Tenants' Right to Organize Act: Strengthening Housing Rights and Protections
This Act grants tenants in subsidized housing (Section 8, LIHTC) the explicit right to form and operate tenant organizations to address living conditions and tenancy terms. It strictly prohibits retaliation by landlords and housing agencies, requiring them to formally recognize and respond meaningfully to tenant concerns. Crucially, it establishes a private right of action, allowing tenants to sue in court if these organizing rights are violated, significantly empowering residents.
Key points
Tenants in subsidized housing gain the protected right to form organizations without interference or fear of retaliation from owners or housing agencies.
Landlords and Public Housing Agencies must recognize tenant groups, consider their concerns, and provide accessible on-site meeting spaces.
The law creates a new mechanism for administrative complaints and grants tenants the ability to file private lawsuits to enforce their organizing rights.
If an owner takes adverse action against a tenant within 180 days of their organizing activity, it is presumed to be an act of retaliation unless proven otherwise.
Introduced
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