JANESVILLE, Wis. — Nearly 100 Janesville families were served unexpected eviction notices at their homes Jan. 31, giving them 28 days to either buy their rental property or find a new place to live.
Jessica Galindo is one of the tenants. She told News 3 Now that when her 17-year-old son found the notice taped to their front door, she was heartbroken.
“I didn’t want him to worry,” she said.
She and her three kids and two dogs have been living in their home since 2020, renting from Rick Donahue, who owns nearly 100 properties in Rock County.
Galindo said Donahue has caused problems since her move-in date, once leaving her family without heat during the winter, causing them to stay in a hotel room.
Now, she worries they’ll have nowhere to stay at the end of the 28 days. She says her children are supporting her.
“His words are always, ‘I know we’ll be okay, mom. I know we’ll be okay,’ because he’s never known me to give up,” she said.
Court records show that Donahue received 35 ordinance violation citations from the city of Janesville in January, alleging problems ranging from improperly installed plumbing and hazardous electric systems to insect and rodent infestations on his rental properties.