WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined five of their Senate colleagues to introduce the Tenants’ Right to Organize Act, legislation to empower tenants to organize, participate in, and operate tenant organizations without fear of retaliation or interference. The bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to promote the formation of tenant organizations and provide additional funding to ensure tenants have a stronger voice in addressing their living conditions and advocating for their rights.

Currently, only some tenants living in federally supported housing have a legally recognized right to organize without fear of retaliation. This unfair distinction leaves Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) recipients and residents of federally-assisted units in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties without the ability to self-organize and address legitimate housing concerns. Empowering the millions of HCV and LIHTC tenants in rent-restricted units with the ability to organize can help improve housing outcomes and reduce eviction filings, promoting stronger, more robust communities.

“Low-income renters using Housing Choice Vouchers or trying to find affordable housing have limited options, so when they’re facing a negligent landlord, they feel backed into a corner – either deal with poor living conditions or risk not being able to secure another affordable place to live. Giving these tenants the right to organize will allow them to hold landlords accountable and demand that issues with rent increases or living conditions be addressed. I’m proud to introduce this legislation that will empower renters and help keep them in safe, stable housing,” said Murphy.

“Tenants need the tools in this measure to protect themselves against predatory landlords. Organizing together to combat exploitative practices gives them leverage and strength. They can hold landlords accountable and demand safe, affordable, secure housing— which should be the legal right of every renter. Rising rents and abusive evictions are enabled by housing shortages that need to be addressed as well,” said Blumenthal.

The Tenants' Right to Organize Act would:

  • Expand Protections for Tenant Organizing: The bill guarantees families receiving tenant-based rental assistance the right to establish and participate in legitimate tenant organizations to address issues related to their living environment, such as the terms and conditions of their tenancy and other housing and community development activities.
  • Prevent Retaliation and Protect Tenant Activities: The bill protects tenants from adverse actions, such as eviction or harassment, in response to their participation in legitimate tenant organizations or exercising their rights.
  • Ensure Accountability and Enforcement for Federal Funding Recipients: The bill requires public housing agencies and owners to recognize legitimate tenant organizations and respond meaningfully to their concerns. It also requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of the Treasury to establish enforcement protocols, including complaint filing processes, investigation of abuses, and regular reporting to Congress to ensure compliance.
  • Fund and Support Tenant Organizations: The bill provides dedicated funding to support tenant organizing and capacity building, ensuring that tenants have the resources and training needed to advocate for their rights effectively.

U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) also cosponsored the legislation.

The Tenants’ Right to Organize Act is endorsed by the National Housing Law Project (NHLP), Poverty & Race Research Action Council (PRRAC), Mobility Works, National Low-Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC), Tenant Union Representative Network (TURN.)

Full text of the legislation is available HERE.

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