The National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) — the lobbying group for corporate landlords — had planned to spend the day mingling with elected officials. Instead, renters took over the conference stage, recounting how real estate and private equity have harmed their families and communities.
“My landlord raised my rent by $266 a month, but won’t deal with cockroaches, flooding, and electrical issues,” said Erika Reyes, a Colorado community leader with our affiliate United for a New Economy who rents from a NMHC landlord. “I came here today because my kids and I deserve to have a safe and stable place to call home.” |
Outside the conference, over 100 renters and advocates rallied, told our stories, and thought together about the future we want. We envisioned a future where safe, affordable housing is available for all of us. Where we have more community land trusts and other ways to collectively own and steward housing. And where we have the power to make decisions about our homes. And then just when the landlords thought they could relax, we came back inside. Tenant leaders took over the conference lobby, chanting “no more rent increases” and “corporate landlords have got to go” amidst the glass chandeliers and gold staircases. |
Big shout-out to the tenant leaders and organizers from our affiliates — United for a New Economy, Working Partnerships USA, Stand Up Nashville, and Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy — who joined us in DC. And we couldn’t have made this happen without our partners at ACRE (Action Center on Race and the Economy) and the Center for Popular Democracy. It was a powerful action, and we’ll take the energy into fights for housing justice across the country. In cities and states, our network is organizing for stronger renter protections, caps on unfair rent hikes, and tools to move more housing into community control. Look out for more updates in the coming weeks and months! |
