An illustration show tenants rallying on the streets. Some have signs that read "Rent is Too Damn High." The illustration is part of Shelterforce's series "Tenant Power Returns."

Under the Lens

Tenant Power Returns

In this series Shelterforce dives deep into the past, present, and future of tenant organizing. We take a closer look at the components of what many organizers call a tenants bill of rights and give you accessible ways to share them with others, plus lots more.

Tenants Rights: It’s Not a Moment, It’s a Movement

November 14, 2022 | Miriam Axel-Lute

In "Tenant Power Returns," Shelterforce examines how the energy and focus in the housing world is returning to tenant organizing.
An illustration show tenants rallying on the streets. Some have signs that read "Rent is Too Damn High." The illustration is part of Shelterforce's series "Tenant Power Returns."

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A close-up view of 11 glass-domed electric meters in an apartment building. The photo appears to be black and white at first glance, but is naturally a scene of varying shades of gray.
Tenant Organizing

When a Problematic Landlord Is a Nonprofit

December 13, 2022 | Miles Howard

While in most cases having a nonprofit as a landlord is considered a win, it doesn’t prevent conflict with tenants. But organizers can take some different tactics when interacting with nonprofit landlords.

Organizing

How These NYC Public Housing Residents Became Models for Tenant Rights Activism

January 19, 2023 | Adam Mahoney

Over generations, residents of the Cooper Park Houses in Brooklyn have created a blueprint for successful housing organizing.

Under a blue sky, in a large arching gateway is suspended a banner that reads "End Rent Burden." Below it is a line of 11 picketers holding signs that say "UAW on Strike: Unfair Labor Practice." A passerby is talking to one of the picketers.
Opinion

Tenants Rights Advance in California

March 8, 2023 | Kenton Card

Reaction to the housing crisis in California has led to a series of gains for tenants, including a new Renters’ Caucus.

A group of people standing on steps, most holding signs saying "Yes on Rent Control" while at left a man speaks into a microphone. Behind the people, faintly visible, is a large holiday tree with red and silver ornaments.
From the Field

How We Won Rent Control in Pasadena, California

April 21, 2023 | Ryan Bell

Never underestimate the power of—and need for—a ground game.

A tightly cropped black-and-white view of stone Ionic columns at the entrance to a courthouse. Words are carved on the lintel over the columns; visible in this photo are "and blessing."
From the Field

Six Steps to Ensuring a Strong Right to Organize for Tenants

May 4, 2023 | Heather Way and Kelly Hogue

Getting solid legal protections in place will help tenants stick up for themselves more safely and effectively.

Aerial shot of a huge hotel, 12 or 13 stories high, surrounded by mature trees, other apartment buildings or hotels, with a roadway in front of it. The building is shaped vaguely like a stick figure of a person, but with a C-shaped head.
Organizing

The Unfulfilled Potential of D.C.’s TOPA Law

December 14, 2023 | Roshan Abraham

Tenant Opportunity to Purchase laws empower renters to get control when their buildings go up for sale. But in D.C., the hurdles to becoming owners are many, and often insurmountable.

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