Berrada Properties ordered by DOJ to pay $1.7 million in settlement

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee landlord will have to pay more than $1 million in relief following a Wisconsin Department of Justice lawsuit. Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul calls the settlement a step in the right direction for tenants. 

Landlord Joe Berrada controls nearly 900 apartment units in Milwaukee and Racine. 

Berrada and his company were accused of violating numerous tenant protections. 

Wisconsin Attorney Josh Kaul says this settlement will help those affected by Berrada's practices. 

In 2021, a civil enforcement lawsuit was filed against Berrada and his company, Berrada Properties Management Inc. 

He was accused of failing to make repairs, forcing tenants to pay legal fees, and charging inconsistent late rent fees. 

Following Wednesday's settlement, Berrada will be required to pay $1.7 million in injunctive relief. 

Berrada will also be required to run an income-based rental program for 300 tenants for up to five years and seal eviction records that were a result of alleged illegal late fees or attorney fees.