Tenants & Neighbors was founded in 1974 to be the center of power for tenants in New York State. Since then, we have successfully preserved thousands of units of affordable housing and strengthened tenants’ rights at the city, state, and federal level.

In addition, we have always played an instrumental role in ensuring that rents remain affordable for New York City renters by organizing and advocating for an equitable and just Rent Guidelines Board process and continue to call for a rent freeze!

And, from the mid-1990s to today we played a crucial role working with federally-subsidized tenants throughout New York City by developing tenant leaders who are holding the Department of Housing and Urban Development accountable. We continue to work with project-based Section 8 tenants through New York City to ensure the long-term affordability of their housing is not put in jeopardy because of rising rents and rapid gentrification in their neighborhoods.

Tenants & Neighbors coordinated the coalition that is now known Housing Justice for All/Upstate-Downstate Alliance. The statewide coalition of more than 70 organizations was instrumental in securing the 2019 historic rent laws reform in New York State with the passage of the​ Housing Stability and Tenant Protection Act.