We’re working to strengthen protections for tenants in public and subsidized housing, which means fighting for fair policies, greater transparency, and housing authorities that are accountable to the people they serve. Our efforts prioritize resident input, stronger oversight, and safeguards against neglect, mismanagement, and displacement. Everyone deserves to feel safe, heard, and respected in their home, no matter their income.
Our work in this area includes:
Preventing Surprise Displacement
We work to prevent surprise displacement by strengthening advance notice policies for public housing residents. When properties are slated for sale, demolition, or redevelopment, tenants should be informed early and treated fairly. Our advocacy includes:
- Requiring at least 12 months notice before displacement.
- Ensuring tenants receive clear information on their rights and housing options.
- Pushing for tenant input, fair relocation benefits, and protections from forced moves.
Holding Housing Authorities Accountable
Housing authorities should serve the interests of residents, not just meet HUD benchmarks. We hold public housing authorities accountable by monitoring their performance and advocating for meaningful reforms. Our work includes:
- Tracking compliance in areas with chronic disrepair, poor communication, or neglect.
- Supporting policies that promote transparency and resident oversight.
- Advocating for stronger standards around safety, maintenance, and habitability.
Elevating Resident Leadership
We believe residents of public and subsidized housing should help shape the policies that affect their homes and communities. Strong resident leadership leads to stronger housing outcomes. We work to:
- Support resident councils and tenant organizing.
- Expand language access to empower all communities.
- Increase funding for tenant education and civic engagement.
Our Housing Advocacy Team
Online Eviction Defense
Featured:
VPLC’s Eviction Defense Center
The Eviction Defense Center (EDC) is a website project of VPLC's. Especially for tenants who do not get direct help from their local Legal Aid, the EDC provides crucial information and simple, effective legal tools that tenants can use to understand the law and defend their rights in court.
View the site
