A Wisconsin couple is embroiled in a legal battle with their landlord after posting negative online reviews concerning extra fees they claim were not properly disclosed. Eric Magnuson and Elizabeth Sargent rented a property in Whitefish Bay from David Karademas in August 2023, but soon began receiving notices about charges they allege were not made clear in their lease agreement.
Dispute Over Snow Removal Fees Escalates
According to court records obtained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Karademas emailed his tenants in November 2024, announcing a new 9 a.m. deadline for renters to move their vehicles during snow events. This prompted Magnuson to write a review under a pseudonym, where he claimed he was fined $100 for not moving his car on time despite ongoing snowfall.
In the review, Magnuson strongly advised against renting from Karademas Management, describing them as "sleazy, greedy and truly awful people." The couple reported that Karademas then publicly replied to the review, revealing their real names and address, a move they characterized as "public doxxing."
Landlord's Response and Legal Threats
Karademas, who is also a lawyer and owns multiple properties in Wisconsin and Illinois, defended the enforcement of rules in his response. "Your complaint seems to revolve around the fact that Bay Village has rules and that the rules are enforced," he wrote, according to the Journal Sentinel. "I stand guilty as charged."
Following this, Magnuson posted a second review acknowledging that he and other residents were 45 minutes late moving their cars but argued the fines were "absolutely illegal – or shady at the very least." In response, Karademas emailed Magnuson, demanding the review be taken down and that the couple sign a non-disparagement agreement to prevent further criticism.
Lawsuit Alleges Falsehoods and Extortion
Karademas has since filed a lawsuit against the couple, claiming that Magnuson lied in his first review and that both reviews were posted to get out of their lease early, which he describes as "extortion." He argued that "both falsehoods and extortion can nullify the First Amendment protections that generally shield negative feedback."
Magnuson and Sargent have filed a motion to have the case dismissed, though a judge has yet to rule on it. The case underscores broader legal issues, as Wisconsin is one of only 11 states without anti-SLAPP laws, which are designed to prevent lawsuits that bully people into not speaking out.
Tenant Advocacy and Free Speech Concerns
Elizabeth Sargent expressed concern over the implications of the lawsuit, stating, "You shouldn't be able to sue someone to give up their free speech rights." The couple's experience highlights the challenges tenants face when voicing complaints, particularly in states lacking robust protections against strategic lawsuits.
Karademas emphasized the importance of his business reputation, telling the Journal Sentinel, "As the proprietor of a family-owned business, that reputation is all that stands between me and oblivion." The Independent has attempted to contact Karademas Management for further comment, but no additional statements have been provided.
This case continues to draw attention to the intersection of property management practices, tenant rights, and free speech in the digital age, with potential implications for similar disputes nationwide.
