Wausau committee hears rent-abatement case after months without hot water at 615 Worley Ave

The Wausau Public Health and Safety Committee on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, heard sworn testimony in a rent-abatement request from tenants of 615 Worley Ave, who said their unit lacked hot water for several days in October 2024 and that the condition caused disruption to family life and work.

The hearing, held under Chapter 16.04.037 of the Wausau Municipal Code, is to determine whether tenants Angel Holstein and Malik Marks are entitled to abated rent after the city posted the unit “unfit for human occupancy” for lack of hot water. The committee heard testimony from the tenants, property owner Anna Lopez, city property inspector Evan Garski and counsel; the panel then moved into closed session to deliberate.

Why it matters: a finding of rent abatement would change the amount of rent the tenants are legally required to pay for the period in question and could require the landlord to make repairs within a timeline set by the committee.

Tenants’ account Angel Holstein, who identified herself as a tenant at 615 Worley Ave, testified that the household — which includes children — went without reliable hot water beginning in mid‑October 2024. Holstein said the pilot light on the gas water heater would not stay lit and that she and Malik Marks, who also testified, were without hot water “two days” before contacting the landlord and that the condition persisted for several days while they sought resolution. Marks said the household repeatedly missed work or altered schedules to be present for contractors. Marks estimated they missed about four work days because of the problem. Both tenants said they applied for energy‑assistance programs to help pay…