Tenants' Right to Organize Act: Protecting Collective Action in Subsidized Housing
This law grants tenants in federally subsidized housing (voucher holders or LIHTC projects) the formal right to establish and participate in tenant organizations. It introduces strong protections against retaliation, such as eviction or loss of subsidy, if they engage in organizing activities. Landlords and housing agencies must formally recognize these groups and respond meaningfully to their concerns about living conditions, increasing tenants' influence over their daily environment.
Key points
Tenants in subsidized housing gain the protected right to form groups to negotiate lease terms and improve living conditions, without needing prior permission from the owner for organizing activities.
Landlords and housing agencies are prohibited from retaliating against tenants for organizing; adverse actions (e.g., eviction, rent increase) taken within 180 days of organizing are presumed to be retaliation.
Increased federal funding is allocated for training and technical assistance for tenant organizations and resident councils ($40 per unit annually, adjusted for inflation).
A new administrative complaint mechanism will be established at HUD to provide independent investigations into allegations of abuse and retaliation by owners.
Expired
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