Lawyer appointed to oversee problem landlord’s operation
Milwaukee attorney Benjamin Stern will oversee the 165 properties owned or linked to Elijah Mohammad Rashaed as the city continues its push to get the notorious landlord out of the rental business.
Attorneys for Rashaed and the city worked out the deal last week after one witness — a city building inspector — testified about code violations at Rashaed properties. She also testified that Rashaed made a veiled threat against inspectors after a colleague was murdered in March.
The city in August filed a receivership action against Rashaed and 18 limited liability companies he controls that sought to ban him from the landlord business in Milwaukee and force him to sell his properties.
An agreement that was finalized this week gives Stern, a partner with von Briesen & Roper, authority to oversee Rashaed’s operation and to prioritize repairs. Rashaed is required to maintain a $25,000 balance in a fund for repairs.
Meanwhile, Rashaed will be selling his properties and the city will have veto power over the deals. Rashaed, who lives in West Palm Beach, Fla., will be allowed to keep one home in Milwaukee.
Stern will be paid $350 an hour, with the money coming from the Rashaed operation. Other attorneys will be paid $275 per hour, according to the agreement.