What is TATU?
Tampa Autonomous Tenants Union (TATU) is a tenants union, which organizes tenants to collectively negotiate with their landlords. You deserve a voice!
Why do we need a tenants union?
The landlord’s “job” is to make money off of your need to live under a roof. Landlords let problems like mold, broken A/C, etc., drag on as long as they can to save money. But you are expected to pay your rent in full no matter the condition of your apartment.
When you’re living in poor living conditions, or you are experiencing harassment or neglect from your landlord, you’re not alone. Your neighbors have likely experienced the same.
We deserve respect and dignity from our landlords. A tenants union helps you and your neighbors make the complex a place worth living.
How does it work?
Landlords need to keep occupancy in their complexes high or they won’t profit. TATU helps renters coordinate demands for change from their landlords by hitting them where it hurts:
their wallets. When landlords don’t address problems in the complex, or even attempt to increase rents, TATU organizes renters’ power through actions such as issuing demands, awareness campaigns, or even rent strikes.
Where have tenants unions been successful?
2023 Crown Heights Strike (NYC)
“The tenants of the Crown Heights building are aiming to take control of its management rather than have it be sold to another potential slumlord in an auction.” Read more here.
2021 Oakland rent strike
“After a six-year battle and almost two-and- a-half years of not paying rent, the tenants at a 14-unit Oakland building claimed victory over their landlord. Instead of tenants getting evicted, their landlord is no longer involved.” Read more here.
2020 Brooklyn Rent Strike
“Brooklyn tenant association wins $250,000 in waived rent in major victory.” Read more here.
2017 Mariachi Rent Strike (LATU)
“They won protections that are equal to rent control. … By themselves they did the work that policymakers refused to do.” Read more here.
Why don’t you support a political candidate or a ballot measure?
Our elected officials represent landlords and developers. Our political system is publicly bought and sold by the capital-owning class. Florida lawmakers have even passed sweeping laws to prevent cities from adopting pro-tenant policies such as rent control. Politicians have rigged the system against working people, and it’s designed to wear out those of us fighting for real change. Instead, TATU believes the fight should be on your terms.
I actually own my house. How does TATU relate to me?
Gentrification affects everyone. Rapid over-development inflates property values, quickly increasing property taxes and further incentivizing longtime residents to leave. Working class homeowners have shared economic interests with working class tenants.
I want to organize my building/complex. How can I get started?
Fill out our interest form, and we’ll get in touch with you.
TATU Tenants 