Tenant Organizing Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

• The Right to Organize

Chapter 1: The How-To's Of Organizing

• Before You Begin
• Talk To Your Neighbors
• Prepare for a Building-Wide Meeting
• Hold a Building-Wide Meeting
• Discuss/Prioritize Building-Wide Problems
• Decide Whether to Work Together
• Structuring Your Tenants' Association
• Leadership/Steering Committee

Chapter 2: Strategies To Improve Conditions

• Step One: Find Out Who Owns the Building
• Step Two: Put Your Complaints in Writing
• Step Three: Negotiate With Your Owner
• Step Four: Registering Official Complaints
• Step Five: Request a Building-Wide Inspection
• Step Six: Filing Complaints with DHCR
• Step Seven: Collectively Sending Rent to the Owner
• Step Eight: Tenant-Initiated Court Action
• Step Nine: Withholding Your Rent Money

Chapter 3: Harassment

• NYS Division of Housing & Community Renewal
• District Attorney's Special Housing Unit
• New York City Corporation Council
• NYS Attorney General
• NYC Commission on Human Rights

Chapter 4: Demolition

Chapter 5: Other Considerations

Resources

Where To Go For Help