The National Tenants Bill of Rights, created by The National Housing Law Project, National Low Income Housing Coalition, and Tenant Union Federation, lays the foundation for fairness and equity in the relationship between renters and landlords.

Far too often, landlords have exploited their tenants. Lack of education and lack of awareness oftentimes leaves tenants voiceless and powerless. As stated in National Tenants Bill of Rights, tenants spend approximately 30% of their income on rent. The average renter is not only burdened by their rent, but by the intersectionality of their identity. Average renters are people of color, individuals with disabilities, people with children and so forth. This is especially true in the city of Memphis, where we work.

We are happy that the National Tenants Bill of Rights has highlighted the glaring disparities in the tenant-landlord relationship.

Endorsing the Tenants Bill of Rights is important, because it clearly outlines seven essential tenant protections to increase tenants' rights. The protections are as follows:

• A fair application
• A fair lease
• Freedom from discrimination and harassment
• Habitable homes
• Reasonable rent and costs
• Right to organize
• Safeguards against eviction

As a fairly new organization, the Greater Memphis Housing Justice is continuously looking for ways to amplify renter’s voices and the National Tenants Bill of Rights gives us and other organizations in Memphis the opportunity to further educate renters and landlords in Memphis.

Read more about National Tenants Bill of Rights here:

https://nlihc.org/national-tenants-bill-rights