Financial & Affordability Issues

• Unfair Rent Increases – Sudden, excessive rent hikes that push tenants out.

• Rent Price Gouging – Landlords setting artificially high rents due to demand rather than actual value.

• Price Fixing by Corporate Property Management Companies – Large property owners coordinating to keep rents high and eliminate competition.

• Lack of Rent Control – No policies in place to prevent predatory increases.

• Hidden Fees & Charges – Unexplained or excessive application, pet, or maintenance fees.

• Security Deposit Abuse – Landlords withholding deposits unfairly or not returning them on time.

Evictions & Displacement

• No-Cause Evictions – Landlords removing tenants without legitimate reason.

• Retaliatory Evictions – Landlords evicting tenants for reporting issues or organizing.

• Illegal Lease Terminations – Sudden termination of leases without proper notice.

• Lease Non-Renewals for Profit – Landlords refusing to renew leases to bring in higher-paying tenants.

• Tenant Displacement Due to Gentrification – Longtime residents being pushed out as neighborhoods change.

Unsafe & Neglected Housing Conditions

• Poor Maintenance & Repairs Ignored – Leaks, broken plumbing, lack of heating, or unsafe conditions going unaddressed.

• Mold, Pest Infestations, & Health Hazards – Exposure to conditions that impact tenant health.

• Lack of Heat, Hot Water, or Electricity – Landlords failing to provide basic necessities.

• Unsafe Buildings & Code Violations – Structural damage, fire hazards, or other dangerous conditions.

• Lead Paint & Asbestos Exposure – Especially in older buildings, landlords failing to remediate hazardous materials.

• Lack of Accessibility – Housing not accommodating tenants with disabilities.

Tenant Harassment & Retaliation

• Landlord Harassment & Intimidation – Threats, excessive monitoring, or pressure to vacate.

• Privacy Violations & Unauthorized Entry – Landlords entering units without proper notice.

• False Accusations & Lease Violations – Landlords claiming tenants broke lease agreements as a pretext to evict.

• Discrimination – Refusing to rent to tenants based on race, gender, income, family status, or disability.

• Unfair Lease Terms & Rule Changes – Sudden changes to policies with little notice.

Legal & Bureaucratic Issues

• Lack of Legal Resources – Tenants not knowing their rights or being unable to afford legal help.

• Unenforced Tenant Protections – Existing laws not being upheld or landlords exploiting legal loopholes.

• Absentee Landlords & Property Mismanagement – Owners ignoring tenant concerns while collecting rent.

Our strength comes from tenants working together. Whether you’re directly impacted or want to support the cause, there are many ways to help:

Organizing & Advocacy

• Join the Beverly Tenants Union – Become a member and stay informed.

• Attend Meetings & Events – Participate in strategy discussions, planning, and community gatherings.

• Help Organize a Building or Neighborhood – Connect with tenants in your building or area to address shared concerns.

• Negotiate with Landlords – Work with tenants facing unfair treatment to push for better conditions.

• Research & Policy Advocacy – Help track rental trends, policy changes, and legal protections.

Outreach & Support

• Distribute Flyers & Information – Spread awareness about tenants’ rights and the union’s efforts.

• Engage with the Community – Talk to neighbors, friends, and coworkers about tenant issues.

• Assist with Tenant Education – Help organize workshops or create guides on renters’ rights.

• Become a Building Representative – Act as a point of contact for tenants in larger apartment complexes.

• Support Displaced Tenants – Help those facing eviction find resources or temporary housing.

Media & Communications

• Manage Social Media – Help run our accounts, share updates, and engage with the community.

• Media Relations – Communicate with journalists, draft press releases, and build public awareness.

• Share Your Story – Speak out about your experiences with housing struggles to bring attention to the issue.

Legal & Policy Work

• Legal Assistance – If you have legal expertise, help tenants understand their rights or connect them with resources.

• Policy Research & Advocacy – Track housing laws, rent control measures, and local government actions.

• Support Tenants in Legal Cases – Assist renters facing eviction or unjust legal actions.

Fundraising & Operations

• Fundraising Coordinator – Help organize donation drives and financial support for the union.

• Treasurer – Assist in managing funds and ensuring financial transparency.

• Outreach Coordinator – Build relationships with other organizations, unions, and advocacy groups.

Tech & Infrastructure

• Website Development & Maintenance – Assist with managing our website and online resources.

• Data Collection & Analysis – Help track rent increases, eviction rates, and tenant experiences.

• Set Up Communication Platforms – Help with organizing internal communication tools for tenants.