The article discusses the struggles faced by tenants living under abusive landlords, specifically highlighting the dire conditions in a Hell's Kitchen building. It introduces the concept of 'Housing Freedom' where tenants seek to purchase their own building, thereby managing it collectively for better living standards. This idea promotes community ownership and addresses the challenges of corporate and absentee landlordism. The author describes the current plight of their building and expresses a hopeful vision for a tenant-run future, emphasizing the importance of direct control over housing conditions.
What if, instead of living under the boot of absentee landlords and corporate ownership, tenants had the right to control their own buildings and destinies? What if our rent went directly toward maintaining our homes instead of lining pockets?
Ohebshalom was jailed and penalized millions in violation-related fines. My building, caught in the crossfire, has been passed around like a rotten hot potato.
My neighbors and I-all 16 of us-are entirely equipped to purchase and take over the building. We will be the new landlords, creating a community of affordable housing.
The idea of community ownership isn't new. There are several precedents for it across the world, but the particular model of tenants purchasing the building directly from the landlord has only recently gained traction.
Collection
[
|
...
]