A free search engine can locate
rental housing in Wisconsin, WIHousingSearch.org.
The site was recently created to
provide affordable, accessible, and, when necessary, emergency housing. This
web-based service provides information to the general public as well as to
housing professionals seeking clients.
Properties can be searched by
county and provide a quick index for wheelchair accessible, pet friendly,
smoking friendly, and washer/dryer accessible. The site also provides pricing
information and income based options. Photos of the property and maps are also
accessible.
Listings can also be sorted by
cost, date availability, proximity to medical facilities, public transit, and
schools, number of bedrooms or bathrooms, and by realty company.
Users can add prospects to their
“basket,” where the renter’s favorite locations can be compared until a final
decision can be reached.
WIHousingSearch.org also offers
tools such as an affordability calculator, rental checklist, and information
about renters’ rights and responsibilities.
Landlords can upload their
rentals at no cost. Landlords will be provided 24-hour access to update their
listings and availability. They can also call in the property information.
The site is just several weeks
old, and its administrators have updated the search tool since its opening. Users
can now narrow their search by their preferences or budget. The amount of rental listings is also
increasing.
The site is promoted by the
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, Wisconsin Department of
Health Services, and the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of
Housing.The site is supported by a toll-free, multilingual call center,
1-877-428-8844.
