Meridian Group, Inc

Pros

• Such caring and compassionate group.
• They go above and beyond and property is well maintained.
• They have always had great experiences with all the managers and properties in the Madison Area.

Cons

• The property manager is described as dismissive and unresponsive, even when violations are reported, asking how neighbors knew about the odor instead of issuing notices.
• The manager allegedly prioritizes a neighbor's claimed religious rights over the disabled tenant's rights.
• HUD is said to be unhelpful or ineffective, according to the manager's portrayal.
• Tenants report persistent pot odors with police involvement and a looming nuisance-property action against Meridian.
• The building is described as poorly maintained and deteriorating - weed-filled grounds, lingering odors, dirty walls, and discarded items.
• Management is accused of rude, disrespectful behavior and retaliation toward tenants who complain or speak up.

Review

Across a cluster of Meridian-managed properties in Wisconsin, tenants describe a patchwork of experiences that range from occasionally positive to persistently frustrating, sometimes alarming. At the center of these accounts is a pattern of resident health and safety concerns - often tied to disability needs or low-income housing requirements - meeting management responses that tenants feel are dismissive, slow, or even adversarial. One concrete example comes from a sister living in a non-smoking building in Homestead, McFarland. After her neighbor and another resident began smoking pot in their apartments, she and another neighbor reported it to the building manager. The manager's immediate reply was to question, "how they knew it was pot?" rather than addressing the issue. The situation escalated into a back-and-forth over the proper process for handling lease violations and health hazards, with the sister eventually turning to letters to Meridian and even HUD. The situation intensified when police reports began to surface - four police notes documented overpowering smells upon exiting the elevator - and the local officer suggested that Meridian could be facing nuisance-property action, a potential source of fines for the property owner. The manager's defense that the neighbor claimed religious rights and incense only added to a sense among tenants that disability rights and safety concerns were being deprioritized. The sister was told that HUD would not intervene, and the overall dynamic left her feeling that she and others living with chronic health issues were being sidelined in favor of resident behaviors that were harder to document or regulate. The episode culminated in a relative insistence on involving law enforcement when smells were detected, reflecting a broader belief among some tenants that the property's management would respond only to formal enforcement.

Beyond this particular case, multiple tenants describe a broader pattern of tension and dissatisfaction with Meridian's handling of health and safety, disability accommodations, and lease compliance. In some narratives, tenants acknowledge that Meridian is responsible for a large portion of low-income housing in Madison, and they voice frustration that the company's representatives sometimes appear to conflate legitimate health and safety complaints with other disputes. One critic contends that the property owner's fiduciary obligation to maintain a safe, well-managed environment is not always met, especially when complaints involve smoking or nuisance odors. In a few instances, residents hope to escalate complaints to HUD or to local authorities, only to encounter skepticism or resistance about what HUD can or will do. In short, the thread that runs through many of these stories is a persistent sense that health-related concerns tied to disability and chronic illness are not being prioritized in the same way as other lease-related issues.

The set of experiences is not monolithic, however. One review from a different Meridian-managed setting - designed to highlight a more positive experience - notes, "Such caring and compassionate group. They go above and beyond and property is well maintained." This lone affirmative voice contrasts with the many other accounts of dissatisfaction, but it does exist within the same network of Meridian properties. The dichotomy underscores how individual property managers and staff can shape resident experiences in markedly different ways, even within the same management company.

Other reviewers focus on administrative and logistical frustrations that compounds residents' daily struggles. A tenant at Black River Falls Town Homes complains about having to verify employment every six months and then facing a sudden back-rent bill, questioning, "How is this my problem? You guys come up with my rent every month; is this what you guys do to people to push them out?" The tone is one of rising anxiety and a sense that bureaucratic processes may be obstructing stable housing rather than facilitating it. Meanwhile, another applicant recounts a frustrating interview with a staff member named Laura Work, who allegedly told them their application would be processed, yet the organization failed to provide timely follow-up via email or phone. The reviewer describes a sense of being misled about moving timelines, ultimately forcing them to search for a new place. The impression left is that communication gaps can derail housing plans, which matters deeply for families and individuals who rely on predictable timelines to arrange care, schooling, and medical appointments.

A more serious strand of the discussion involves accusations of discrimination and retaliation tied to disability. One long-tenured tenant claims they "filed a discrimination suit in 2022" and are now facing eviction for behavioral actions connected to their disability. The account details a cascade of extreme events, including imprisonment, injury, a broken arm, oxygen deprivation for an extended period, restraining orders, multiple charges, and a competency hearing in which they were deemed competent. The reviewer goes on to urge others not to rent from Meridian, including naming their supervisor, painting a picture of a system where disability-related needs may be weaponized in disputes and where the line between tenant rights and punitive actions can blur.

Other narratives emphasize a sense of ongoing hostility and retaliation for speaking up. A reviewer living in a different Meridian property claims that the complex runs on a culture of retaliation toward tenants who raise concerns about safety and neighbor behavior. They describe a neighbor who uses racial slurs and has a dangerous dog roaming the building, while the management allegedly pressures residents to relinquish dogs or "prove" compliance with rules, even as the person's children include disabled family members who rely on therapists' letters. The underlying tone is that, for some residents, exercising one's rights - or merely addressing hazards - can prompt a punitive reaction from management rather than a constructive response.

On the other end of the spectrum, there are voices that describe outright mismanagement at specific sites. A Chippewa property review is particularly critical: "The management was rude, disrespectful and took easy ways out. ... the basement would flood every snow melt and every rain fall. The last time it flooded was past my ankles. My basement walls were moldy for weeks before they did anything about it." The reviewer accuses a manager named Mark Klein of aggressive, unannounced visits and harassment, plus disputes over responsibility for doors and repairs that never materialized as promised. The lack of consistent maintenance - outlets that didn't work, mold, and ongoing safety concerns - paints a picture of a property where basic upkeep and responsive service fall short.

Finally, there are allegations about more systemic abuses at Wexford Ridge, where tenants report forged signatures on documents, fake employment proofs used to justify rent overcharges, and a broader pattern of not receiving rent receipts. The reviewer claims Meridian owns many low-income properties in Madison, and they describe a sense that Tenant Rights groups have limited impact in the face of coordinated resistance from property offices. One harrowing statement describes being nearly driven to suicide due to the financial and administrative stress, culminating in moves away from the city after a long, painful struggle to obtain relief and accountability. The narrator asserts that even the news media and informal networks are reluctant to intervene because "everyone is afraid of Meridian Group," and closes with a firm, if desperate, assertion of the truth of their claims.

Taken together, these reviews sketch a complex picture of Meridian-managed housing in Wisconsin. For some residents, Meridian represents a stable, well-run option with responsive management and decent upkeep. For many others, however, the experience is marred by inconsistent communication, allegations of discrimination and retaliation, disputes over alleged lease violations and rent charges, and a troubling pattern of health and safety concerns - especially for disabled tenants and those with chronic medical needs. Law enforcement involvement, HUD inquiries, and tenant-rights activism appear as recurring themes in the attempts to resolve disputes and secure safer, healthier, and more predictable housing. The overall message from these accounts is that accountability, transparency, and consistent adherence to fair housing and disability rights principles are critical to ensuring that Meridian-managed properties truly serve their residents rather than exacerbate the struggles they already face.

This part of Middleton, Wisconsin offers a variety of amenities and services that would be beneficial for seniors. The area is home to a range of dining options, including Italian cuisine at Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano and Mediterranean fare at Freska Mediterranean Grill. There are also several cafes nearby such as Starbucks and Panera Bread for those looking for a casual spot to relax or grab a cup of coffee. In terms of healthcare, there are multiple physicians and hospitals within close proximity, providing convenient access to medical services. Additionally, there are pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy nearby for easy prescription refills. For leisure activities, residents can enjoy parks like Firemans Park and Lakeview Park, as well as catch a movie at Point Cinema Madison. Overall, this neighborhood in Middleton offers a mix of conveniences and recreational options that would cater well to seniors looking for a comfortable living environment.

Restaurants

• Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano (0.7 miles)
• Ancho & Agave (0.8 miles)
• Arby's (0.8 miles)
• Freska Mediterranean Grill (0.9 miles)
• McDonald's (0.9 miles)
• Capital Brewery (1.2 miles)
• Hubbard Avenue Diner (1.5 miles)

Physicians

• Wisconsin Fertility Institute (0.9 miles)
• Parfitt Facial Cosmetic Surgery Center (1 miles)
• Meriter Deming Way (1.1 miles)
• Dean Clinic (1.1 miles)
• John Rose MD (1.1 miles)
• Madison Vein & Laser Institute Sc (1.1 miles)
• Matthew, Robert Dr-Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin (1.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.9 miles)
• Panera Bread (1.9 miles)
• Starbucks (3.3 miles)
• Moka (3.8 miles)
• Panera Bread (5 miles)

Transportation

• Middleton Municipal - Morey Field (1.1 miles)

Hospitals

• meriter Middleton clinic (1.3 miles)
• Cell Line Genetics (4.3 miles)
• UWHC Outpatient Radiology (5.2 miles)

Parks

• Firemans Park (1.6 miles)
• Haen Family Park (2.6 miles)
• Lakeview Park (2.6 miles)
• Mendota Park (3.5 miles)
• Harvey John & Lucille Taylor Memorial Park (3.9 miles)
• Flagstone Park (5 miles)
• Baer Park (5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• SSM Health Prescription Center (1.8 miles)
• UW Health West Clinic Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Bergmann's Pharmacy (2.7 miles)

Theaters

• Point Cinema Madison, Wi (3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Holy Wisdom Monastery (4.7 miles)