It's great to advocate for ourselves!
I’ve taken this opportunity, as I’ve been encouraged to have a Voice on the Voices Project Blog. Thank you, Kirsten! We need to advocate for ourselves. Yes! So, don’t be discouraged. It’s a positive stance to assert one self in a positive way.
I found myself in a little stressful situation, recently. I’ve had five years, of a somewhat trouble free tenancy, with my apartment rental agency. Then, it seemed the communication literally went down hill. After dealing with a new property manager, it seemed as if tenant needs were not being met. She assured us to be patient, since they were having a major turnover and computer files were being updated, etc. However, I was being patient, about my situation, but occasionally contacted them by phone. Then, I found there was a delay in the paper work to the signing of my new lease, because there was projected a big increase in my rent. It seemed to me to be a mistake, so I needed to address it promptly.
Well, I was given some very valuable information from concerned staff here, at the Crittenton Woman’s Union. I asked to meet with the Executive Director of the agency. During the meeting, we finally we started to make some progress. The Director listened to the problems I was having, which I had written him in a letter. He also addressed the issue with the raising of the rent. The Property Manager later admitted that she had made a mistake. So, I made a new appointment, to sign the new lease. Well, honestly, I was still weary of how this new appointment would go. But, happily it went well.
So, I do give credit to Kirsten, whose manager of our Voices Project Blog and Chelsea who’s in charge of our Voices Advocacy Council, It helps when you know what your rights are and how to advocate for yourself.
So here are a couple links to this information:
Houseman Tenant Handbook - ABCD Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
Mass Legal Help - Providing Justice in Massachusetts with Legal Information
- Amara's blog
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2 comments
You are very welcome!!!!
You are very welcome!!!! *blushing* I’m always happy to help, you’re absolutely right -- it’s so important to help each other and ourselves. :)
__________________________
Kirsten Blocker
Web Manager
Crittenton Women's Union
Advocacy pays off
I am so glad you wrote this blog and brought this issue to light. Many tenants, including myself for many years, are unaware of their rights and what they can do to advocate for themselves when it comes to housing issues with landlords. You took the right steps to get the information you needed to address the issue you were faced with. You were able to effectively advocate for yourself because you did research, asked questions of the right people and educated yourself before acting. My applause to you because you made it happen! I am glad you are now able to share this information with others and help them become better advocates too.