WI SB848

Milwaukee (as Wisconsin's only first-class city) may construct water, heat, sewer, and gas laterals or service pipes on rental properties without the owner's permission under specific conditions.

Construction without owner permission requires: the owner does not reside on the property, at least 3 failed contact attempts via mail/email/phone, and express permission from a tenant.

The city may not charge construction costs against the property when work is done without owner permission, unlike standard lateral construction which is typically assessed as a special tax.

Amends tenant-landlord law to create an exception allowing tenants to consent to utility lateral construction without landlord approval in these circumstances.