Beverly Tenants Union
Welcome to the Beverly Tenants Union
Tenants in Beverly, Massachusetts are facing rising costs, neglected maintenance, and unfair treatment from landlords with little recourse. The Beverly Tenants Union is a grassroots, all-volunteer effort fighting unjust rent hikes, unsafe living conditions, and unfair evictions. We believe that by organizing together, tenants can demand fair treatment, hold landlords accountable, and push for policies that protect renters. No one should have to fight alone, through collective action, we can build power and keep our community livable for everyone.
Why We Exist
Many of us have seen neighbors, friends, and even our own families forced to leave Beverly due to skyrocketing rents and unfair housing practices. Landlords and developers prioritize profits, while tenants are left without security or a voice in decisions that impact their lives. We believe that by organizing together, we can push back against these forces and demand fair treatment, accountability, and real tenant protections.
What We Do
The Beverly Tenants Union works to empower tenants through collective action, education, and advocacy. We help renters understand their rights, provide support in dealing with difficult landlords, and connect tenants with legal resources. We also work to influence local policies that affect housing affordability and stability.
Join Us
If you’re a renter in Beverly and you’re concerned about rising rents, unfair treatment, or the future of our community, we encourage you to join the Beverly Tenants Union. Together, we can fight for a more just and affordable Beverly for all.
Tenant Issues
Financial & Affordability Issues
Unfair Rent Increases – Sudden, excessive rent hikes that push tenants out.
Rent Price Gouging – Landlords setting artificially high rents due to demand rather than actual value.
Price Fixing by Corporate Property Management Companies – Large property owners coordinating to keep rents high and eliminate competition.
Lack of Rent Control – No policies in place to prevent predatory increases.
Hidden Fees & Charges – Unexplained or excessive application, pet, or maintenance fees.
Security Deposit Abuse – Landlords withholding deposits unfairly or not returning them on time.
Evictions & Displacement
No-Cause Evictions – Landlords removing tenants without legitimate reason.
Retaliatory Evictions – Landlords evicting tenants for reporting issues or organizing.
Illegal Lease Terminations – Sudden termination of leases without proper notice.
Lease Non-Renewals for Profit – Landlords refusing to renew leases to bring in higher-paying tenants.
Tenant Displacement Due to Gentrification – Longtime residents being pushed out as neighborhoods change.
Unsafe & Neglected Housing Conditions
Poor Maintenance & Repairs Ignored – Leaks, broken plumbing, lack of heating, or unsafe conditions going unaddressed.
Mold, Pest Infestations, & Health Hazards – Exposure to conditions that impact tenant health.
Lack of Heat, Hot Water, or Electricity – Landlords failing to provide basic necessities.
Unsafe Buildings & Code Violations – Structural damage, fire hazards, or other dangerous conditions.
Lead Paint & Asbestos Exposure – Especially in older buildings, landlords failing to remediate hazardous materials.
Lack of Accessibility – Housing not accommodating tenants with disabilities.
Tenant Harassment & Retaliation
Landlord Harassment & Intimidation – Threats, excessive monitoring, or pressure to vacate.
Privacy Violations & Unauthorized Entry – Landlords entering units without proper notice.
False Accusations & Lease Violations – Landlords claiming tenants broke lease agreements as a pretext to evict.
Discrimination – Refusing to rent to tenants based on race, gender, income, family status, or disability.
Unfair Lease Terms & Rule Changes – Sudden changes to policies with little notice.
Legal & Bureaucratic Issues
Lack of Legal Resources – Tenants not knowing their rights or being unable to afford legal help.
Unenforced Tenant Protections – Existing laws not being upheld or landlords exploiting legal loopholes.
Absentee Landlords & Property Mismanagement – Owners ignoring tenant concerns while collecting rent.
Get Involved
Our strength comes from tenants working together. Whether you’re directly impacted or want to support the cause, there are many ways to help:
Organizing & Advocacy
Join the Beverly Tenants Union – Become a member and stay informed.
Attend Meetings & Events – Participate in strategy discussions, planning, and community gatherings.
Help Organize a Building or Neighborhood – Connect with tenants in your building or area to address shared concerns.
Negotiate with Landlords – Work with tenants facing unfair treatment to push for better conditions.
Research & Policy Advocacy – Help track rental trends, policy changes, and legal protections.
Outreach & Support
Distribute Flyers & Information – Spread awareness about tenants’ rights and the union’s efforts.
Engage with the Community – Talk to neighbors, friends, and coworkers about tenant issues.
Assist with Tenant Education – Help organize workshops or create guides on renters’ rights.
Become a Building Representative – Act as a point of contact for tenants in larger apartment complexes.
Support Displaced Tenants – Help those facing eviction find resources or temporary housing.
Media & Communications
Manage Social Media – Help run our accounts, share updates, and engage with the community.
Media Relations – Communicate with journalists, draft press releases, and build public awareness.
Share Your Story – Speak out about your experiences with housing struggles to bring attention to the issue.
Legal & Policy Work
Legal Assistance – If you have legal expertise, help tenants understand their rights or connect them with resources.
Policy Research & Advocacy – Track housing laws, rent control measures, and local government actions.
Support Tenants in Legal Cases – Assist renters facing eviction or unjust legal actions.
Fundraising & Operations
Fundraising Coordinator – Help organize donation drives and financial support for the union.
Treasurer – Assist in managing funds and ensuring financial transparency.
Outreach Coordinator – Build relationships with other organizations, unions, and advocacy groups.
Tech & Infrastructure
Website Development & Maintenance – Assist with managing our website and online resources.
Data Collection & Analysis – Help track rent increases, eviction rates, and tenant experiences.
Set Up Communication Platforms – Help with organizing internal communication tools for tenants.