dealt with every walk of life in my line of work. You would have not known that, of course, which is why you inadvertantly insulted my intelligence. When I use that comment in my line of work it is a way to initiate someone into realizing the cause and effect, "that never occured to me.. could you explain to me your reasoning". Maybe there is a valid reason that someone would start a fire in their living room or kitchen. It wouldn't occur to me to do it, but with the right reason, my mind could be changed. (ok... my mind couldn't be changed about a fire in the house, but it seemed the best example to use).

say that no one is really to blame because everyone suffers in the long run. Yes, there are things that both parties could and should have done, but didn't. Putting the blame on any one particular party is a catch22 no matter which way you look at it.

"If people pay rent then there is no problem. If people don't pay rent and the landlord lets them stay the problem begins" The problem with this, as Hannah indicated in her post, is that the landlord cannot "just kick someone out". They have to give notice to the tenant, the tenant, unfortunatly, has the right to stay until this goes to court. The tenant is then living there rent free until their court date which could be 3 weeks or it could be 6 months. This whole time, then, the landlord is unable to rent out the place to a paying tenant. Once everything is said and done, the judgement normally goes to the landlord, but the only thing they really get out of it is a headache and the tenant gets a small claims judgement on their history.

A fundraiser to help pay a $50K bill for a landlord? Good luck with that one.

And, latinmami2, once again, you can survive without electricity. I was giving an example. It can be done.

Well all I can say is I'm sorry if you were offended. I only responded to a statement you made.

thisisme:"Fires"... really? In the house? No matter how cold I have ever been, the thought of lighting a fire in the house has never occured to me. (spell check?)

Regarding a situation where no one is to blame. How do you figure? If people pay rent then there is no problem. If people don't pay rent and the landlord lets them stay the problem begins. Sounds like some blame could be shared by both tenant and landlord.

Regarding Smart Ass yes you are acting like one but that's ok because I like a good debate.

Regarding some perceived insult to your intelligence was not intended and cannot say more than I did in the beginning of this post.

Regarding my comment about thoughts occurring to people. It is a valid comment and I'll say it again. Just because you or I think something is ok doesn't mean others will see it the same way. Many people make that same mistake every day. Thinking everyone uses logic, history or cause and effect when making decisions. Not the case. I don't think it necessary to go into the endless examples to make my point. I'll save that for a rebuttal if needed.

Again I've not attempted to insult your intelligence. No reason to at this point. No interest either. I think you just read my post and took offense where none was implied.

thisisme- i agree with your comments.

somebody mentioned " how long does it take to get rid of people who DONT pay their rent"
yould be surprised the legal lengths you do need to go threw and how long you have to wait to start the process after they havent paid for awhile. My guess would be 6 months they could stay w/o paying rent and good luck getting that back after eviction and the court fees add up for trying. claim bk and i think landlord gets NOTHING. and paid for those utilities on top of that.

I rented my duplex out once and i asked if the tenant is responsible to pay the utilities and doesnt who then is responsible- they said ME. maybe that is why they include utilities in the rent thinking theyll have to pay anyway in the end- might as well keep it under owners name so they know what is going on and just collect from the tenant. Personally i would do it separate and hope they pay utilities on time.

I'm sorry, creature, but you really don't need to be condencending. I'm trying to make light of a situation in which, really, no one is to blame. I can say what I know about the water, that while they do say in the article there will be no running water, they do not go into detail, and IF the water gets shut off, it will not be because the power bill wasn't paid. If I'm a bit of a smart ass, well so be it... that doesn't mean that you have to come back with a condencending remark insulting my intelligence. If you would like to debate the issue, i would be more then happy to comply, but you do not have the right to insult anyone's intelligence.

If it really is true that he was trying to help his tenants good for him, however he should of at least tried to get something out of them. And the tenants that did pay should not suffer. Again, if his heart was that big great, but now everyone is suffering him and his tenants.

I am sorry this is happening but why throw them out I am sure the city and Alliant can come up with something better. Payment plan and maybe start a payment plan with the tenants that did not pay. Start with a full month’s rent plus some towards the balance due, if not then your out. I am not sure, I wish I had a solution to this problem.

sherim44, I'm sure in hindsight he realizes the situation he got himself into. The reality for many landlords is that property values are falling, cutting into the equity that many would use to manage their businesses, just as credit card rates have risen and other sources of personal credit have become more expensive or unavailable. It affects everyone. What was working during a time of different economic expectations can become unsustainable when a recession hits, and as unemployment has risen and more and more of his tenants fell behind, he had to look at the market we all see and realize that a slow-paying tenant is better than no tenant. Even if you empty an apartment and shut off the utilities, you still have a mortgage to service.
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I don't condemn him for getting in over his head, especially if, as people are saying, he was generous to his tenants. Even getting out of the business is probably financially impossible right now due to the fire-sale prices of real estate. Buildings that sold for $100,000 in 2006 are now changing hands for a third or a quarter of that. You can get out, but you have to take a bath.
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The upside, and I say this as a landlord looking at these problems in a very stark business sense, is that it's a renter's market. Somebody paying $750 can almost certainly get an equal apartment for $600 or less. For those who have a fixed income or a stable job, they might come out ahead, not that moving is any fun. For the others, there are going to be even better deals, just because there are other landlords who would rather break even than go broke.
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Good luck to everyone.

Thisisme: Just because the article doesn't mention water being shut off doesn't mean it can't or won't. The water will be drained from the pipes by the owner of the property most likely. The owner will make sure he doesn't have damage to the pipes if there is a cold snap. Regarding it not occurring to you? That is your first mistake. Just because something doesn't occur to you doesn't mean someone else using drugs or of a lower mental capacity will not have the bright idea. Never assume everyone thinks or acts like you. The world is a very complex place with all types.

When your power gets/you have your power shut off they do not shut off your water. There is nothing in this article that mentions the water being shut off. There will not be HOT water, but if they are talking strictly Alliant energy, then they are talking about only the electricty. Running water is still obtainable.
"Fires"... really? In the house? No matter how cold I have ever been, the thought of lighting a fire in the house has never occured to me.

Regarding the batteries I suppose you're right. My house they are wired into the main electrical. No batteries., Regarding Fires I still think you could have some problems. For cooking? It still gets cold at night and if you have some kids what then? We've had snow into May some years? Regarding water they'll drain the pipes so there is no chance of frozen pipes. I know you say it's not cold enough anymore but there is always that chance of it dropping below 32

partarican- i'm sorry, but your last comment made me giggle... warm enough to not have to light fires for warmth... Is there a cold enough to light a fire in the living room??! Yippee! :) :) BonFire at my house! :)

(yes, i'm being a smart ass, sorry but still giggling!) :) :)

Here's an idea, if you cannot afford to pay the utilities, do not say they are included in the rent. That seems pretty simple. It sounds like he under priced what he was asking for rent and included too much. For the people who paid the rent it would be insanely unfair for them to become homeless due to negligence on the part of the landlord. And while it sounds really fun to just live without electricity to come closer together and save hundreds of dollars, etc..., it is against city ordinances to do so. And what about those of us that need electricity to power life-saving/preserving CPAP machines just to sleep safely with sleep apnea or other medical equipment that may require electricity? And what about the children of these people? Did they ask to be born? They should not be punished because of the actions of all of the irresponsible adults around them. Have a heart folks! Could the city not make an exception to the stupid ordinance so these people do not become homeless? And I do not accept that this landlord is not paying the utilities because people have not paid rent. It's just plain crazy that he would wait until things got this bad. Sounds like negligence. And I'm willing to bet there are many reasons he takes in people other rental properties won't. Is he Mother Theresa or a slum lord? They are not too picky about who they rent to because they feel they can get away with not fixing things and letting the buildings fall into disrepair, etc... because they look the other way on credit,background and other checks at the time of rental. There are legal avenues one can take when rents are not paid. Why did he not take them? Laziness or altruism? Alliant energy should also allow him to get these properties on a payment plan. Do leases just become invailid because he neglected to pay the bill? And if he did not take proper legal action when the rents were not paid that is his fault not the tenants. There are steps that need to be taken under these circumstances. Although they should be paying rent. But shame on him for letting them get away with it for so long! And if you let one get away with it, you have to let them all. At any rate, these people should not be homeless!

I did a quick search on the internet for Janesville/surrounding area Shelters. Here is what I found for ones in need or interest.

House of Mercy, 320 Lincoln Street, 754-0045, 25 bed homeless shelter.

Lazarus Foundation Inc., 411 E. Court St, 373-0766. Didn't list what was available.

Hands of Faith of Beloit, 737 Bluff St, Beloit, 363-0683

Sparrows Nest Homeless Shelter, 1816 Harrison Ave, Beloit, 362-8215

Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless, W9665 US Highway 14, Darien, 262-882-3662

Evansville Housing Authority, 455 S 1st Street, Evansville, 608-882-4518

Say what you want about this landlord...Have you stopped to think HOW is he going to make the mortage payments with no renters ?? Sounds like we can add 21 more foreclosures to the growing list. Sad!! Just plain Sad!!!

creature- batteries power the smoke detectors. Don't you think it's warm enough to not have to light fires to keep warm?
gabby06- running your extension cord to another dwelling is a safety code violation, but your intentions are admirable; we need more people to care about their fellow humans. :)

Nevermind on the addresses. Just talked with my peeps and they pay their utility bills directly, so this does not effect them.

In reading the article it talked about Fire Hazard. I would think this is legitimate. No power no smoke detectors. No heat someone might try to build a little fire, Sounded like some of the tenants didn't have good cause and effect thinking. Drug use, lower mental capacity so shutting down the place might be the best for the landlord anyway to avoid possible lawsuits if there is injury. I would suspect some of the tenants probably still bought their booze and drugs and didn't pay the rent. I'm not a cold hearted person and would love to see everyone get assistance. Maybe they should try Love Inc. here in town as they try to help people with special needs. Churches are always good for assistance. Might have to put the kids into foster homes for a while. Sad for sure.

Your right, the tenants can't call to discuss that. Which is why, when we became managers of our complex, we talked our landlord out of that particular clause of his lease agreements. He no longer offers paid electricity, but lowered the rent itself to take some of the burdon off both parties. I completely agree that (Kesselring) possibly broke the contract by not paying the bill, but on the other hand, after they were 5 days late on their rent, they broke their contract and he could have had the power company shut them off. Hind sight, of course, and I am still learning some of these regulations, but there are legalities the protect the landlord in these cases as well.

There is no city ordinance that states it is a health or safety hazard to not have electricity (chapter 16-city ordinances).
I can understand if people have not paid their rent and they need to be evicted. I'm not sure how long my landlord would let me slide on my rent before evicting me and my family. But those who paid their rent and made arrangements with the utility companies should be exempted from this scenario. The people who paid their rent should be protected by their lease/rental agreement. Their landlord broke his contract by not paying his bills and there is legal recourse for that. Thisisme- you are not being cold, you are realistic. But because the landlord was the name on the account, I'm fairly sure the tenants cannot even call to discuss the bill he owes on their behalf!

My beef with alliant isn't that they are shutting off people who don't pay- it's with their electricity source-96% coal power (in WI).

I Know The Owner Of The Properties And He Has Bent Over Backwards For The Tenants.
Yes I Also Feel For The Them , But You Have To Pay Your Bills. Cause And Effect

What I think is ridiculous is that people seem to think that they can continue to live in a place when they haven't paid rent. The ones that have paid their rent definitely should be helped and I would gladly foot in on a fundraiser for them. Those who have not paid their rent should not be there in the first place. I realize that hard times happen. I manage an apartment complex, so I understand wanting to be lenient in some cases, but to be owed over $100,000 in back rent? That's just obscene. Being nice and lenient is one thing, being walked all over is another. I am sure there is more to the story, so maybe some will think that I'm being mean and cold. But I really don't care. You pay your bills, make arrangements to pay your bills, or suffer the consequences. In this case, those who paid their rent shouldn't have to suffer those consequences.

I had my power shut off for a full summer to see if living could happen. 3 months with cold, but running, water, cooking and heating up water for showers outside on a fire, buying meat to last only a night. Not only did it save me hundreds of dollars, but it also brought the family closer together. We had a blast, came together, asked for help, just as if we couldn't pay for it.

I think that before everyone get all hoity toity and think that the Alliant sucks because they are shutting it off or the city sucks cause they are putting people out on the streets, should think about the fact that, in some cases, rent money goes to buy other things. Personally, I don't want to foot the bill when someone spends their rent money on heroin, which in some of these cases, is absolutely possible

When we have a storm and we lose power, we act like helpless babies. We can survive, humans did for thousands upon thousands of years. Just because you cannot watch the latest episode of American Idol doesn't mean you won't survive.
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people survive in storms because you can't really control what mother nature does and just have to deal with it, you do not however have to deal with a negligent landlord who did not pay his utilites. And despite that these people have a record or past history they probably also have children and they should not have to do without because of this person who decided they wanted to run a rental property and now have not lived up to their end of the deal.

Mikki: not sure if you were responding to my asking if anyone knew where these building were or not, but if you were, I was actually asking because I have family members living in lower income apartments in Janesville and was wondering if this would effect them. I need to know if I should get my home ready for the extra people in case they need a place to stay for awhile. 5 adults, 3 children.

I would gladly run an extension cord to their apartment if I lived by one. When I was in desperate times and my electricity was shut off for a couple weeks until I got paid my neighbors did exactly that for me. We just ran a light so we could see at night but it was the most genorous thing any person has ever done for me. Too bad someone couldn't start a fundraiser to help these people to pay the bill so they aren't displaced. Which by the way I think is ridiculous!

Why, are you going to run them an extension cord from your house, or something?

If people have past evictions or court records, they are going to have a hard time finding a new residence. And with good reason. No landlord wants a problem tenant.

But I agree with partarican. When we have a storm and we lose power, we act like helpless babies. We can survive, humans did for thousands upon thousands of years. Just because you cannot watch the latest episode of American Idol doesn't mean you won't survive.

Still no idea where these buildings are? Anyone?

CallitasIseeit: Very good point!

If it were me, I think I would pitch a tent in my yard and stay put.

So living in a home with running water and no electricity is a health hazard and being homeless and living in the streets isn't?

WHAT!!!! Our city goverment is going to put 200 families on the streets ???? They will not shut off the gas or water to these places only the electric.WTH is wrong with you people ??
Maybe some one should do something to the landlord that turns off all the lights in his hallways so his power bills aren't affected.Now that IS a safety hazard !!! I know that for a fact because I fell when I was carrying my grandchild .

I agree with you Partarician. I have friends who willingly live without electricity and running water up north. They did finally break down and get a cell phone. They garden, raise fowl, collect rain, compost, recycle, and try to live off the land as much as they can. Their Amish made outhouse is so much nicer than bathrooms I see in our local parks. My family fills empty milk and 2-liter bottles with water and freeze them in our chest freezer. We have can goods and survival type items stored in our basement. What if we have a devastating tornado and all electricity is off for weeks? We could also have a horrible ice storm and even an earthquake isn't out of the question. Hopefully I'm not coming across paranoid, but look at what happened with Katrina. No we won't have a hurricane here, but there are many ways our daily lives could be disrupted and a lot wouldn't know how to survive. Give those residents water so they can flush their toilets and flashlights so they can see. It's light late enough and warm enough that no one is going to freeze to death in their own homes. Displacing them seems too rash.

Some tenants were current on their rent and some were not.

If the water is on a city line, the water will still be running when the power is shut off. Also, It is not a health hazard to not have electricity or heat. It is not illegal, either. It is an inconvenience. And half of the time during a power shutdown the water heater is left functional. I think it's rediculous to evict these people from the only shelter they have. If they can't pay the rent, they can't afford to move, either. And for the city to think these people are too stupid to find safe ways to stay warm(more clothing-close the windows) is rediculous; what does that say about our community?
This article is amazing. How did humanity survive for thousands of years prior to the invention of electricity?
Nobody was this concerned before today when utilities were shut off and people had to use candles, buy ice for the cooler, and cook outside. Nobody cared until it made the papers. Electricity is not really a necessity for most people, it is a want that we all take for granted. Did the southern states evict their citizens from their homes when the ice storms took out the power lines for weeks at a time earlier this year? No. They helped people get the resources they needed to survive in their homes during the cold weather. Why can't Rock County do the same?

This is an unfortunate situation to say the least. It's good that the warm weather is finally here, although I hope no one is left outside overnight. We certainly can't blame the landlord - he can't pay the bills if he is not getting rent from his tenants. And for the record, I have no connection with SD Properties.

Yea, where are these buildings?

Does anyone know the addresses/locations of these buildings?