MILWAUKEE — Residents of two apartment buildings on West Michigan Street were ordered to leave after Milwaukee officials determined the properties were unsafe because of serious interior conditions. Tenants at 2319 W. Michigan St. and 2327 W. Michigan St. said they were given about 30 minutes to evacuate because of fire hazards. The city’s Department of Neighborhood Services identified the buildings’ condition as “Interior of Building in Disrepair” in an open residential enforcement case. City records say rainwater enters the buildings and that floors are rotting. The case also includes complaints involving roaches and rats. A notice sent to residents by Smart Asset Management said the Department of Neighborhood Services was investigating the properties and appeared to have decided to shut them down. The message advised tenants to rely on family members and community resources for temporary housing while the company sought more information about when residents could return to collect their belongings. The buildings are owned by Sam Stair, according to information provided by city officials. Smart Assett Realty, identified as a third-party property manager, oversees the properties. Officials had not determined how many people were displaced or how long they would be unable to return as of Sept. 23, 2026. The evacuation highlights the immediate housing risks tenants face when serious building-code and habitability problems are found, particularly when residents receive little advance notice and have limited options for emergency shelter.