Kansas City Residents Continue Historic Rent Strike
Kansas City is buzzing with talk of tenant rights and housing justice as residents from two troubled apartment buildings, Independence Towers and Quality Hill Towers, embark on a remarkable journey. The remarkable rent strike, which started on October 1, is continuing into its second month, and it has now become the longest-running rent strike in the region’s history! With over 125,000 dollars withheld in rent payments so far, tenants are standing firm against their landlords.
The Stakes are High
Residents of Independence Towers, located in Independence, and Quality Hill Towers, situated in Kansas City, have raised serious red flags regarding their living conditions. Tenants have experienced serious challenges with a variety of prolonged issues—think malfunctioning heat and cooling systems, plumbing nightmares, recurring floods, unpleasant mold, and pest infestations with mice and cockroaches. The situation has even led to three unfortunate water shutoffs for Independence Towers residents in just the past eight months!
In an impressive display of unity, tenants at both buildings joined forces earlier this year to form unions with a local organization, KC Tenants. Independence Towers residents unionized in May, while their neighbors in Quality Hill followed in September, rallying together to demand much-needed change.
Striking for Change
As news of their efforts spread, the community is taking notice. Initially, organizers reported that 57% of tenants at Independence Towers were participating in the strike, and it’s heartening to see that this number has grown as the strike enters its second month. The folks at KC Tenants say that residents are feeling empowered by their wins in the first month, and they are determined to push forward with their demands.
What Do They Want?
The dual tenant unions are calling for some pretty significant changes. They are demanding new ownership for both buildings, the negotiation of collectively bargained leases, and a nationwide cap on rent increases at just 3%. This is no small feat, as the tenants are taking on not just their landlords but also the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), the national body that oversees Fannie Mae.
A Glimmer of Hope
Recently, Fannie Mae stepped into the spotlight, announcing a 1.35 million dollar disbursement aimed at funding repairs at Independence Towers during this ongoing dispute. While tenant leaders described this as a “major victory” for the union, they were also cautious, calling it a “one-off bailout.” U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, who previously toured Independence Towers, expressed his backing for the strike—echoing the sentiments of residents.
An Upcoming Meeting
Looking ahead, FHFA organizers proposed an important meeting with KC Tenants personnel in Kansas City on November 8. There was a previous offer for a more formal gathering in Washington, D.C., but due to some scheduling changes, it looks like Kansas City is the place to be! However, without FHFA Director Sandra Thompson in attendance, organizers are holding their ground—saying that they will not treat this meeting like a bargaining session.
Before moving forward, KC Tenants have laid down some conditions of their own. They want a clear list of meeting participants, as well as additional information on property loans and landlord financials. They are also asking for at least four hours dedicated to discussions in the upcoming meeting and are advocating for FHFA reps to spend the night in one of the striking buildings. With determination mounting, this conversation is bound to be lively!
Marching for a Cause
As Friday approaches, tenants at both locations are planning to march outside their buildings to rally support for the extended rent strike. The solidarity among residents speaks volumes about their commitment to all achieving a better living situation. It is clear that Kansas City is witnessing an inspiring chapter in the fight for tenant rights, and the outcome remains to be seen. Residents and supporters alike are keeping their fingers crossed for positive changes ahead!
