How to organize a tenant group

The best way to protect yourself is to know your legal rights as a tenant. See Tenants Rights.

Get help. Your community has lots of resources. Don’t be shy – ask for help! You may want to contact:

• A lawyer for legal help,
• A trained organizer to help you plan,
• Local community organizations, or
• Local universities and law schools with students to help you do research.

Talk with other tenants. Tenants may be afraid to speak up. Ask your neighbors about housing problems. Listen carefully! Let them know they have a right to organize.

Bring tenants together. After you talk to other tenants and identify common problems, schedule a meeting so that all tenants can come together to make a plan.  

Stay United

Watch out! Landlords sometimes try to divide tenant groups by intimidating tenants or pretending to be a victim. Stay united.

Once you bring tenants together, make a plan. Clearly define the problems. Write them down. Identify the group’s goals and the things you want to change. Think about these questions as you make a plan:

• What is the problem?
• What will solve the problem?
• Did your landlord break a law?
• Who has power to fix the problem?
• Where can you get help?

Next, decide which tactics or methods your group will use to fix your problems. Tactics must fit your situation and may have to change over time.

Here are a few tactics to consider:

• Write a letter to your landlord to document your group’s concerns and send a copy to your local elected officials.
• Have tenants sign a petition to show your landlord that a lot of people are affected.
• Get the Board of Health/Inspectional Services to order a landlord to make repairs.
• Have a rally, picket, or demonstration.
• Make window signs and banners.
• Get media attention.
• Take your landlord to court. Ask a lawyer to review your case first.

• Choose leaders. You can have one leader or a group of leaders who rotate responsibilities to keep a group going. A good leader listens, is patient, and is inclusive.
• Keep tenants informed and included. Have regular meetings and use social media, fliers, and events to keep all tenants updated.
• Translate. Translate information and have interpreters for meetings for people who do not speak English.
• Set ground rules. Good meeting ground rules can prevent conflict. Examples: one person talks at a time, no interrupting, no put-downs, a time limit when talking.
• Make committees. A committee is a team of people working on a task. Common committees are: Negotiation and Outreach.
• Keep records. Have someone take notes during meetings. Document your phone and in person communications with your landlord. Have all tenants save emails and text messages with your landlord.
• Work with a lawyer and organizer. A lawyer can tell you about your rights. An organizer has knowledge about organizing tactics. Remember, decisions are up to the
  group, not your advisors.
• Evaluate your work. Be willing to change your plan and tactics as you go.
• Get more tenants involved. It takes time and patience to get more people involved. Most people need to be asked directly. 

• From the media: Online and print newspapers, TV, radio, and social media are powerful tools for tenants. Media attention can help pressure your landlord to negotiate.
• From politicians: Local, state and national politicians can help by writing a letter to your landlord or by facilitating a conversation between you and the landlord. Make sure people in your building are registered voters if eligible to vote.
• From community leaders and groups: Local leaders and groups, such as clubs, churches, and labor unions, can help by writing support letters, attending rallies, or giving you resources or meeting space. 

Try to meet and negotiate with your landlord. Negotiating means working to agree with your landlord about solutions. Before you negotiate, get ready!

• Have a list of your demands.
• Have proof of the problems.
• Know your rights.
• Put your agreement in writing.