No AC during some of the hottest days on record. Life-threatening black mold creeping up the walls. No hot water or heat during the winter. These are the substandard conditions that tenants are forced to endure with little or no recourse. How devastating and demoralizing.

My mother was a tenants’ rights organizer. I was going to organizing meetings on her hip before I could walk. And I’ve been fighting for housing rights since. For decades, tenants across the country, including in my district, have organized and mobilized to demand safe, stable, and affordable housing conditions.

I’m proud to re-introduce the Tenant Empowerment Act:

Our bill would empower tenants by protecting their right to organize, giving them new tools to hold the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and housing providers accountable for poor housing conditions, and helping us move towards a just America where everyone has a safe and healthy place to call home.

On behalf of the 44 million Americans living in rental units, Congress must take action. Add your name today to become a grassroots co-sponsor of the Tenant Empowerment Act. Everyone deserves to turn the key and come home to a place that feels safe, a place of belonging and refuge.

Add Your Name

Residents living in HUD-assisted rental housing programs face ongoing issues with their homes due to chronic underfunding, insufficient HUD oversight and enforcement, and lack of compliance with HUD requirements by some property owners. Tenants of color are disproportionately impacted by health-related hazards such as mold, allergens, lead, and poor air quality in these homes.

The Tenant Empowerment Act would provide tenants with the tools they need to improve the quality of their homes. The bill would:

Enable tenants living in project-based voucher housing to withhold their rent if HUD determines a unit is in serious violation of safe housing standards;
Provide tenants with the right to judicial enforcement of project owner agreements with HUD to ensure serious violations of housing standards are addressed;
Fund tenant participation services, such as outreach and training of tenants and technical assistance;
Extend right to organize protections to tenants in project-based voucher buildings;
Establish a national repair and deduct policy for housing choice voucher holders.

Far too many renters are struggling to support their families and pay their rent. The White House is taking action on the housing crisis — and we need to keep pushing for more.

This bill will empower renters with the tools they need to work towards a day where safe, stable, affordable housing is not only a right, but a reality for every person in America. Will you add your name to say you endorse this crucial piece of legislation?

The progressive policies we’re fighting for are deeply needed. Thank you for using your voice— you make our movement’s strength loud and clear.

Yours in service,

Ayanna