FAQs
❓ FAQs
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🤔 Is the union legal?
Yes. Tenants have a federally protected legal right to organize, join tenant unions, and work together to demand safe, habitable housing without fear of retaliation.
🏛 What’s the difference between a tenant union and a tenant association?
A tenant association often negotiates gently with landlords and depends on landlord permission.
A tenant union is a collective defense organization that takes legal, public, and organized action — regardless of landlord approval — to protect tenant rights and force accountability.
🛡 Will my landlord find out if I join?
Your membership is private and confidential.
We take every step to protect member information.
If legal action or negotiations occur, member names are only used if the tenant consents.
⚠ Can my landlord evict me for joining the union?
Retaliation for union membership is illegal in Massachusetts.
The union helps members document and defend against retaliation.
Landlords who retaliate risk legal consequences, media exposure, and public pressure.
🗣 Can undocumented tenants safely join?
Yes. Immigration status does not prevent you from joining or receiving union support.
We work hard to ensure confidentiality and protection for undocumented members.
💼 Do I need to pay anything to join?
No dues are required to join.
Donations may be requested for legal funds, mutual aid, or organizing expenses, but no one is denied membership based on ability to pay.
📚 Do you provide legal representation?
The union is not a law firm.
We work directly with legal aid organizations and attorneys to support members in court cases and housing disputes.
We also help members document violations that can strengthen legal cases.
🏠 Does the union only help with evictions?
No.
We help with all housing problems, including:
- Unsafe living conditions
- Repairs not being made
- Harassment from landlords
- Rent increases
- Retaliation for complaints
- Subsidized housing violations
- Discrimination and harassment
🤝 What if I don’t feel ready to get involved?
Joining doesn’t require immediate public action.
Some members quietly monitor violations and build evidence while others take lead roles.
Everyone’s capacity is respected — but your membership still strengthens collective power.
🔐 How does the union keep my information safe?
We use secure communication tools (Signal, ProtonMail, Bitwarden) and safe digital practices.
Confidentiality is a core rule for all members and organizers.
No member information is ever shared without consent.
