Milwaukee Takes Legal Action Against Notorious Landlord for Property Neglect
The city of Milwaukee has initiated a lawsuit against Highgrove Holdings Management, LLC, a company described as one of the area’s most problematic landlords. Owned by David Tomblin, the Delaware-based firm oversees 425 rental units in Milwaukee, yet only 218 are reportedly occupied, according to a recent complaint.
Milwaukee’s lawsuit accuses the company of prioritizing profits for investors over the well-being of its residents, labeling its properties as “public nuisances.” The city is seeking court intervention to appoint a receiver to manage the company’s assets and demand payment of overdue taxes, among other remedies.
Since 2017, Highgrove’s properties have accumulated 4,380 code violations, translating to approximately 125 violations per 100 units annually, as recorded by the Milwaukee Property Ownership Network Project. Tenant complaints concerning unsafe living conditions are reportedly often ignored.
City Attorney Evan Goyke stated, “High Grove came to Milwaukee with a business model built on extraction. They promised to rehabilitate distressed properties while delivering returns to investors.” However, residents have faced maintenance issues such as unkempt lawns, trash accumulation, and unshoveled sidewalks, the complaint notes.
Goyke further emphasized, “The public can no longer bear the burdens of High Grove neglect and today we are holding them accountable.” Despite attempts for comment, Highgrove Holdings has not responded to inquiries.
The company owes Milwaukee over $570,000 in delinquent taxes. The city claims that tax payments are only made when it benefits the company financially.
Highgrove Holdings owns more than 250 properties, primarily on Milwaukee’s North Side, including single-family homes, duplexes, and triplexes. Many are situated in federal opportunity zones, which provide tax incentives for development in low-income areas. On their website, the company highlights Milwaukee’s “friendly-to-landlord” policies as an influencing factor for their investment.
The IRS requires that properties in these zones undergo “substantial improvement” within 30 months of acquisition, a condition the city argues Highgrove cannot meet due to financial constraints.
The city claims that one in every four buildings owned by the company is either vacant or abandoned, with six properties eligible for foreclosure. Additionally, Highgrove Holdings allegedly owes US Bank over $8 million. The bank contends that the company borrowed nearly $7 million, backed by Albert Barton, but failed to repay.
A petition for a receiver was filed by the bank in 2025, which Milwaukee city officials later supported.
