Tenant Unions or Tenant Associations are groups of neighbors who come together to organize for their shared rights and needs. Like a labor union, a tenant union gives renters collective power to address issues with landlords and improve living conditions.
These groups can be based in:
- A single building or apartment complex
- Properties owned by the same landlord
- A block, neighborhood, or even an entire city
What Can a Tenant Union Do?
Tenant unions can work together to:
- Demand timely repairs and maintenance
- Negotiate rent concerns or abatement
- Improve safety and security
- Advocate for better housing policies in their community
Read more about our organizing efforts here.
How to Get Started
- Talk to your neighbors — Start conversations about shared concerns.
- Form a small core group — Identify a few committed tenants to start organizing.
- Document tenant needs — Keep a record of problems, requests, and contact info.
- Choose a time and place to meet — Host an initial meeting that feels comfortable and accessible for everyone.
- Develop a strategy — Make a plan to raise concerns with your landlord collectively and keep growing the group.
You Cannot Be Evicted for Organizing.
Tenant organizing is protected by law. If your landlord tries to evict you because of your organizing activities, you can raise this as a retaliation defense in court. If successful, this protects you from eviction for at least one year. (See our section on Retaliatory Eviction for more details.)
United Tenants of Albany (UTA) supports the development of tenant unions. We can help your group organize, build power, and communicate effectively with landlords.
Interested in organizing your building or neighborhood? Reach out to Bebhinn Francis at Bebhinn@unitedtenantsalbany.org. We’re here to help you build tenant power!