@madtenantpower
The Issue
What Is a Tenant Bill of Rights?
The Tenant Bill of Rights is a tenant-led campaign for expanded tenant protections in Madison. At the 2023 Open House Renter’s Assembly, hosted by Madison Tenant Power, Madison tenants created a list to imagine what a more just, dignified, and sustainable version of renting might look like in Madison.
This is the city that we want to live in. The Madison Tenant Bill of Rights is written by and for tenants.
What Do We Demand?
We Demand:
- Rights of the Elderly and the Disabled
- Right to Fair Leases
- Right to Stay in Place
- Right to Repairs and to Safe, Affordable Housing
- Right to Organize and to Equal Protection Under the Law
- Right to Privacy and Self-Determination
- Right to Rent History
- Right to Rent Stabilization and Fair Fees
- Rights of Current Residents
Change our neighborhoods for the better.
Learn more: https://www.madisontenantpower.org/about/tenantbill
Why Does This Matter?
Following the passage of 100 pro-landlord laws from 2011 to 2019, tenants have faced an uphill battle to gain meaningful protections and rights. In 2013, Act 76 wiped out 25 different Madison laws protecting renters (see also: Act 108, Act 143, and Wis. stat. chapter 66). In 2023, pro-tenant legislators (primarily in Milwaukee and Madison) pushed the Tenant Protection Package to protect tenant rights, but these 22 pro-tenant bills have not been passed at the state level.
The Tenant Bill of Rights is both a practical project and agitational tool. While state laws limit or pre-empt municipalities from passing stricter protections for tenants, we see many opportunities to win more power within the current housing landscape.
What Is Madison Tenant Power?
Madison Tenant Power (founded in 2019) is a tenant union formed by and for working-class tenants to defend our rights to decommodified housing, fair leases, timely repairs, and safe living conditions in Dane County. We are your neighbors!
Landlords, developers, and cops protect their profits by undermining the rights and safety of poor people. Only united, autonomous tenants can win dignity and healthy living through collective bargaining and direct action!
Learn more: https://www.madisontenantpower.org/about/tenantbill
Endorsed By:
Madison Tenant Power
Madison WI Homeless Union
Milwaukee Autonomous Tenant Union
(Email mtp@madisontenantpower.org to add your organization.)
Wisconsin Bail Out the People Movement 
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