"Why do I need to renew my membership every year?"

1. You probably joined the VTU because you know that the deck is stacked against renters. Since founding in 2017, VTU members have banded together to:
   • Empower ourselves through education
   • Challenge landlords who exploit and displace us
   • Change policies at all levels of government to protect renters
     
     
2. As a democratically structured organization, we need to ensure we have your continued support in our work for housing justice. Renewing your membership is about renewing your commitment to building tenant power in our city, in whatever way you are able.
   
   
3. Our funding comes entirely from our member dues/donations, and we intend to keep it that way. Even though the VTU is volunteer-run, one-time donations are not enough to build a sustainable movement. (You can also become a monthly supporter member)

"What has the VTU been able to achieve?"

• Helped to lower annual allowable rent increase by 2% 
• Campaigned for strong renter protections during COVID-19 like the eviction ban
• Campaigned for and won a rent freeze
• Prevented dozens of renovictions, (and providing advice/advocacy to tenants on daily basis)
• Trained new tenant organizers across the city
• Led a campaign to get renter-friendly councillors elected at City Hall
• Mobilized at city hall to stop renovictions AND expand tenant protections
• Acted as a voice for tenants' interest in the media
• Hosted two tenant conventions with educational workshops
• Signed up over 2000 members to date
• Submitted a 50-point list of recommended amendments to the Residential Tenancy Act to the Provincial Government
• Campaigned for Real Rent Control (vacancy control)

Read more about our work HERE...

"That's great, but what does being a member of VTU do for me?"

If our tenant-powered achievements so far don't impress you, here's another reason to be a VTU member:
For a minimum of $1 a year, your fellow VTU members will stand behind you, offering solidarity and peer support, if you are having issues with your landlord. 

When mass evictions happen, we show up and make it a big deal. Even if you're not in crisis now, your membership means solidarity with a network of fellow tenants fighting for housing justice. Some call this mutual aid. 

"I don't live in Vancouver (anymore)"

By renewing your VTU membership, you're helping to support the expansion of tenant power across the Lower Mainland, and beyond - your community could be next.

In 2018, tenant organizers from the VTU have begun to branch out to other regions of the Lower Mainland, such as New Westminster. We've also helped prevent an renovictions in other cities as far as Surrey, and worked with ACORN to help stop demovictions in Burnaby. If you've moved to Victoria, be sure to join the Victoria Tenants Action Group (VTAG) and support tenant power there!

"What happens if I don't renew my membership?"

As per Section 2.5 of the VTU bylaws, your membership will cease to be "in good standing" after 65 days.

This means that until your dues are renewed, you won't be able to access VTU advocacy resources, nor will you be allowed to vote, pass resolutions, or be eligible to take leadership roles within the VTU.

You will stay on our email list, so you can have every opportunity to renew your dues and continue to participate in VTU events. 

More Questions?

If you have any questions that weren't answered here, or would like to terminate your membership, please contact us directly.