Housing is a human right.
Everyone deserves to live with dignity in a safe, secure, clean, affordable and accessible home.
We reject the speculative market.
We reject that housing can or should be seen as a ‘commodity’ or an avenue to make money.
The Vancouver Tenants Union represents over 2500 members, and seeks to build a base of tenants throughout the city to establish political power to create change.
Over 50% of Vancouver households are rentals, yet tenants continue to be disempowered and disconnected. In an effort to address this, the Vancouver Tenants Union is committed to educating renters on their rights and standing up to landlords and developers who persistently compromise our security and livelihood.
We are fighting for the rights of tenants and the preservation of affordable housing. Everyone, regardless of economic status, lifestyle, ability, age, gender, race, sexuality, or citizenship deserves a safe, secure, and affordable home.
We Demand:
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Real Rent Control
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Meaningful Eviction Protections
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More Affordable Housing
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Better Incomes for All
No Displacement on Stolen Native Land
We acknowledge that we are organizing, living, and resisting on unceded Coast Salish territories, specifically of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh nations. We recognize that displacement and gentrification are part of the larger colonial and capitalist systems that occupy these lands. Fighting for tenants rights, is a fight for housing justice for all.
Steering Committee
Elected at the 2022 AGM: AJ Batalden, Lillian Deeb, Liam Fox, Mazdak Gharibnavaz, Tara J., Gord MacDonald, Rebecca L., Neil Vokey
Education & Outreach Working Group Representative: VACANT
Communications Working Group Representative: Pavel G.
Data Tools Working Group Representative: Clark Lemke
East Side Neighbourhood Chapter Representative: Mel B.
Fairview Neighbourhood Chapter Representative: Brenda B.
Mt. Pleasant Neighbourhood Chapter Representative: Victoria B.
West End Neighbourhood Chapter Representative: Zachary C.
VTU Member Handbook
The member handbook contains basic, essential information about Vancouver Tenants Union and how we operate, written in plain language. (Updated June 2023)
VTU Basis of Unity
The Basis of Unity is a living document - articulated by members - that contains core political positions, lessons we have learned as an organization through years of work, and a blueprint for how we can build power as organized tenants. (Updated - May 2022)
VTU Constitution & Bylaws
The Constitution provides the framework for our organization and outlines the founding values and goals which we are always striving for. The Bylaws are the guides for our day to day operations. (Updated - May 2022)
VTU Code of Conduct
All members of VTU agree to abide by the rules in the code of conduct.